Oscar Taveras

In Remembrance of Oscar Tavaras

When we make an MLB Showdown card one goal of ours is to give a portrayal of a player's year. Taking an entire year of a player's career and representing it on a single piece of paper measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches is a daunting task.We all appreciate the hard work players put into honing their craft. All players spend time away from their families so our families have an excuse to gather together and enjoy something together. Capturing all those moments you all have with your loved ones on a card is impossible. Part of our goal is to help make it easier for you all to remember the great years these players had that lead to all your great times. It is a much more daunting task to try and capture a players life in a card. Sadly it happens more often than we would wish.



In June of 2002 Darryl Kile sadly passed away mid-season. The 2002 base set was released in April of that year. The Pennant Run set came out on July 15th. September had the Super Season. There was never a Kile card made following his passing. I remember using his 2002 card as a way of thinking fondly of the times I got to watch him play. It is understandable for printing reasons why a card was never made. I always wished there had been as a special reminder.

In February of 2003 Mike Darr of the San Diego Padres passed away after a traffic accident. I did not have any memories Darr myself. I imagine many other players wished they had a special something to remember this player.

Sadly we will only get the opportunity to make a card for Oscar Taveras one time. We will never be able to properly show the magnitude of a person's life with a Showdown card. Oscar's life went beyond On-Base and charts. The impact he had on his friends and family was far greater than all those silly things. The impact that he had on your lives through the sacrifices he made also are greater than those silly things. I hope this card helps everyone remember all the great memories Oscar Taveras has in our lives.