Shortly after the St. Louis Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs, they had to say goodbye to one of their most talented prospects. On October 26th, 2014, Oscar Taveras died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic at age 22.
Taveras was driving on a highway in Puerto Plato when he lost control of his vehicle and went off the road. His girlfriend, Edilia Arvelo, also died in the car accident with him. “It was upsetting to see someone who could be the future of the game die,” said freshman Derek Proxmire
The Cardinals young outfielder was one of the most exciting prospects in the game. He batted .239 in 80 games during his rookie season. “Oscar Taveras was a great baseball player with lots of potential. It’s awful that he wasn’t able to live out his bright future,” said sophomore Kate Reiss. Taveras debuted for the Cardinals on May 31st, 2014 where he hit his first career major league home run. He also hit a game-tying home run in Game 2 of the Cardinals National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants in the second-to-last at bat of his career.
“Oscar was an amazing talent with a bright future who was taken from us well before his time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” said Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. Taveras has left a legacy behind with the Cardinals organization, the entire MLB, and all the fans of the game.