Orlando Cepeda

Orlando Cepeda

Orlando Cepeda was born on September 17, 1937 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His father was Pedro Perucho "The Bull" Cepeda, a baseball legend in Puerto Rico. Orlando Cepeda became known as "Little Bull".

In his first season in 1958, he hit 25 homers, drove in 96 runs, and batted .312. He led the National League with 38 doubles. He was named rookie-of-the-year. He played with the San Fransisco Giants until 1966 when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1967, he was named the National League MVP by hitting .325 and driving in 111 RBIs. The Cardinals won the pennant that year and then went on to become world champions by beating the Boston Red Sox. Cepeda was an All-Star from 1959-1964 and again in 1967.

Cepeda retired in 1975. Cepeda was recognized nationally for his humanitarian efforts as an ambassador for baseball. He served honorary spokesman for the Crohn's and Colitis foundation of America, and participated in "Athletes against Aids."

In 1999, Cepeda was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He joined Roberto Clemente as the only other Puerto Rican in Cooperstown.