Unrealized Potential

Oscar Traveras age 22 and his girlfriend Edilia Arvelo age 18 died in an automobile accident in the Dominican Republic on October 27th,  If you don't follow baseball or are not a St. Louis Cardinal fan you may not know who Oscar was. That is a hard word to use- was. Oscar came up to the major leagues this year and was developing as a player. He was ranked as the second or third best prospect in baseball. Would he have developed into a superstar? Was he the next Albert Pujols in the Cardinal organization? Unfortunately we will never know. It was two lives cut tragically short.

Organizations like individuals have an identity and a personality. The Cardinals are no exception. The reaction from the Cardinal organization was well done.

Chairman Bill DeWitt, Jr. "We are all stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of the youngest members of the Cardinals family. 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."

John Mozeliak, General Manager. "I simply can't believe it. I first met Oscar when he was 16 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."

Manager Mike Matheny. "In my opinion, the word "love" is the most misused, and misunderstood word in the English language. It is not popular for men to use this word, and even less popular for athletes. But, there is not a more accurate word for how a group of men share a deep and genuine concern for each other. We loved Oscar, and he loved us. That is what a team does, that is what a family does. You will be missed, Oscar."

It is the way you hope your team will respond when faced with the tragic loss of a player. Oscar was an outfielder and played right field. Last night at Busch Stadium this was the scene. The only lights on the ones in right field as a tribute to Oscar.

RIP Oscar.