Early Brilliance and Breaking Barriers (1958-1964):

✦ Burst onto the scene with the San Francisco Giants in 1958, earning Rookie of the Year honors with a stunning .312 batting average and 25 home runs.

✦ Became the first Puerto Rican-born player to start in an All-Star Game and hit over 40 home runs in a season (1961), breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

✦ Led the league in home runs (46) and RBI (142) in 1961, finishing second in MVP voting and solidifying his status as a dominant force.

World Series Glory and Injury Struggle (1965-1970):

✦ Captured a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967, earning MVP honors with a .308 batting average and 4 homers in the Fall Classic.

✦ His career took a devastating turn in 1965 with a knee injury that hampered his mobility and power.

Continued Excellence and Career Conclusion (1971-1974):

✦ Demonstrated unwavering resilience, bouncing back from injury and finding success with various teams like the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox.

✦ Finished his career in 1974 with an impressive .297 batting average, 379 home runs, and 1365 RBI, solidifying his place among baseball's elite hitters.

Born September 17, 1937, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Orlando Cepeda. This Puerto Rican baseball legend was an eleven-time MLB All-Star; World Series, and National League MVP 1967 wi the St. Louis Cardinals. The NL Rookie of the Year 1958 San Francisco Giants and also later played on the Atlanta Braves.