Orlando Cepeda Hall of Fame MLB

Orlando Cepeda, nicknamed “The Baby Bull,” was one of the most powerful hitters of his generation and a legendary figure in Puerto Rican baseball. Born on September 17, 1937, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he played 17 MLB seasons from 1958 to 1974, representing six teams, including the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. Cepeda made an immediate impact, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award unanimously in 1958.

He later became the first unanimous National League MVP in 31 years when he received the award in 1967 after helping the Cardinals win the World Series. Known for his strength and consistent power, Cepeda finished his career with 379 home runs, 2,351 hits, and 1,365 RBIs. He earned 11 All-Star selections and led the National League in home runs in 1961.

His outstanding achievements earned him induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 through the Veterans Committee.

Cepeda's Awards and Honors

• 11× All-Star (1959–1964, 1967)
• World Series champion (1967)
• NL MVP (1967)
• NL Rookie of the Year (1958)
• NL home run leader (1961)
• 2× NL RBI leader (1961, 1967)
• San Francisco Giants No. 30 retired

MLB Records

• First Puerto Rican to start in an All-Star Game and to be selected in two positions, serving as a first baseman and left fielder
• First unanimous National League MVP since 1936 when he won in 1967
• League leaders in batting, home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage and total bases (1958-1963)
• Leading the league with 46 home runs and 142 RBIs, which remains the club record for right-handed hitters
• Recorded 2,351 career hits with a .297 batting average across 17 MLB seasons
• Finished his career with 379 home runs and 1,365 RBIs