Taveras was considered Cardinals' top prospects and one of MLB's overall. Taveras was one major reason why the Cardinals decided not to resign Carlos Beltran during the off season. Taveras made his big league debut on May 31, 2014 and made it a memorable one-hitting a home run. He later struggled some at the plate during the year and was subsequently sent back down to the minor leagues. Taveras was back up with St. Louis for the pennant race and playoffs. One of his final at bats was a pinch hit game tying pinch hit home run versus San Francisco in the NLCS.
Whenever I see the tragic death of one baseball's young stars or prospects, I can't help but think of two others who had a similar fate- Nick Adenhart and Ken Hubbs.,
Adenhart made the Angels starting rotation out of spring training in 2009 after debuting with the team in 2008. Hours after making his 2009 debut where he pitched six shutout innings, Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver on his way home.
Ken Hubbs was the Cubs 2nd baseman and won the Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove awards in 1962. Even at a young age, he was well respected in the dugout but had a fear of flying. He decided to face his fear head on and get a pilot's license. He was successful. During February of 1964, he and a friend tried to beat a winter storm in Utah, but tragically failed.
Coincidentally all three players were 22 years old. Each with a bright futures in baseball and whole lives in front of them.
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