Orlando Cepeda, San Francisco Giants Legend And Hall Of Famer, Dies At 86

Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda has died at age 86. The legendary slugger, nicknamed “Baby Bull,” died at his home on Friday, his family announced.

“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, per ESPN . “We take comfort that he is at peace.”

The 11-time All-Star played 17 seasons in the MLB with six teams. As a member of the Giants, Cepeda won the 1958 NL Rookie of the Year award. After playing nine seasons for the Giants, Cepeda joined the Cardinals and earned NL MVP in 1967. Cepeda signed with the Bost 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, per ESPN. “This beloved figure from Puerto Rico was one of the many players of his era who helped turn baseball into a multicultural game. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his friends across 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 lived the good times. I’ve lived the bad times. Not many people taste that.”

Cepeda’s death comes shortly after the passing of another baseball legend, Willie Mays.

“Man, what another gut punch,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said after Cepeda’s death, per ESPN. “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.”