Sad news this morning for MLB fans as it has been confirmed that 22-year old Oscar Tavares was killed in a car accident in the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Taveras was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro on a highway between the beaches of Sosua and Cabarete in Puerto Plata, about 215 miles north of the capital of Santo Domingo, at the time of the crash. Col. Diego Pesqueira of the Metropolitan Transportation Agency confirmed, "He wasn't carrying documents at the time of the accident, but his body was identified by family members."
The St. Louis Cardinals outfielder made his major league debut this last season and he was thought to be one of the hottest talents' to emerge in awhile. He hit .239 with 3 homers and 22 RBIs in 80 games for the National League Central champions. Taveras was just a teenager when he signed a free-agent deal with the Cards back in 2008. Before this season in the majors, Taveras was ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect by MLB.com and Baseball America, and he had a.321 average over six minor league seasons.
The team is in a state of shock with Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak saying in a release. "I simply can't believe it. I first met Oscar when he was 16 years old and will forever remember him as a wonderful young man who was a gifted athlete with an infectious love for life who lived every day to the fullest."
Bill DeWitt Jr., Cardinals chairman also expressed disbelief saying that the entire organization is "stunned and deeply saddened" by the outfielders untimely death. "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 tonight." said DeWitt.
Taveras was believed to have a long career ahead of him. Such sad news for his family, friends and Cardinals fans.
