Legendary Puerto Rican baseball player Orlando “Peruchín” Cepeda, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, died yesterday at the age of 86.
Major League Baseball (MLB) and the San Francisco Giants, a franchise with which he played nine seasons between 1958 and 1966, confirmed the information on their social networks.
“Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully tonight at home, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones,” said his wife Nydia in a statement issued through the club. “We are comforted that he is at peace.”
Born in Ponce on September 17, 1937, Orlando Manuel Cepeda Pennes was one of the first Puerto Ricans to shine in the Major Leagues.
He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1958 with the Giants and the National League Most Valuable Player in 1967 with the St. Louis Cardinals, both unanimously. Playing as a first baseman and outfielder, he was selected to seven All-Star Games.
Nicknamed “Peruchín”, “Baby Bull” or “Cha-Cha”, Cepeda signed with the New York Giants and, over a 17-season career, accumulated a .297 average with 379 home runs and 1,365 RBIs in 2,124 games.
Cepeda played in the Major Leagues from 1958 to 1974.
Double A will pay tribute to him
The president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, José Daniel Quiles, decreed a minute of silence to be observed in all games of the Superior Double A Baseball League scheduled for today and tomorrow, Sunday.
After his successful career in MLB, Cepeda was manager of the Juncos Mules in Double A, in 1978 and 1981.
“Orlando Cepeda was a leading figure in baseball. His brilliant career and countless achievements left an indelible mark on the history of our sport. With the Mulos de Juncos, in our Double A League, he stood out as a leader and maintained very close ties,” Quiles stated in writing.
2024-06-29 20:40:45
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