Oscar Taveras died Sunday.
It's heartbreaking. And inconceivable, I think, because we wrote Oscar Taveras' story one way for so long: successful career, grand heroics.
But the ultimate author ended his story here. Like this: forever 22, full of potential, at the dawn of a career.
I am struggling to accept that. Because, to me, that is not the way his story should end. It's not the way I heard it. It's not the way I pictured it.
Ultimately, however, this tragedy is not about potential or talent or career milestones. It's about a young man and young lady who left us too soon. It's about youth.
Life never seems more fragile than when someone so full of vitality dies.
Life never seems more precious than when someone years from old age dies.
Life never seems more unfair than when someone approaching a bright horizon dies.
Life is unfair and precious and fragile. Cherish it. Enjoy it. Live, but most of all love.
***
To Oscar: I thought I would be saying goodbye when you retired from this game 18 years from now as the central hero in the latest chapter of Cardinals history.
Today, too soon, I say goodbye. Your life was brief, but you've left an indelible mark on baseball fans' hearts.
Rest in peace, Oscar.
