Hall of Famer Cepeda arrested on suspicion of drug possession

~ Drugs in car land former Cardinals first baseman in jail.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda was arrested after a California Highway Patrol officer pulled him over for speeding and discovered drugs in the car.

The former San Francisco Giants star was stopped about 3 p.m. Tuesday after his 2001 Lexus was clocked going 83 mph in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 80 in Cordelia, about 40 miles northeast of San Francisco, the CHP said.

While approaching the vehicle, "the officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car," CHP Sgt. Wulf Corrington said Wednesday.

The CHP officer arrested Cepeda after finding a "usable" amount of a white-powder substance that likely was methamphetamine or cocaine, Corrington said. The officer also found marijuana and a syringe, he added.

The 69-year-old Cepeda was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, along with possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe and possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors.

Cepeda works for the Giants as a community liaison and speaks to at-risk children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Giants spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said neither the team nor Cepeda would have an immediate comment about his arrest.

A first baseman during his 17 big league seasons, Cepeda started his career with the Giants and moved on to St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland, Boston and Kansas City.