Baseball Hall of Famer and former San Francisco Giants star Orlando Cepeda passed away at the age of 86, his family announced in a statement on Friday night. In a poignant tribute to Cepeda, the Giants secured a dramatic 5-3 victory over their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a two-run, walk-off home run by second baseman Brett Wisely in the bottom of the ninth inning. Giants play-by-play commentator Duane Kuiper and color analyst Mike Krukow found the perfect way to honor Cepeda during their call of the walk-off.
“For the Baby Bull,” Kuiper and Krukow exclaimed as Wisely and the Giants celebrated their victory. Cepeda, affectionately known as the “Baby Bull,” spent the first nine seasons of his career in San Francisco. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1958 as a 20-year-old and earned All-Star honors six times while posting a .308/.352/.535 slash line with 226 home runs during that span. Cepeda became one of the most feared sluggers in the game and a fan favorite in both San Francisco and St. Louis, where he won the 1967 MVP award and a World Series title.
“Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully at home this evening, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones,” Cepeda’s wife Nydia said in a statement to the Giants. “We take comfort that he is at peace.” Cepeda’s passing comes shortly after the Giants lost another legend, Willie Mays, earlier in June.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Logan Webb gave the Giants’ taxed bullpen a much-needed breather by tossing seven innings of two-run ball before turning it over to the relievers. The Dodgers tied the game in the top of the ninth inning on a sacrifice fly by Jason Heyward, setting the stage for Wisely’s heroics in the bottom half.
As Wisely stepped up to the plate, the tension was palpable. With one swing, he sent the ball soaring over the fence, securing the win for the Giants and providing a fitting tribute to Cepeda. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the players celebrated on the field, all while Kuiper and Krukow’s heartfelt tribute echoed through the stadium.
Cepeda’s legacy in baseball is monumental. He was one of the early Puerto Rican stars in Major League Baseball and paved the way for many others. His impact on the game and the communities he was part of is immeasurable. The Giants’ victory on Friday night was not just a win in the standings but a celebration of Cepeda’s life and career.
The Giants’ bullpen, which has been a point of concern throughout the season, managed to hold the Dodgers at bay long enough for Wisely to deliver the game-winning hit. This win was crucial for the Giants as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in a highly competitive National League West division.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, were left to regroup after a tough loss. Despite their efforts, including a strong performance from their bullpen, they couldn’t overcome the Giants’ late-game heroics. The rivalry between the Giants and Dodgers is one of the most storied in baseball, and games like this only add to its rich history.
As the Giants and their fans celebrated the win, they also took a moment to reflect on Cepeda’s contributions to the team and the sport. His influence extended beyond the field, as he was known for his charitable work and his efforts to promote baseball in Puerto Rico and other communities.
The Giants’ organization, players, and fans will undoubtedly continue to honor Cepeda’s memory throughout the season. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless fans who admired his talent and character.
In the end, the Giants’ walk-off win against the Dodgers was more than just a game. It was a tribute to a legend, a celebration of a life well-lived, and a reminder of the impact one person can have on a sport and a community. As the season progresses, the Giants will carry the spirit of Orlando Cepeda with them, striving to honor his memory with every game they play.
Source: Awful Announcing, MLB.com, NewsObserver.com, SacBee.com, Associated Press, KansasCity.com, PennLive.com, CharlotteObserver.com, NYPost.com
