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 
Oscar. I remember the first time I met you in Memphis Tn. Too where warming up in left field and I was talking to you in Spanish and ask you if you could sign my baseball. I have to say you are one of the nicest person I met in the mlb. Then I heard the good news you where called up the cardinals. We will miss you. Descansa en paz. (RIP)
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Thoughts and prayers are with the Taveras family in the wake of this tragic loss! Praying for God’s peace to comfort them during this time. Oscar will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all of Cardinal Nation. We are all broken today.
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Deepest condolences to the families of Oscar and his girlfriend. Oscar brought us joy when he played the game of baseball. Let them both live in eternal joy with Christ
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R.I.P. Oscar, my prayers go out to your family, the team, and all of Cardinal Nation. Also, prayers for your girlfriends family. You will be missed. Fly high with the angels.
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Thoughts and prayers going out to family and friends. May God help you all through this difficult time.
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My condolences to all his family, fans, friends and team mates.
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My family would like to pass along our deepest sympathy to the Taveras and Arvelo families. Oscar will be greatly missed. He seemed like such a wonderful man. I know in my heart that he truly was. So very sorry for your loss.
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You will never be forgotten you was a great plays #gocards#
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I want to offer my condolences to the families of Iscar and his girlfriend. I am saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. It probably doesn’t mean much coming from some guy in Utah, but the excitement I got every time I saw Oscar play on tv and in person when Memphis played the Bees has been unequaled. I am so sorry to his family and those close to him and I want to extend an overdue thank you to Oscar for the past three years of excitement and anticipation he has offered me, my family and all of Cardinal Nation. RIP Oscar.
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Looked forward to seeing Oscar hit many more homers. As always STL and all of Cardinal Nation will come together and honor his memory. So long bud. I will always remember that epic debut home run back in May that brought the rain, amazing.
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I’m a huge Cardinals fan and only 19 years old. Young players like Taveras are always exciting and fun for me to watch because I feel like I can relate to them; they inspire me. Oscar Taveras was definitely one of those guys. You could watch him play and just think “Wow. This guy not only works hard, but loves what he does.” The respect and dedication that he brought to the game is one that is hard to beat. Yes, Oscar Taveras wasn’t on the earth long enough, but the lessons and impact he left behind is one that reaches not only just his family and friends, the lineup of his teammates, but to those many people of Cardinal Nation everywhere who love the game. He has left his mark for the ages.
Oscar Taveras, it was an honor and joy to watch you play. Rest easy, brother.
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We “love” our Cardinals, we spend time with them (via media) almost every night during the season and feel like we have lost a member of our family. We will miss you Oscar…Godspeed. Condolences to the family, friends, teammates and fellow fans.
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My husband, my sons and myself lifted his family, friends and team mates in prayer last night. Here’s what I will say about real sports fans.. we are devoted to our team and players. We love them. We cheer for them when we should, cuss at them when we should, cry with them when we should. We love these people. Whole heartedly. As baseball fans, we mourn a “loss” after October. But to actually lose one of our boys…. different level. Rip Oscar. You have an entire cardinal nation crying and bleeding red for you right now. Rip!!!
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My heart and prayers go out to Oscar’s family and friends, tram mates and tans. Also to his girlfriends family and friends. He was too young and too talented to be lost so soon, so all I can do is remember his infectious smile, his supportive style of his team mates even if he wasn’t on the roster and his love of baseball. He will be missed by all of Cardinal Nation.
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For 4 years I talked this kid up to anyone and everyone as a player with talent you don’t see too often. He was something special. I watched with awe and anticipation as he sprinted through the minors. I watched with disappointment as his injury needed surgery last season. I watched with enthusiasm as he homered in his first game as the sun broke through the clouds in Busch Stadium. I watched with frustration as Oscar struggled to acclimate to the majors and limited playing time. I watched with reassurance as Oscar turned it around at the end of the year. I watched with cheerful joy and vindication during the playoffs when Oscar showed us a glimpse of the player he truly was. And last night, I watched with tears and sorrow seeing the news story that I was sure the media got wrong. Cardinal Nation mourns the loss of a special young man, but cherishes the short time we had with him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones in this sad time. Rest in peace Oscar….taken too soon.
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So tragic. My prayers and thought are with both families.
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R.I.P. Oscar. The Cardinal Nation wipes a collective tear from their eyes today.
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Rest in peace Oscar!! We had a few of the same friends and they are heart broken. I stayed up all night messaging them to try and make them feel better. You were way too young, and had a whole life ahead of you. Extremely talented. Praying for the Taveras family, his girlfriend’s family, everyone that loved him, and the entire Cardinals organization. Such a tragic loss. Too soon. 😦
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To the family of Oscar- I am so sorry for your loss. I cried when I heard about his death. No one that young deserves to die in such a tragic way. You and the rest of the Cardinals team will be in my prayers. I am lucky I got to see him play earlier this year. We wil never forget him!
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My thoughts and prayers go out to Oscar family and also his girlfriends family what a sad reminder of how fragile life is!! Cardinal nation will never forget you and that infectious smile and how excited we were to have you in the cardinal family even if for only a brief time. You will forever remain in our hearts!!! R.I.P. Oscar you are in Gods loving arms now!!!
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Oscar hit a pinch hit home run in the post season off of my Giants this year in the post season. But before that I knew this kid was someone special. When the “minor league” guy came in for the first time all of the MLB knew that Oscar would be an amazing ball player. From his outstanding fielding to his long bombs, I say with a heavy heart you will be missed, but never forgotten. From a Giants fan to cardnial nation I offer my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with Oscar and his girlfriends family. It’s sad we won’t get to see you become the big star you were going to be. Rest in peace Oscar. All of baseball will miss you.
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Rest easy… so sad to see young talent go.
-life long Cardinal fan
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“You know, I’m glad they pinch hit Oscar just then, and I’m glad that he’s had some clutch moments this year, but he’s just not consistent enough for me to jump on board the ‘Oscar Train’ just yet.”
I said this to my family and friends exactly two weeks from yesterday, after Oscar tied Game 2 of the NLCS with his clutch homerun.
And now, today, Cardinal Nation, and all of baseball, mourns the loss of one of the most promising stars the game would see for years to come. I had every faith that Oscar would break out during this next Spring Training, or sometime over the 2015 season. I thought that once he adjusted more, once he had seen 200, 300, 400 at-bats, this guy was going to shine. He was one of baseball’s top prospects, his minor league numbers were insane, and this guy came ready to play the game every single day. I didn’t know him personally, but you could see it on his face. You could see it in his eyes and in his smile. He loved the game, he loved playing it, he loved his team, and he loved the fans.
It’s important to remember that Oscar was still just a kid. He was 22 years old, with perhaps a Hall of Fame career ahead of him. I’m almost 21, and it really hits home to think this guy was as old as one of my friends…
Taveras and his girlfriend passed away last night in a tragic car accident in the Dominican Republic. When the news erupted on social media, my heart sank. A young man only 22 years old, and his girlfriend only 18 years old…taken from this world. It is truly hard to fathom that exactly two weeks before his death, Oscar hits an incredible postseason homerun to tie the game and keep the Cardinals alive.
I’ve grown up in the STL area all my life, and I’ve only become a hard core fan about 5 years ago, but it has consistently been said that the Saint Louis Cardinals have the best fans in all of baseball. Well, I’m not so sure that’s true… You see, Cardinal Nation is more than just “fans” of a baseball team. We are a family. We are the closest-knit fans in all of baseball that come together during our triumphs, and our struggles. We lost one of our family last night, and for that, Cardinal Nation is torn. It is truly heartwarming to see the fans and players of other teams extend their feelings of sorrow and condolences to Oscar and his girlfriend, to their families, and to our Cardinal family.
We never know what the future holds, and the only certainty in life is that nothing is certain. Live your life as if it would end tomorrow. Make someone’s day by smiling at them, laughing with them, helping them. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Respect others. Live not for only yourself, or only for others, but for each other.
Today, we are all on board the “Oscar Train,” though this is not what anyone imagined. My thoughts go out to Oscar, his girlfriend, and their families and friends. You will be truly missed, Oscar. You will be our angel in the outfield.
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I would like to offer my deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Oscar and his girlfriend. My thoughts and prayers also go out to the Cardinals organization. Although I mourn as a fan of Oscar and the Cardinals, I realize I cannot begin to know the pain his family, friends, and teammates feel. I never got the opportunity to meet Oscar, but he was still able to make a huge impact on me. I feel blessed to have gotten the opportunity to witness the great talent he was blessed with and to see the infectious smile that many of his teammates have referred to. He left a lasting impression on Cardinal nation and will never be forgotten. Thank you Oscar for all you gave us, we love you and will miss you greatly!
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Like Oscar, I was new to STL. We connected to him because of the excitement he brought to the organization. I will never forget that first major HR…. so much on his shoulders yet comes thru BIG. He was just a kid who had only begun. I’m beyond devastated for his family and for the Cardinals nation family. Watch over the Redbirds from above #18. We will miss you.
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It was such a joy to watch Oscar play. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for your families strength and healing.
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Siempre voy a recordar la maravillosa sensación que tuve cuando conectó ese Home Run contra Los Dodgers, por Dios, era tan evidente su pasión por este hermoso deporte que hizo vibrar toda La Nacion Cardenal! Oscar, Gracias por entregar todo de ti en un deporte donde directamente nos hacías felices y partícipes de tus logros, estaremos extrañandote mucho, pero siempre te recordaremos por la hermosa huella de pasión visión y entusiasmo. A sus Familiares, un abrazo grande, Dios los acompañe y los mantenga unidos.
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This is just so sad and tragic. It’s hard to express appropriately in words here. I just want to say that as a Cardinals fan I am deeply saddened for Taveras’ family and friends for their unimaginable loss and grief. I hope that the outpouring from the Cardinals community can offer some solace to them. And as a fan of Taveras, I will always remember his debut solo home run and his game tying home run in Game 2 of the NLCS. These moments will remain as flashes of his greatness that fans can reflect on and remember Taveras fondly and with respect. RIP Taveras…gone too soon.
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It is so sad to know a young man with an amazing future in baseball pases away but we are in God’s hands, just Him knows when we are called to be in His presence.
Mi condolencia a su familia, que el dolor y la pena sean cambiados por el amor y la fe en Dios, Oscar está en un mejor lugar y alguna día lo volveremos a encontrar.
Descansa en paz Oscar
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So sorry for the loss of Oscar and his girlfriend. To see a young person’s life cut short is horrifying. Prayers and comfort for all family members!!
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to say you were going to be great is a huge understatement. You were already great and had legendary potential. I love watching rookies play because they still show the enjoyment of playing baseball, the best game on earth. “Go crazy” with Jack and spend time with Stan the Man. Forever missed by Cardinals Nation. Condolences to your family and friends. RIP #18.
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I love our fan base and it really is a family. Cardinal nation will mourn this loss, it is close knit.
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Such a tragic loss of an outstanding athlete. Deepest sympathy to Oscar’s family, as well as to the family of his girlfriend. From a 3rd generation Cardinal fan.
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I watched Oscar play in AAA Memphis for a while and I loved watching him. He was a true talent, & I was more than excited to see how far his talents took him in STL. He will always be remembered here in Cardinals Nation. #ripOT18
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Cardinal nation isn’t just a team, it isn’t just a city or fan base but we are a family last night we lost a brother and his gf in a car crash today we mourn the loss but celebrate the memories he gave us I wish this was just a nightmare, but cardinal nation will always be your home R.I.P Oscar Taveras you will be missed we love you and we will never forget you!!!
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Praying for Oscar’s and his girlfriend’s family and friends, for the St. Louis Cardinals, and Cardinal nation. So sad. Gone but never forgotten. You will be greatly missed Oscar. RIP.
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My prayers go out to Oscar’s family, his girlfriends family and the St. Louis Cardinals family. He will be missed dearly.
Rest in Peace, Oscar
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May God be with your family and your girl friend’s family. Peace.
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Descansa En Paz Oscar. Que dios te tenga en su santa gloria. Perdimos una estrella pero el cielo gano un gran pelotero. RIP.
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Thoughts and prayers with Oscar’s family, friends, and teammates. R.I.P. Oscar. Forever a Cardinal.
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This is too sad to even say anything useful. I’ll just say as a huge Cardinals’ fan, whose family has experienced our own sudden loss just 14 months ago, I look forward to the team’s games as a way to briefly take my mind off our grief. I saw the Cards twice this summer- in Baltimore and Philadelphia- and both times, the player I was most looking forward to watching was Oscar Taveras. I am so sorry to hear this news and wish those who knew Oscar personally the strength they’ll need going forward. I, personally, will always remember him as a player I was so excited to watch. To those who knew Oscar, I am sorry for your loss.
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I remember when you hit your very first homerun. You were such a gift to st louis. Every time I think about what happened, I burst into tears. You will be dearly missed. So sorry for your loss Taveras family. There will always be something missing. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace OT, we love you!!!
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Prayers to the family during this tough time. Cardinal Nation was robbed of a great talent and a great young man. God Bless.
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A man with so much potential and ability. When he hit a home run, you felt the electricity after the ball left his bat. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace #18 Oscar Taveras…..
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To the Taveras family ~ My thoughts and prayers are with you all. As a Cardinals’ fan, I was so thrilled to see your son “finally arrive” in St. Louis. He gave us many memorable moments that will always be remembered. God bless you all with His Healing Hand upon your mournful hearts.
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My sincere condolences to the Taveras family and the family of his girlfriend. Gone far too young at 22. What an unbelievable talent. But this goes much further than baseball. Many of us are mourning Oscar the baseball player. But outside of that, he was Oscar the human being, who had a family he loved and a girlfriend he loved and will not get to experience many things that 22 year olds still have ahead of them. The World will never know the things you, your kind heart, and limitless talent could have provided for this city, this team, and the game of baseball. What an amazing young man. We know you will be watching over us when we make the playoffs in the coming years.
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God bless you Oscar you were a bright spot on the Cardinals and the Redbirds in Memphis and in life. You will be missed.
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I was lucky enough to see your major league debut and see your first home run. How blessed we were that those two happened in the same game. You will be very missed but not forgotten. God speed and I will remember you and your families in my prayers.
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Praying that Oscar’s family will feel the arms of God around them, and that God’s peace will cover their hearts through this time of sadness.
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To Oscar and his family. Im so sorry for the loss of your young child. A life should never have to be mourned at such a young age. Just remember he is always smiling down on you and looking after you now. To my #cardinalnation family. This is a tragic loss for our team and our family. Lets celebrate his life and what he gave us while we got to watch his talents on the field. Also at the home opener in 2015 let him hear you in heaven when we celebrate his name!!!!
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