SAN FRANCISCO — Orlando Cepeda, the esteemed first baseman affectionately known as the "Baby Bull" and a pioneering Puerto Rican star in Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by the San Francisco Giants and Cepeda's family on Friday night, prompting a moment of silence at Oracle Park during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Nydia Cepeda, his wife, conveyed a poignant statement through the team, stating, "Our beloved Orlando passed away peacefully at home this evening, listening to his favorite music and surrounded by his loved ones. We find solace in knowing he is at peace."

Cepeda, a familiar figure at Giants home games until health issues intervened in 2017, had faced hospitalization following a cardiac event in February 2018.

As one of MLB's earliest Puerto Rican luminaries, Cepeda left an indelible mark despite grappling with knee injuries that marred his career. Notably, his tenure as the Boston Red Sox's inaugural designated hitter proved pivotal, a role he credits for his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999, selected by the Veteran's Committee.

"Orlando Cepeda's unwavering devotion to baseball illuminated his illustrious playing career and distinguished him as a cherished ambassador of the game," remarked Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark. "His spirit will forever brighten Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the Cepeda family."

Reflecting on his unexpected shift to designated hitter, Cepeda recounted in a 2013 interview with The Associated Press, "Boston called and asked me if I was interested in being the DH, and I said yes. The DH got me to the Hall of Fame. The rule paved my way to Cooperstown."

Despite initial uncertainties about the DH rule's impact on his career, Cepeda embraced the opportunity with the Red Sox in 1973, participating in 142 games during what would be one of his final seasons. He had been released by the Oakland A's shortly after a brief tenure, hindered by ongoing knee issues that required multiple surgeries.

Honored by the Red Sox in 2013 during a special ceremony at Fenway Park commemorating his contributions as a designated hitter, Cepeda expressed gratitude, saying, "It holds deep significance. It's incredible. Just when you think it's all over, it's only the beginning."

Cepeda's baseball odyssey was marked by personal and professional trials, including language barriers and personal tragedies. "My first year here, everything was new to me, a surprise," he recalled in a 2014 interview with the AP. "When I arrived in Virginia, after a month, my father passed away. He said, 'I want to see my son play pro ball,' and he passed away the day before my debut in Virginia."

Despite these challenges, Cepeda's resilience and exceptional talent propelled a standout career spanning 17 seasons with various teams, including the Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, among others. His achievements encompassed seven All-Star selections, three World Series appearances, and accolades like the 1958 NL Rookie of the Year and the 1967 NL MVP.

Cepeda concluded his playing days with a .297 batting average and 379 home runs, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport he cherished. Reflecting on his post-playing life, he reflected, "Every day, I remind myself how fortunate I am to have been born with the ability to play ball."

Orlando Cepeda's influence extended beyond his playing years, inspiring generations of Latin American players and laying the groundwork for future stars. His legacy as a pioneer and passionate advocate for baseball will endure, a testament to his abiding love for the game and his remarkable journey from Puerto Rico to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.