Former MLB star Orlando Cepeda, who was nicknamed "Baby Bull" for his penchant for slugging, has died. He was 86.
Cepeda played first base and became a Hall of Famer after being among the early Puerto Ricans to star in the major leagues. He was a former teammate of Willie Mays, who passed away on June 19.
The San Francisco Giants and Cepada's family announced his death on Friday, with a moment of silence held at Oracle Park midway through a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully at home this evening, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones," his wife, Nydia, said in a statement released through the team. "We take comfort that he is at peace."
The announcement took place in what has been a difficult month for the Giants family.
"Man, what another gut punch," said Giants manager Bob Melvin, who grew up in the Bay Area as a fan of the team. "Another just incredible personality and just beloved here. Statue out front. The numbers he put up, there are a lot of legends here and he's certainly right in the middle of that. To have it so close in proximity to Willie, it's kind of staggering."
Per the Associated Press:
"Cepeda was a regular at Giants home games through the 2017 season until he dealt with some health challenges. He was hospitalized in the Bay Area in February 2018 following a cardiac event.
"One of the first Puerto Rican stars in the majors but limited by knee issues, he became Boston's first designated hitter and credits his time as a DH for getting him enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1999 as selected by the Veterans Committee."
