San Francisco Giants legend Orlando Cepeda, known as the “Baby Bull,” has passed away at the age of 86. Cepeda, one of the early Puerto Rican stars in Major League Baseball, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. His death comes shortly after fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away.
Cepeda made history as the first designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox, a move that ultimately led to his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999. The experiment proved successful, with Cepeda hitting .289 with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs in his DH debut season. He was named DH of the Year and had a memorable game in which he hit four doubles despite playing through knee injuries that plagued his career.
Despite his success on the field, Cepeda faced challenges off the field, including a drug-related arrest in 2007. He was also convicted of smuggling marijuana in 1976, which may have initially kept him out of the Hall of Fame. However, he was eventually elected by the Veterans Committee in 1999, recognizing his contributions to the game.
Cepeda’s legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he was a trailblazer for Latin American players in the MLB. He overcame language barriers and financial struggles early in his career to become a beloved figure in the baseball community. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Cepeda for helping turn baseball into a multicultural game.
Orlando Cepeda will be remembered for his contributions to the game and his impact on the Latin American baseball community. His legacy lives on through his Hall of Fame induction and the lasting memories he created on the field.
Source
Photo credit www.boston.com