During Game 5 of the World Series, word spread of Oscar Tavares’ death. The 22-year-old Cardinals outfielder died tragically in a car accident in the Dominican Republic Sunday. The news hit the baseball world hard. FOX’s Ken Rosenthal broke in with the story during the World Series and Bud Selig quickly issued a statement of condolence on behalf of MLB.
One man took the news harder than others. Juan Perez of the San Francisco Giants was friends with Tavares, having played winter ball with him in the Dominican. After receiving a text, Perez retreated to the clubhouse where hitting coach Hensley Meulens found him crying.
Perez was so upset about the devastating news, he threw his phone away after confirming the reports were accurate. Yet three innings later, the rookie delivered the biggest hit of his career, a two-run double off previously untouchable Kansas City Royals reliever Wade Davis to give the Giants breathing room as they took a 3-2 Series lead with a 5-0 victory.
As he spoke with reporters afterward, the emotions at times overwhelmed Perez, a native of the Dominican Republic who moved to the U.S. at 14.
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After the game, Perez shared his thoughts on Twitter.
That Double was 4 U Oscar! I'll remember the Good Times. God Bless U Bro. I'll miss U man. My condolences! pic.twitter.com/vjQaZiymaF
— Juan Carlos Perez🦂 (@juan_perez24) October 27, 2014
I can’t imagine how tough it is to play, let alone deliver in a crucial spot like that. Props to Juan Perez. He’s a better man than me.
R.I.P. Oscar Tavares.
