Almost 25 years after his playing career ended, Orlando Cepeda wept with joy when he learned that on March 2, 1999, that he finally had been elected the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. “It’s hard to explain the feeling … I’ve been ready for this for 17 years,” Cepeda said. “When they told […]
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Orlando Cepeda and Ray Sadecki could not have had more different reactions when they were traded for one another on May 8, 1966. The trade was announced after the Giants’ three-game sweep of the Cardinals in the final games played at the historic Sportsman’s Park, since renamed Busch Stadium. Cepeda, who had missed almost the
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On March 17, 1969, the Cardinals traded a former National League MVP for a future one, sending first baseman Orlando Cepeda to the Braves for catcher and first baseman Joe Torre. The 29-year-old Torre’s departure from the Braves was no surprise. Since placing second to Billy Williams in the National League Rookie of the Year
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In 1967, Orlando Cepeda was more than the heart of the World Series champion “El Birdos.” On November 7, he was named the first unanimous National League MVP since Carl Hubbell received all six first-place votes in 1936. “The Most Valuable Player Award, that’s the best compliment any ballplayer can desire,” Cepeda said.[1] The recognition
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The excitement of Gaylord Perry’s no-hitter against the Cardinals hadn’t worn off yet when Ray Washburn stepped to the Candlestick Park mound on September 18, 1968. As improbably as it seemed that 30-year-old right-hander would match Perry’s accomplishment, trainer Bob Bauman had an inkling. “When I was working on Washburn just before the game, I
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