Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura honors Oscar Taveras in World Series Game 6

Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura honored his late friend, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras, in World Series Game 6 with a tribute on his cap.
Oct 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura walks off the mound in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants during game six of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the start of Tuesday night’s game, a moment of silence was held in Taveras’ memory. Ventura pitched a shutout and told the press after the game that he dedicated his performance to Taveras.

“[T]his game was dedicated to Oscar Taveras, my good friend,” Ventura said. “It’s a little emotional for us.”

Ventura planned to dedicate the game as soon as he heard the news about Taveras.

“I’m very proud to be Dominican, and that’s why I brought my flag out here. If you know out there, I carry my emotions on my sleeve, and I did it for the whole country of the Dominican Republic.

“From the minute that I found out about Oscar, I said this game was going to be dedicated to him. I prepared myself mentally and physically for this game, and I’m very proud to be a Dominican, and that’s why I brought the flag.”

Before leaving the media podium, Ventura closed with some final thoughts on the Cardinals outfielder.

“If he was still here, I would for sure be talking to him, and Oscar would be very happy for me and very proud,” Ventura said. “Oscar was a very humble guy and very likeable, and I’m going to miss him a lot. I’m grieving, and I want to send my best thoughts to his family. I know that I’m going to miss him a lot, and this is hard for me.”