Date of birth: 17 September 1937
Primary position: Designated Hitter
Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame: 1999
Career Batting Statistics through 2018 Season
| Season | AB | R | H | HR | RBI | BB | SB | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | 550 | 51 | 159 | 20 | 86 | 50 | 0 | .289 |
| TOTAL | 550 | 51 | 159 | 20 | 86 | 50 | 0 | .289 |
Memorable Moments for Orlando Cepeda
- 18 January 1973 - Veteran first baseman Orlando Cepeda signs with the Red Sox with the intent of being the team's designated hitter, the first player to be signed by a team exclusively for that role.
- 6 April 1973 - Orlando Cepeda, signed specifically for this role, goes 0-for-6 as the designated hitter rule debuts in the American League, but Boston thrashes New York 15-5 on Opening Day at Fenway Park. The game also features Carlton Fisk's first career grand slam.
- 8 April 1973 - Orlando Cepeda's first hit as a designated hitter is a walk-off home run for the Red Sox as Boston wins 4-3 over New York at Fenway Park.