ST LOUIS CARDINALS’ 22-year-old rookie fielder Oscar Taveras died in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic yesterday.
The highly-touted prospect was traveling in a car with his girlfriend, the player’s agent Brian Mejia told MLB.com website. Mejia did not provide any detailed information.
“Obviously, we have deep condolences to his family,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said before issuing a full statement in which he called Taveras “a wonderful young man.”
Chairman Bill DeWitt Junior said that the organisation was, “stunned and deeply saddened” by the tragic losses of one of the youngest members of the Cardinals family.”
In 80 games this season, Taveras batted .239 with three home runs and 22 RBI.
Two weeks ago, he hit a home run in the Cardinals’ 5-4 win over San Francisco in game two of the National League Championship Series.
His last appearance came in game five on October 16, when he grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the top of the ninth inning. He stayed in the contest to play left field.
