St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras died in an auto accident in his native Dominican Republic, his agent confirmed in a report from KSDK .
This story is freshly breaking, so there are still a number of details that are unclear regarding the accident. The report stated that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak had expressed his condolences to the family, but said the team was awaiting more details before making the formal announcement.
Brian Mejia, agent for Oscar Taveras, said that Taveras’ girlfriend also died in the accident.
The 2014 season was Taveras’ rookie year. He played 80 games and averaged a.239 batting average. He made the move to part-time outfielder at the end of the season, and by all accounts, had a bright future on a team that made a respectable post-season run.
“The Cardinals were planning for him to compete with Randal Grichuk for the starting right field job but wanted him to focus on improving his conditioning during this offseason,” KSDK noted, adding that over the last several seasons, “He had been ranked as the second- and third-best prospect in the minor leagues by Baseball American, mlb.com and Baseball Prospectus.”
Furthermore, he was a.320 hitter over six minor league seasons, including.386 as a teenager in the Class A Midwest League in 2011.
On Sunday night, there were a number of Twitter users paying tribute to Oscar Taveras. There were also more details breaking while this post was headed to publication.
Taveras was driving a 2014 red Chevrolet Camaro when he crashed. He did not have ID on him. Was identified by relatives
— Dionisio Soldevila (@dSoldevila) October 27, 2014
Muere en accidente de tránsito el pelotero Óscar Taveras pic.twitter.com/pqDth6b6kK
— El Nuevo Diario (@elnuevodiariord) October 27, 2014
Oscar Taveras’ agent is telling news reporters in the Dominican that Oscar Taveras was killed in a car wreck. Horrible. #STLCards .
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 27, 2014
The family now confirms that #STLCards rising star Oscar Taveras died in a car accident driving from Sosua to Puerto Plata per @LigaDomcom
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 27, 2014
The girlfriend of Oscar Taveras also died in the crash. #STLCards . Heartbreaking
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 27, 2014
RIP Oscar Tavares. Gone so young & had a bright future. Prayers to his & girlfriend’s families, friends & the #STLCards organization.
— Jennifer (@JT_802) October 27, 2014
Sad news regarding Oscar Tavares reminds us all to live for each day to love to laugh and never take moments for granted #shootingstar
— Jayson King (@JaysonKing26) October 27, 2014
On behalf of The Inquisitr , we want to extend our condolences to the families of Oscar Tavares and his girlfriend.
