San Francisco Giants icon Orlando Cepeda, a beloved Hall of Famer known as "The Baby Bull," has passed away at the age of 86. The legendary first baseman's passing comes just over a week after the loss of another Giants great, Willie Mays.
Orlando Cepeda, a towering figure in San Francisco Giants history and a Baseball Hall of Famer, "passed away peacefully" on Friday night at the age of 86, his family confirmed in a statement to the team.
Giants Legend Orlando Cepeda, "The Baby Bull," Passes Away at 86
"Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully at home this evening, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones," said his wife, Nydia, in a statement shared by the Giants.
The heartbreaking news of Cepeda's passing comes just over a week after the death of his former Giants teammate Willie Mays, another legendary Hall of Famer.
Giants Legend Orlando Cepeda, "The Baby Bull," Passes Away at 86
"What another gut punch," said Giants manager Bob Melvin of the difficult month for the organization. "Another incredible personality. Just beloved here, the statue out front. The numbers he put up. There are a lot of legends here. He was certainly right in the middle of that. To have it so close in proximity to Willie, it’s kind of staggering."
Cepeda, nicknamed "The Baby Bull," played first base during his 17 seasons in the majors, beginning with the Giants. He also spent time with St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland, Boston, and Kansas City.
Giants Legend Orlando Cepeda, "The Baby Bull," Passes Away at 86
The 1958 NL Rookie of the Year with San Francisco and NL MVP in 1967 with St. Louis, Cepeda played in three World Series, winning one in 1967. In 1961, he led the NL with 46 homers and 142 RBIs.
An 11-time All-Star, Cepeda was a .297 career hitter with 379 home runs. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 by the Veterans Committee.
"Orlando Cepeda was one of the best hitters of his generation," said Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement. "He starred for three historic National League franchises, and the 11-time All-Star played alongside Hall of Fame players throughout his career."
After his playing career ended, Cepeda was convicted in 1976 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, of smuggling marijuana and sentenced to five years in prison. He served less than a year, but the conviction likely led to his not being elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Cepeda's legacy extends beyond his impressive on-field accomplishments. He was a pioneer for Puerto Rican players in Major League Baseball and helped break down racial barriers in the game.
"Orlando was one of the many players of his era who helped turn baseball into a multicultural game," said Manfred.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
