Orlando Cepeda, the first Puerto Rican star in Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of slugging and breaking barriers. Known as the “Baby Bull,” Cepeda was a Hall of Famer who played for teams such as the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox. Despite being limited by knee issues, he became Boston’s first designated hitter and credited the role for getting him into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Cepeda’s career was notable not only for his contributions on the field, which included seven All-Star appearances and a National League MVP award, but also for the challenges he faced off the field. He was one of the first Spanish-speaking players to navigate the complexities of professional baseball in the United States, where he had to learn English quickly to succeed. Additionally, Cepeda had legal troubles later in life, including a drug-related arrest in 2007.
Throughout his career, Cepeda overcame obstacles and achieved numerous milestones, including leading the NL in home runs and RBIs in 1961. His time as a designated hitter in 1973 allowed him to continue playing despite knee injuries and solidified his place in baseball history. While Cepeda faced difficult moments, he remained grateful for the opportunity to play the sport he loved and leave a lasting impact on the game.
Cepeda’s death prompted tributes from the baseball community, with the Hall of Fame chairman acknowledging his contributions to the sport. Despite his passing, Cepeda’s legacy as a trailblazer for Latin American players in baseball will continue to inspire future generations.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
