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Orlando Cepeda, San Francisco Giants legend and Hall of Famer, dies at age 86

Orlando Cepeda, legend of the San Francisco Giants and Hall of Famer, dies at 86 | Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Orlando Cepeda, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 86. The legendary slugger nicknamed “Baby Bull” died at his home on Friday, his family said.

“Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully at home tonight while listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones,” his wife Nydia said in a statement, according to ESPN. “It is a comfort to us that he is resting in peace.”

The 11-time All-Star played 17 seasons in the MLB for six teams. As a member of the Giants, Cepeda won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1958. After playing nine seasons for the Giants, Cepeda joined the Cardinals and was named NL MVP in 1967. Cepeda signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1972 and became their first designated hitter.

“Orlando overcame challenges throughout his life to build a Hall of Fame career,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, according to ESPN. “This beloved Puerto Rican personality was one of the many players of his era who helped make baseball a multicultural game. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his friends in our game and his many fans in Puerto Rico, San Francisco, St. Louis, Atlanta and beyond.”

Cepeda was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999.

“I can't complain,” the MLB legend told the Los Angeles Times in 1985. “I've seen the good times. I've seen the bad times. Not many people get to experience that.”

Cepeda's death occurred shortly after the death of another baseball legend, Willie Mays.

“Man, what a punch in the gut,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said after Cepeda's death, according to ESPN. “Another incredible personality that's just loved here. Statue out front. The numbers he put up, there's a lot of legends here and he's definitely in the middle of them. For him to be that close to Willie is kind of mind-blowing.”

Anna Harden

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