Orlando Cepeda, a legendary player for the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, passed away at the age of 86. Known for his power at the plate, Cepeda was one of the first great Puerto Rican baseball players. He was the first Puerto Rican player to start an MLB All-Star Game and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 via the veterans committee.
Cepeda’s passing comes shortly after the death of his former teammate, Willie Mays. The Giants announced his death during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a moment of silence in his honor. Throughout his career, Cepeda was an 11-time All-Star, NL MVP, World Series champion, and Rookie of the Year. He was a key player for the Giants and had numerous accomplishments.
After retiring in 1974, Cepeda faced legal troubles when he was arrested for transporting marijuana. He spent time in prison but later worked to rehabilitate his image. He returned to baseball as a scout and converted to Buddhism before becoming a community ambassador for the Giants. Despite missing out on Hall of Fame enshrinement in 1994, Cepeda was later inducted by the veterans committee in 1999, becoming the second Puerto Rican player to receive the honor after Roberto Clemente.
Cepeda’s legacy will live on as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history. His contributions to both teams he played for will always be remembered fondly by fans and fellow players alike.
Orlando Cepeda’s passing marks another chapter in Major League Baseball history as yet another iconic player has left us behind. But his impact on baseball will not be forgotten anytime soon.
As we say goodbye to this legendary ballplayer, let us remember all that he accomplished throughout his career – from being an 11-time All-Star to winning World Series championships with both teams he played for.
His contributions to both teams will always be remembered fondly by fans and fellow players alike.