Orlando Cepeda, the Hall of Fame first baseman known as the “Baby Bull,” passed away peacefully at his home in Concord, California, on Friday night, June 28, 2024, at 86. His family confirmed that he was surrounded by loved ones and listening to his favorite music when he died.
Cepeda, a beloved figure in the baseball community, had an illustrious career spanning 17 seasons. He started his Major League Baseball journey with the San Francisco Giants in 1958, earning the National League Rookie of the Year title in the team’s inaugural season in San Francisco. Cepeda quickly established himself as one of the premier hitters of his time, leading the league with 46 home runs and 142 RBIs in 1961.
His remarkable career included stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals. Cepeda’s performance with the Cardinals in 1967 earned him the National League MVP award and a World Series title. Over his career, he was named an All-Star 11 times and finished with a .297 batting average, 379 home runs, and 1,365 RBIs.
Giants manager Bob Melvin, reflecting on Cepeda’s passing, described it as “another gut punch” following the recent death of Willie Mays. “Another incredible personality and just beloved here,” Melvin said. “The numbers he put up, there are a lot of legends here and he’s certainly right in the middle of that.”
Orlando Cepeda’s journey to the Hall of Fame was not without challenges. After retiring from baseball, he faced legal issues, including a conviction for smuggling marijuana in 1976, which led to a prison sentence. This likely contributed to his initial exclusion from the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. However, Cepeda was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 by the Veterans Committee, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.
Cepeda’s impact extended beyond his on-field achievements. He was one of the early Puerto Rican stars in Major League Baseball, helping to pave the way for future generations of Latin American players. “Orlando overcame challenges throughout his life to build a Hall of Fame career,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “This beloved figure from Puerto Rico was one of the many players of his era who helped turn baseball into a multicultural game.”
Cepeda was known for his powerful hitting and resilient spirit throughout his career. Despite knee injuries, he became the Boston Red Sox’s first designated hitter under the new American League rule in 1973, winning the DH of the Year award. Reflecting on his time as a designated hitter, Cepeda once said, “The DH got me to the Hall of Fame. The rule got me to the Hall of Fame.”
The San Francisco Giants honored Cepeda’s legacy by retiring his number 30 and erecting his statue at Oracle Park. “We lost a true gentleman and legend,” said Giants chairman Greg Johnson. “Orlando was a great ambassador for the game throughout his playing career and beyond.”
Orlando Cepeda’s passing marks the end of an era for the Giants and the baseball community. His contributions to the sport and his influence on future players will be remembered and celebrated. As Cepeda’s wife, Nydia, poignantly stated, “We take comfort that he is at peace.”
