Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda died Friday at age 86, the Associated Press reported, and his family confirmed.
A moment of silence was held at Oracle Park on Saturday to mourn the death of the Hall of Fame first baseman known as “Baby Bull.” game Between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers according to To the Associated Press.
statement #SF Giants Regarding Orlando Cepeda's death: pic.twitter.com/cjB7BK27PY
— SF Giants (@SFGiants) June 29, 2024
“Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully this evening at home, surrounded by his loved ones and listening to his favorite music,” his wife, Nidia, said in a statement. statement He was released by the Giants. “I'm glad he's resting in peace.” (RELATED: Willie Mays dies at age 93)
This loss to the baseball world comes just 10 days after the death of Giants legend Willie Mays.
“It's another tough blow,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said, according to the Associated Press.
Cepeda was a fixture at Giants games until health issues limited his playing time in 2018.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 6, 2011: Orlando Cepeda waves to the crowd during Willie Mays' 80th birthday celebration before the San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies game at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Orlando Cepeda, then the Chicago White Sox hitting coach, at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois, on July 14, 1980. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Known for his powerful hitting and charisma, Cepeda made numerous contributions to baseball, including his pioneering role as one of the first Puerto Rican stars in major league baseball. Despite battling knee injuries, Cepeda resurrected his career as the Boston Red Sox's leadoff designated hitter in 1973, a role he believes secured his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999, according to the outlet.
His final season, which included a notable run with the Red Sox, highlighted a decorated 17-year major league career, according to the Associated Press.
