Player Profile: Orlando Cepeda
| Name: | Orlando Manuel Cepeda |
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First baseman, outfielder; Right-handed batter
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| Lived: | 1937 - |
| Career span: | 1958 - 1974 |
| Hall of Fame? | Yes (1999) |
| Primary teams: | San Francisco Giants (1958-1966, St. Louis Cardinals 1966-1968) |
| Best Year: | 1961 - .311, 46 HR, 142 RBI (led league in HR, RBI, HR%) |
| Major awards: | 1958 NL Rookie of the Year 1967 NL MVP |
Player notes: Cepeda Was selected for the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1999. He is a deserving selection, having been one of the game's dominant players in the '60s and a key part of three championship teams ('62 Giants, '67-'68 Cardinals). Known as "The Baby Bull", Cepeda was a strong offensive force and a clubhouse leader. While he was hampered by injuries during several seasons (and suffered knee problems throughout his career), when healthy he could be counted on for 20 or more home runs, close to 100 RBI and an average around .300.
On a personal note, Cepeda has long been a special player to me because he hit the first major league home run I ever witnessed in person, in July 1969 while playing for the Atlanta Braves.