Bomber Bites with Billy Brost: Tragedy Strikes The Game…Again
By Billy Brost
I wish to open this piece by sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of both Oscar Taveras, and his girlfriend, both of whom were tragically killed yesterday in the Dominican Republic in an automobile accident. For Taveras, 22, it was just another stark reminder that while baseball matters, it is just a game, and sometimes in life, people are taken from us much too soon, and without rhyme or reason.
Baseball has seen it’s fair share of tragedies over the history of the sport. From the Ray Chapman beaning and death 12 hours after the fact, to the debilitating illness that took Lou Gehrig, to the passing of players such as Thurman Munson, Donnie Moore, Eric Show, Darryl Kile, and Cory Lidle, baseball, their fans, and the players families and friends have suffered.
More from Yankees News
- Red Sox living in different financial ‘galaxy’ than Yankees Killer Rafael Devers
- Yankees slice surprising fan favorite off roster to make room for Tommy Kahnle
- Yankees announce corresponding move, make Carlos Rodón signing official
- Aaron Judge puts more pressure on Yankees after being named Captain
- Carlos Correa-Giants-Mets bombshell makes Aaron Judge’s return to Yankees even better
It was just over a week or so ago, that Taveras hit an impact home run against the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series. It was a flash of the ability that everyone saw, Taveras struggled to harness consistently, and leaves us upon his death, saying “What might have been.”
We never got to see the full potential of the player and the person develop on one of the great stages in baseball in St. Louis. Arguably the best fans in the game, Taveras was expected to compete for the starting right fielder’s job next season. Now, we only have what he left behind, such a small sample size, and untapped potential, his sudden passing leaves a sick feeling in the stomach of those of us who love the game, who write about and discuss the game. For me, it is a reminder of the last tragic, and sudden passing, that of Anaheim Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart.
Adenhart, had pitched the night, and went out with some friends for dinner. Shortly after midnight, that same evening, his vehicle was stuck by a drunk driver, and he was killed instantly. Like Taveras, Adenhart was only 22-years-old. He too was a talented, young arm, whom the Angels were excited about having on their big league roster.
As hard as it is for fans to comprehend how quickly life can be snuffed out, it puts the big picture back into perspective for us quickly. While the games and teams and players we cover matter, and what they do, or don’t do, or fail to do, matters, it’s not the end all and be all of what REALLY matters. What really matters is our loved ones, our friends, our faith. Without any of that, it’s a pretty miserable and lonely existence. Rather than walking by someone that is in obvious need, take a moment, help them out. We only get one go around on the big rock, and as precious as life is, we need to make the most of it and impact as many lives as we can while we are here.
Rest in Peace Oscar Taveras.