Viva Cepeda! 2001

The life and times of controversial Hall-of-Fame slugger Orlando Cepeda

Directed by Mario Díaz

A biography of Puerto Rican baseball star Orlando Cepeda, who started his career in the 60's and had to contend with racism inside and outside the ballpark. In San Francisco, he quickly became a fan favorite, which led to animosity with legend and fellow team member Willie Mays. He garnered many awards including Rookie of the Year, MVP, and won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. After his retirement, he was arrested for drug smuggling and sentenced to a year in jail. He then turned his life around and became a Buddhist. In 1999, he was bestowed the greatest achievement any baseball player can receive -- induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.