The baseball world just got some truly heartbreaking news. Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla, revealed that they lost their newborn daughter, Sterling, on October 26.
They shared their grief and love for Sterling in an emotional Instagram post. The response from teammates, fans, and even rival clubs was immediate and deeply compassionate.
This tragedy happened right in the middle of the baseball season. It’s a sharp reminder that some things matter far more than the game.
Alex Vesia’s Heartbreaking Absence from the World Series
Before the World Series started, Vesia left the Dodgers for what was called a “deeply personal matter.” Nobody knew the details at first.
Now, it’s clear his absence was because of the devastating loss of Sterling. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman spoke up right away, making it clear this was about more than baseball.
A Team United in Tribute
Dodgers relievers honored Vesia in a simple, powerful way. They wrote his jersey number, No. 51, on their caps before Game 3—just a day after Sterling passed.
This wasn’t some show for the media. It was a real, heartfelt gesture in the middle of championship pressure.
Teammates Justin Wrobleski and Evan Phillips talked about how much the tragedy shook the clubhouse. The loss brought everyone closer, making it clear that, at the end of the day, baseball teams are human communities before anything else.
Support Beyond Los Angeles
The support didn’t stop with the Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen marked their caps with No. 51 during the last two World Series games.
It didn’t matter that they were rivals. The gesture showed just how much compassion runs through the baseball world.
Kiké Hernández Commends a Rival’s Humanity
Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández noticed what the Blue Jays did. He said their kindness proved that humanity always comes first, before any competition.
His words echoed what so many players and fans felt—sometimes, the game just doesn’t matter as much as standing together.
Fans Channel Grief Into Action
As more people learned about Sterling’s passing, fans from both teams wanted to help. They started donating to the SickKids Foundation in honor of the Vesias.
The foundation helps improve children’s health, and it quickly became the place where supporters could turn their sympathy into something real.
A Parade of Compassion
The Dodgers’ World Series celebration felt bittersweet. Along the parade route, fans held up signs with messages of condolence.
Alex and Kayla saw these signs and felt the support. They later shared how much the outpouring of compassion meant to them.
The Emotional Impact on Baseball
This tragedy has touched more than just one team or city. It’s a tough reminder that professional athletes, for all their strength, aren’t immune to life’s hardest moments.
For Vesia and the Dodgers, moving forward means finding a balance between the joy of the game and the pain they’ll carry with them.
Key Moments of Support
- Vesia missed the World Series to be with family after their loss.
- Dodgers relievers marked No. 51 on their caps as a tribute.
- The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen joined in during the series, honoring the gesture.
- Kiké Hernández openly praised their rivals for showing such compassion.
- Fans began donating to the SickKids Foundation in Sterling’s honor.
- Signs at the World Series parade offered heartfelt condolences.
I’ve covered sports for more than thirty years, and honestly, I’ve witnessed a lot—victories, defeats, and everything in between.
This one hits different. It’s not just about the game or the championship; it’s about people coming together, showing up for each other when it really matters.
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Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers’ Alex Vesia announces death of infant daughter after missing World Series
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