Orlando Cepeda, one of baseball’s most feared sluggers during his 17-year career, died on Friday, June 28, at his home. His family confirmed the death but did not provide a cause.
“We lost a true gentleman and legend,” San Francisco Giants chairman Greg Johnson said in a statement, according to MLB.com “Orlando was a great ambassador for the game throughout his playing career and beyond. He was one of the all-time great Giants and he will truly be missed.”
Born in Puerto Rico, Cepeda joined the big leagues in 1958 and won the National League Rookie of the Year honors during the Giants’ first year in San Francisco.
Cepeda, also named National League MVP with the Cardinals in 1967, was a member of 11 All-Star teams.
In 1961, he led the NL in homers (46) and the majors in RBIs (142).
In addition to the Giants, Cepeda also played with the Braves, A’s, Royals and Red Sox. He finished his 17-year career with 379 home runs and a .297/.350/.499 slash line.
In 1999, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.
“This is truly a sad day for the San Francisco Giants,’’ Giants president and chief executive officer Larry Baer said in a statement, per MLB. “For all of Orlando’s extraordinary baseball accomplishments, it was his generosity, kindness and joy that defined him. No one loved the game more.”
Survivors include his wife, Nydia. No memorial plans have been announced.