The Cardinals offer condolences to the family of Oscar Taveras, the 22-year-old Cardinals outfielder who was killed in an automobile accident in the Dominican Republic. All fans are invited to use this guestbook blog to share their condolences and memories of Oscar as well.
“We are all stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of the youngest members of the Cardinals family,” Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. “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.”
“I simply can’t believe it,” said John Mozeliak, Sr. VP & GM of the Cardinals. “I first met Oscar when he was sixteen 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.”
The team will provide additional information on funeral arrangements at a later time. Please share your condolences and memories in the comments below.
Remembering Oscar 
Such a tragic loss…. Prayers with the family, friends and team mates. Peace and comfort at this very sad time.
LikeLike
God added a wonderful player to his team..prayers to all..he’s playing on the greatest team ever now..good bless him, he will be truly missed..
LikeLike
Prayer After Oscar Tavares’ Passing
Saints of God, come to Oscar’s!
Come to meet him, angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
May Christ, Who called you, take you to Himself;
may angels lead you to Abraham’s side.
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Give him eternal rest, O Lord,
and may Your light shine upon him forever.
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Let us pray: We commend our brother, Oscar Tavares to you, Lord.
Now that he has passed from this life,
may he live on in Your presence.
In Your mercy and love, forgive whatever sins he
may have committed through human weakness.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
NOTE: A special rosary and Mass will be offered for Oscar, his girfriend and his immediate family, in San Jose – California.
LikeLike
My family has been plagued by death within the family over the past year and a half, by being not only apart of Cardinal Nation but also a fan of the MLB and sports as a whole, I can not help but feel a loss after Taveras’ tragic death. No, it is not because of his potential stardom, it is because of who he was. The toll that his passing has taken on the sports world is only expressing what he meant to his friends, to his family, to his organization, to his sport. Without meeting him, I shed a tear for him and his girlfriend, both only kids in the real world. My prayers go out to Oscar, the Taveras family, his friends, his team, his girlfriend, her family, and her friends. I speak on behalf of Cardinal Nation when I say we loved you Oscar, and you will be missed and remembered.
LikeLike
Our prayers go out to the Taveras family and to his girlfriends family for their tragic loss. And to all of the Cardinal Team members that Oscar had the chance to share the last several months with. And to the entire Cardinal organization. He was something to watch taken too soon from all of us. God is watching over Oscar now and he is also watching over all of us. There is reason for everything. You will be missed and we will see you again one day. God Bless.
LikeLike
Had the great pleasure of seeing Oscar play AA For the Springfield Cardinals, what a talent. Was so neat to be liestening on the radio when his first major league hit was a homer!! Young, energetic life suffed way too soon, but they need good palusers in Heaven, too!
LikeLike
Rest in peace oscar. I always wanted to see you play since we signed you at 16. Your life was cut way to short. My prayers are with your family and your girlfriend’s family. Cardinal nation will never forget.
LikeLike
Such a great young talent. He may have only been a cardinal for a short time but once a Cardinal always a cardinal. A terrible loss. Rest In Peace Oscar Taveras, Rest In Peace.
LikeLike
Sweet Oscar, how will we go on without you? You were our most precious baby bird, full of talent, a glorious smile, and a future filled with amazing things to come! We will never know what might have been, it is heartbreaking! I pray for your family and that of your lovely girlfriend, who obviously loved so you very much! We love you and we will miss you forever!
LikeLike
wow I am so sad Oscar taveras was killed in a car accident, I saw him hit a Homerun in spring training in jupiter Florida and was really happy to see him play on miami against the Marlins during the summer, he will be missed. Condolences to him and his family.
LikeLike
Sending prayers up for the family and friends of Oscar. I ‘m so glad he made it to The Show and did so well! 😉
LikeLike
I am so very sorry first to his family and that of his girlfriends’ family. And secondly to his baseball family. I always love how your dugout looks compared to everyone elses. You guys truly love and support each other. Its great to see. It is a terrible loss felt wide.
LikeLike
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family, your girlfriend’s family, and all your friends. A tragic story and your lives were taken away far too soon. You will forever be a Cardinal and your contagious smile will light up heavan. We will never forget your first St. Louis HOMERUN in the rain, a moment that will last forever in every Cardinal fans mind! My family had the pleasure of watching you play and watching the team make the playoffs!
You will be missed! Rest in peace with the other Cardinal angels!!
LikeLike
I’m so saddened by the loss of Oscar Taveras!!!! He had a bright future ahead of him. I was so excited to see what he could do as a MLB player. My heart goes out to the Taveras family and the family of his girlfriend. RIP Oscar!!!!!!
LikeLike
Forever a part of Cardinal Nation. Thank you for all your work to take us away from our daily lives. Baseball is so special and it’s players and people like you that make it that way. Rest In Peace and know you’ll be missed!
LikeLike
My prayers go out to Oscar’s family as we lost one of St. Louis’ own. We loved watching you grow these few short years and only wish we could have seen you as a Cardinal for much longer. You are already missed Oscar.
LikeLike
This will never make any sense, but here is hope that the families and friends can eventually find peace. RIP Edilia and OT18
LikeLike
My prayers are with your family, friends, the team, and Cardinal nation. I’m a huge Cardinals fan and I still remember losing Hancock along with Kile. What a great player Oscar T. was. I was really looking forward to a long road with him being a Cardinal. He will be truly missed. God bless your family Oscar and your girlfriends. You loved the game and we could all tell it. Your teammates will miss you and your fans but we will try to be #CardinalStrong #R.I.POT
LikeLike
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and for his Cardinal family as well. All of Cardinal Nation is hurting and sad over the loss of such a great player taken way to soon…
LikeLike
I was lucky enough to witness his first and last homerun. My heart hurts. Cardinal Nations mourns the loss of an exceptional man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his girlfriends family. He had a great career ahead of him. Sad day!
LikeLike
I already miss that swing, but I miss that smile even more. I’m heartbroken that such a beautiful soul was taken too soon. You’re loved and missed, OT.
LikeLike
Gone too soon. You will be sorely missed. Prayers for both his family & his girlfriend’s family. May you both rest in peace.
LikeLike
My heart breaks for the team I love so much, and for his family. Not only was he a good man, but his career was so promising. So many players come and go in the sport, but Oscar had already made a name for himself. Losing any life is tragic, but it is especially tragic when the life is so short. 22 is very young, and he had so much left in life to experience. I send all of those who loved him my deepest thoughts and prayers. I am thankful for his short time as a Cardinal. He was truly amazing.
LikeLike
So saddened by the news of Oscar and his girl friend…… Thank you for the wonderful memories this season, you will not be forgotten by your Cardinal family.
LikeLike
I watched Oscar play AA ball in Springfield, Missouri (like most of the current St. Louis players.) He was one of my guys. I enjoyed watching him play and grow. When he got called up to St. Louis, I was so proud that another one of “my guys,” made it. I’m still filled with sadness and tears for the loss of Oscar and his girlfriend. Many, many, many lives have been changed because of this. You won’t be forgotten Oscar.
LikeLike
Oscar’s super personality and genuine humanness are just parts of what made him so lovable. My son is a ball player and has said many times how much he wanted to be “just like Oscar.” Prayers for his family…
LikeLike
God bless Oscar Taveras and his family. He was just an exciting player that made you stop what you were doing just to watch that wonderful swing. I will never forget his 1st home run. What an terrific moment that was. He will truly be missed.
LikeLike
I went crazy when Oscar hit his last home run against the Giants. I expected him to be one of those career long Cardinal players that the fans went nuts for whenever he stepped on the field. When I found out he had passed my heart was in my throat and I couldn’t speak. I was 22 when I married my wife and my life was just starting to make sense. He was too young and had so much life to still live. I pray God sends comfort and understanding to Oscar and his girlfriend’s family and friends. This is when Cardinal Nation becomes the Cardinal Family.
LikeLike
It appears that most commenters here are Cardinal fans, as am I. It’s nice to see heartfelt remarks by fans of other teams as well. But to hell with baseball for now. My comments are directly to the Taveras and Arvelo families and their friends. You have my most sincere sympathy. I cannot imagine what you are feeling after the loss of these beautiful young people. From all accounts Oscar was the kind of kid who did everything right and was no doubt on his way to great things. The first comparison that I thought of was the tragedy of Selena Quintanilla; young, talented, and on the verge of superstardom. You will be in my heart and I can only pray that you can find comfort from the love being expressed on this website.
To Cardinal fans, does anyone have an idea how to go about providing financial support for these families? I for one would like to help. Thanks to all!
LikeLike
My condolences go to the Cardinals team, Oscar’s family and to his girlfriends family also. I have a cat named Oscar and a kitten named Oscar where I work who I named after Oscar Taveras . They will carry on his name forever. I got to see Oscar in the only game I came to watch down in St.Louis and they won so that memory I will remember forever. I guarantee Oscar would have been an Hall of Fame nominee for the Cardinals. RIP IN OSCAR. you will always be remembered by the greatest fans of Cardinals Nation.
LikeLike
My condolences for the family and friends as well as the Cardinals Team for the loss of one so young. There are no words that fit, tragedy hit without warning and way too soon. We can only say, please know everyone is going to miss his presence. For those who believe in the Lord and heaven, just know he’s in loving hands.
LikeLike
So sorry. I send my prayers to both families.
LikeLike
Our hearts are sad & hope everyone that is close to Oscar knows the happyness & excitement he brought Cardinal Nation!! We where privileged to be at both his 1st MLB & Postseason home run games!! He will be missed!!
Prayers to all!! Jeff & Karen Elliott
LikeLike
Oscar will forever run the bases, hit the ball and glide across the field. From San Francisco Giants fans to Oscar’s family and fans, we share your pain and send you our support and love.
LikeLike
Too young he was becoming a fan favorite here in St. Louis and here we are like a family and our organization and the best fans in baseball are in morning for one of our own. A great young person a fan favorite. He will be missed. R.i.p. Oscar
LikeLike
There are no words that I can say to comfort Oscar and Edilia’s family & friends with this terribly sad news, just know that I am keeping the family’s & his teammates & his adoring fans in my prayers as I grieve with you. R.I.P. O:)Oscar and O:) Edilia…
LikeLike
As a life long Card fan I watch these guys play ball…never for a minute thinking something like this will happen. But when it does it hits you right in the heart. This is the third time…it’s tragic, sad, unbelievable. My heart goes out to the families… I’m hoping Oscar’s number will be placed on the wall with Daryl Kyles…he was only here for a short time, but he will be missed.
LikeLike
What a tragic loss for the families and team mates. It was a shock to hear. My thoughts are with you all.
LikeLike
My home is very shocked and sad. Our prayers are with his family. It’s very hard when you lose a family member. Oscar was family.
LikeLike
Oscar you will be missed. That smile was for real, just like your talent….
LikeLike
Always a tragedy to lose someone so young and talented. Prayers go out to his family and all who knew and loved him.
LikeLike
We are so sad. We will miss you
LikeLike
Thoughts and Prayers to Oscars Family and Friends, may God wrap his arms around you and give you peace and comfort. RIP
LikeLike
Horrific news all around. And big appreciation for the hard, dark trip Matheny and Misoliak are making right now to DR to meet with their families. That makes me even prouder to a be a Cardinal fan for over 40 years. Pure class from a classy organization. RIP Mr. Taveras and girlfriend.
LikeLike
May God rest his soul in peace and give his family enough courage to deal with this trouble time. Ila Srivastava
LikeLike
We loved you Oacar, gone but never forgotten in Cardinal Nation!!!!
LikeLike
Absolutely tragic, I can’t possibly imagine what your family is going through. May you rest in peace, you will certainly be missed by this Cardinals fan!
LikeLike
Loved to watch Oscar T play and always wanted to see more of him. The swing! The flair with which he did things. He was not the greatest player this year, but he played with the most style and enthusiasm. Swing in peace, OT.
LikeLike
My heart hurts for your family, friends, the Cardinals, and Cardinal nation and the baseball world as well as your girlfriend’s family and friends. We, as fans, root for our teams and feel that they are part of our extended family. We hurt by your passing and hurt for those impacted. He was a great player and will be playing on one of God’s baseball teams in heaven. We are praying for comfort and understanding. You will be missed, Oscar.
LikeLike
You will truly be Missed Oscar & Thank you very much for taking time to take a picture & sign my Son’s baseball & Ticket on the day of your 22nd Birthday God Bless you & R.I.P. #18 OSCAR TAVERAS to you, your family & your Girlfriends family , you are definitely a Star in the Sky & you will be Looking down at all of your St.Louis Cardinals Family (Ohana) as Your teammate Kolten Wong & Greg Garcia would say. #ALOHA
LikeLike