Orlando Cepeda, a legendary Hall of Fame first baseman renowned for his prowess with the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals during the 1960s, passed away at the age of 86, the Giants announced on Friday, June 28, 2024.
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“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 released by the Giants. “We take comfort that he is at peace.”
Known affectionately as “The Baby Bull,” Cepeda left an enduring mark on baseball, particularly during his tenure with the Giants and later the Cardinals.
Giants chairman Greg Johnson hailed him as a true gentleman and legend, highlighting his role as a great ambassador for the game both on and off the field.
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Cepeda’s career began in the era when baseball expanded westward with the moves of the Giants and Dodgers to California in 1958.
He quickly became a cornerstone of the Giants lineup, showcasing his powerful hitting with at least 24 home runs in each of his first seven seasons from 1958 to 1964.
Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966, Cepeda continued to excel, winning the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1967 and contributing significantly to the team’s consecutive pennant-winning seasons in 1967 and 1968.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, Cepeda’s legacy transcends statistics, as he was revered for his impact on the game and his enduring sportsmanship.
Orlando Cepeda is survived by his children Orlando Jr., Ali, Malcom, Hector, Carl, and Manuel Cepeda. His passing marks the end of an era for baseball enthusiasts who cherished his contributions to the sport.
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