Who Is Oscar Taveras? Age, Biography and Wiki
Oscar Taveras was born on June 19, 1992, in the Dominican Republic. Despite his untimely passing in 2014, his legacy lives on. Taveras made a significant impact during his brief career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the St. Louis Cardinals. Known for his outstanding batting skills and charisma on the field, he represented the hopes of many young athletes. In 2025, he would have been 33 years old, a poignant reminder of the talent lost too soon.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1992 |
| Age | 22 Years |
| Birth Place | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Dominican Republic |
| Date of death | 26 October, 2014 |
| Died Place | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic |
Popularity
Oscar Taveras's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Taveras stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintained a weight of approximately 205 lbs (93 kg) during his playing career. His athletic build contributed to his performance as an outfielder, showcasing speed and agility that endeared him to fans and scouts alike.
With prodigious batting skills, Taveras was a consensus top-five minor league prospect in 2013 and 2014. He elicited comparisons to former MLB outfielder and fellow Dominican Vladimir Guerrero—with a powerful and smooth, balanced stroke, Taveras successfully hit pitches well outside of the strike zone.
Also similar to Guerrero, he possessed a strong and accurate throwing arm. The outfielder was the recipient of a litany of awards and won batting titles in two minor leagues, including hitting .386 for the Midwest League title in 2011.
The next year, he won the Texas League batting title and was the Texas League Player of the Year and Cardinals organization Player of the Year.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Oscar Taveras was romantically linked with several women during his life, but specific details on his relationships remain limited. He had a close-knit family, often referencing the support from his parents and siblings, who played a vital role in his ascent to fame. His tragic death cast a long shadow over his family, prompting an outpouring of love and remembrance from fans and fellow players.
Originally from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Oscar Taveras grew up in a town called Sosúa. He began taking interest in baseball early in life. According to his father, Francisco Taveras, at about age five, he started to call himself "El Fenómeno," which is Spanish for "The Phenomenon".
"He would say, 'I’m going to make you the happiest dad in the world. I want to be a star. I want to be a major leaguer. I’m the phenomenon. I’m the best,'" recounted his father.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2014, Taveras had accumulated a net worth estimated around $3 million, primarily earned through his MLB contract and endorsements. In 2025, the financial impact of his legacy continues, with memorabilia and signed merchandise gaining value, making him a notable figure in the sports collector market.
Career, Business and Investments
Oscar Taveras's MLB career, though brief, was marked by exceptional promise. He debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, quickly becoming known for his hit-making abilities. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a tragic car accident in October of the same year. Posthumously, his story has inspired numerous charities and foundations aimed at helping young athletes, showcasing how his influence endures beyond the diamond.
The St. Louis Cardinals signed Taveras as an international amateur free agent on November 25, 2008 for $145,000. They assigned him to the rookie league Dominican Summer League Cardinals the next season.
Although he hit just .265 with one home run (HR) and 42 runs batted in (RBI) in 65 games, Taveras earned a promotion to the Johnson City Cardinals of the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2010. The talent which scouts had discovered in the Dominican Republic quickly actualized, as he hit .322 with eight HR and 43 RBI in 53 games.
Social Network
While Oscar Taveras may not have had a strong social media presence during his life, his legacy has been carried on by his fans and family through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms serve as a tribute to his memory, featuring highlights from his career, fan interactions, and memorial events celebrating his life and contributions to baseball.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny stated, "There is not a more accurate word ("love") 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." Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig stated, "With heavy hearts, tonight we play Game 5 of the 2014 World Series in the memory of these two young people."
Education
Oscar Taveras’s formal education was primarily focused on baseball training rather than traditional academics. He was scouted at a young age for his talent and dedicated himself to the sport, ultimately bypassing higher education in pursuit of a professional career in Major League Baseball.
After winning the Midwest League batting title at age 19, Taveras began to garner notice outside the Cardinals organization. Baseball America named him the Cardinals' third-best prospect prior to the 2012 season and ranked him 74th in all of baseball. The Cardinals assigned him to play for the Springfield Cardinals of the Class AA Texas League.
He spent the entire season there, playing 124 games before participating in winter league play.
