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The Bay Area lost another one of its beloved stars, as Orlando Cepeda died at the age of 86 on Friday, the San Francisco Giants announced. The reason for his death is not known at the time of writing.
Over a week and a half ago, another Giants legend, Willie Mays, died at the age of 93. Cepeda, also a Hall of Famer, was an 11-time All-Star who won the World Series title in 1967 and the NL MVP the same year.
“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 released by the Giants. “We take comfort that he is at peace.”
The Hall of Famer is survived by his wife Nydia; five children, Orlando, Jr., Malcolm, Ali, Carl and Hector; nine grandchildren, and his one great granddaughter, along with close friends.
Orlando Cepeda was a key figure in the National League for both the Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Giants have retired his No. 30 jersey, and the first baseman was inducted in Cooperstown in 1999.
Giants executives shared condolences for Orlando Cepeda's family
Giants chairman Greg Johnson released a statement following the news. He acknowledged Orlando Cepeda's towering contribution to the Giants and expressed condolences for his family.
“We lost a true gentleman and legend,” Johnson said. “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.
"Our condolences go out to the Cepeda family for their tremendous loss and we extend our thoughts to Orlando’s teammates, his friends, and to all those touched by his passing.”
Giants CEO Larry Baer also paid tribute to Orlando Cepedo and mourned the loss of Bay Area star.
“This is truly a sad day for the San Francisco Giants,’’ Giants president and chief executive officer Larry Baer said. “For all of Orlando’s extraordinary baseball accomplishments, it was his generosity, kindness and joy that defined him. No one loved the game more.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Nydia, his five children, Orlando, Jr., Malcolm, Ali, Carl and Hector, his nine grandchildren, his one great granddaughter as well as his extended family and friends.”
During Orlando Cepeda's first seven seasons (1958–64) with the Giants, he hit at least 24 home runs. Over this entire stint, he hit 222 home runs, good for 10th place in the Major Leagues.
Cepeda, who comes from Puerto Rico, emerged as a central figure for the up-and-coming Latin American ball players.
