Baseball Hall of Famer and Giants Legend Orlando Cepeda Dead at 86

Orlando Cepeda – Baseball Hall of Famer and teammate of the late player Willie Mays — has died … according to statements from his family and MLB.

According to his wife, the legendary player died at his home on Friday. NidiaWith family and listening to her favourite music. She says the family is relieved that she is at peace now.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Orlando is remembered for his on-field accomplishments … as well as his role as one of the first Latin American players in the game, paving the way for greater inclusion in baseball during the 1960s.

The “Baby Bull” entered MLB in 1958 with the San Francisco Giants … pitched for the team for the next decade before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He played for the Braves, Athletics, Red Sox and Royals.

In his 17-year career, Cepeda earned 11 All-Star appearances, one MVP award, one Rookie of the Year, and a World Series championship in 1967 with the Cardinals.

Decades after retiring, he was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame — the second Puerto Rican player to receive the honor — and the Giants installed a statue of Orlando outside their stadium … establishing him as a franchise legend.

Orlando faced racist attitudes toward Latin ballplayers during his career … including in his own clubhouse, where he fought with the manager Alvin Dark Who insisted all his players speak English in the locker room.

While a Giant, Orlando played alongside Mays, who Passed away Earlier this month, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts – whose team took on the Giants in San Francisco last night – noted the sombre atmosphere that prevailed in the stadium after losing both stars.

Orlando was 86.