By Wilson Florez
Jun 29, 2024, 08:54 AM EDT
The world of baseball loses a great legend. The legendary Orlando Cepeda passed away at the age of 86as reported by the San Francisco Giants and the family of the baseball player. “Perruchín” left a great mark on the Big leagues.
“Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully tonight at home, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones. (…) We are comforted that he is at peace,” said Nydia, Cepeda’s wife, in a statement released by the Major League Baseball organization.
Orlando Cepeda was already suffering from some health problems. In the 2017 season, the Puerto Rican could no longer attend the San Francisco Giants stadium frequently due to his medical complications. In fact, In February 2018 he had to be hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.
But the memory of Orlando Cepeda will be indelible. In 1999 he entered the Hall of Fame thanks to his performance on the diamond. The Puerto Rican former baseball player was National League Rookie of the Year in 1958. After this achievement, 9 seasons later, Cepeda would manage to win the Most Valuable Player of that same division. Both designations occurred while he was playing first base and in the outfield for the San Francisco Giants.
Dave Flemming and Mike Krukow announce the passing of another legendary Giant, Orlando Cepeda.
“It just pains me to have to go through more really sad news. What a tough time it is for our Giants.”
“It hurts to lose him. He was such a gentle soul. He was such a good man.” pic.twitter.com/7CQpCJEcI0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 29, 2024
In his rookie campaign, Cepeda already showed what he was capable of doingThe Puerto Rican hit 25 home runs and had an average of .312. His career in the Major Leagues was very regular, to the point that he was part of 7 All-Star Games.
In general terms, Orlando Cepeda played in 17 seasons in the Major Leagues. “Perruchín” He hit 379 home runs, drove in 1,365 runs and left an average of .297 in more than 2,000 games in the MLB.
A stain that almost cost him glory
Orlando Cepeda retired from the Major Leagues in 1974 wearing a Kansas City Royals uniform. But the year after the retirement, the Puerto Rican was detained at the San Juan international airport. Cépeda was accused of trying to pick up a shipment of marijuana.
The former Puerto Rican baseball player was sentenced to five years in prison, but he was only 10 months old. This incident cost him in the Hall of Fame voting, but he was able to get on the favorite list and was able to leave his mark on the best baseball in the world.
Keep reading:
– Edwin Díaz is ejected from the game against the Chicago Cubs for sticky substance on his hands
– This is how the voting for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game is going: How are the Dodgers players doing?
– Venezuelan baseball player could be banned for life from the Major Leagues
– MLB sanctions a Major League referee after being linked to betting