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Tributes for Hall of Fame baseball star Orlando Cepeda, who died at age 86

Orlando Cepeda, the Hall of Famer and one of the first Puerto Ricans to star in the Major Leagues, has died at the age of 86.

The San Francisco Giants and his family announced his death on Friday night and a moment of silence was held at Oracle Park during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

Cepeda's death came just 10 days after the death of fellow Giants Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93.

“Man, what a punch in the gut,” said Giants manager Bob Melvin, who grew up in the Bay Area and cheered for the team. “Another incredible personality who is just loved here. Statue out front. The numbers he's put up, there are a lot of legends here and he's definitely in the middle of them. The fact that he's so close to Willie is kind of mind-blowing.”

Cepeda, a powerful first baseman nicknamed “Baby Bull,” played for the Giants as well as St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland, Boston and Kansas City. In the spring of 1969, the Cardinals traded Cepeda to the Braves in exchange for Joe Torre.

Cepeda, a seven-time All-Star and three-time World Series participant, was named NL Rookie of the Year with San Francisco in 1958 and NL MVP with St. Louis in 1967.

“Orlando Cepeda's unwavering love of baseball was evident during his extraordinary playing career and later as one of the game's enduring ambassadors,” said Hall of Fame Chair Jane Forbes Clark. “We will miss his beautiful smile at Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, where his spirit will forever shine, and we extend our deepest condolences to the Cepeda family.”

Anna Harden

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