It seems like when death strikes sports, the needed dose of reality sets in for everyone. We hold our pro athletes in high regard for so many reasons. We even think some are indestructible. So when the news of the death of the Cardinals’ Oscar Taveras was released, it was time for everyone to take a deep breath and understand a few things.
One of which is that athletes are human. We accept their mental and physical mistakes on the field as part of the game. We know they are not always perfect, and yet we try to remain patient. We, however, are not prepared for the inevitable. Yes, death has no favorites nor wristwatch nor calendar. It just happens, and that is the tough part as you never see it coming. While this is a time of mourning for Cardinal fans, reflection is paramount here.
Oscar Taveras was a 22-year-old Cardinal prospect who many felt would have a good Major League career. Taveras had been in the Cardinals organization since he was 16, so the monitoring of his ascension to the majors was constant by the organization as well as their fans. He was the Cardinals’ top prospect on everyone’s evaluation sheet.
After six longs years, he finally arrived to the big leagues with great anticipation that was elevated after he hit a home run in first Major League at bat. Yes, Oscar had arrived, or at least we thought.
The next 79 games he played in were a challenge, as you could see the talent in him but there were maturity barriers that, like with many 22-year-old aspiring pros, would present frustration at times. “Growing pains” is what I think they call it. And while Taveras was not an embarrassment where one would ask, “Why is he here in the big leagues?” the talent was there. It just needed time and attention.
Taveras’ journey at times may have been frustrating to him and his followers, but it never seemed to alter his attitude. This young man was full of confidence and happiness, as his daily smile would always indicate. While the challenge of learning the English language would limit his media access, he was always accommodating when called upon. Oscar Taveras was a good kid. Many hoped for the best that would include a long career in a Cardinal uniform, especially since he came so highly touted.
There were some things that we should bear in mind here. While it is a reality in the world we live in, 22-year-old kids die every day in one manner or another. The word “tragic” is used so often in describing Taveras’ death, but I have yet to see a young person’s early departure that wasn’t. Parents having to bury their children is one the most difficult tasks there is. Not as much to show for as one hoped after nine months of pain and 22 years of love.
Any parent who reads this should know the feeling – that next time you spend with your loved ones could very well be the last. That is why it is so important that they know you love them and that you impart your wisdom, no matter how much or how little you think it will have an impact.
To say I knew Oscar Taveras well would be inaccurate. He was part of a ball club that we root for. More importantly is the fact that his parents no longer have him, and that is what all of us can relate to, no matter what we do for a living. Taveras will be missed and certainly thought of from time to time, as we will always wonder, “What if?”
Like Darryl Kile and Josh Hancock, who died while members of the Cardinals, Taveras will always be a part of the team as the team will now begin the search to replace his position. Replacing his talent will be a different story, as his promise had tremendous upside. If nothing else comes from the passing of Oscar Taveras, parents now have another reminder of how important it is to remind your kids how much you love them and for them to always be careful when they leave the house, as there are, sometime tragically, no guarantees.
