Moment of silence held for Taveras at World Series

Published Oct. 28, 2014 10:02 p.m. ET

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- While thousands paid their respects at his funeral in his hometown of Sosua, Dominican Republic, Oscar Taveras also was remembered at the World Series on Tuesday night.

Before Game 6, a moment of silence was held for Taveras and Edilia Arvelo, his girlfriend who also was killed in the single-car crash Sunday. A photo montage of Taveras was displayed on the giant videoboard at Kauffman Stadium, then went black when the public-address announcer asked for silence.

Royals starter Yordano Ventura, a fellow Dominican, carried his own tribute into the game. On the front of his cap, he wore "RIP O.T. #18." Ventura said he became close to Taveras when the two were in the minor leagues. When both were playing in the Texas League in 2012, Ventura spent the night at Taveras' apartment in Springfield whenever the Northwest Arkansas Naturals visited.

Ventura even had his mom prepare a Dominican meal for Taveras when the Cardinals visited the Royals in June.

"My thoughts are with the family and of all of those who know him," Ventura said Monday. "It's a very difficult time. And such is life, things like this happen."

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and general manager John Mozeliak were in the Dominican Republic to attend Taveras' services. Carlos Martinez also was in attendance, the Associated Press reported.

At Busch Stadium, the Cardinals paid tribute to by leaving only a bank of lights on in right field Tuesday night.   

You can follow Stan McNeal on Twitter at @StanMcNeal or email him at stanmcneal@gmail.com.

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