Orlando Cepeda –Baseball Hall of Famer and late teammate Willie Mays — has died, according to a statement from his family and MLB.
The Giants legend died at his home on Friday, according to his wife. Nydia, while surrounded by family and listening to his favorite music. She said the family is comforted that he is now at peace.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred Orlando is remembered fondly for his accomplishments on the field… and his role as one of the first Latin American players to play the game, paving the way for greater involvement in baseball in the 1960s.
The “Baby Bull” broke into Major League Baseball (MLB) with the San Francisco Giants in 1958…and played for the team for the next decade before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He went on to pitch for the Braves, Athletics, Red Sox and Royals.
During his 17-year career, Cepeda was an 11-time All-Star, won the MVP Award, Rookie of the Year Award, and won the 1967 World Series with the Cardinals.
Decades after his retirement, he was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame, the second Puerto Rican player to receive the honor, and the Giants erected a statue of Orlando outside the stadium…cementing his status as a franchise legend. .
Orlando has dealt with racist attitudes toward Latino players during his career … including a confrontation with a manager in his own clubhouse Alvin Dark He insisted that all players speak English in the dressing room.
He played alongside Mays when Orlando was a Giants player. died earlier this month. dodgers manager Dave Roberts – The team took on the Giants last night in San Francisco – noted the somber mood inside the stadium after losing both stars.
Orlando is 86 years old.
rest in peace
