The Los Angeles Dodgers community and the baseball world are rallying around pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla following the heartbreaking death of their infant daughter. The couple announced the passing of Sterling Sol Vesia, who died on October 26, just as the World Series was set to begin against the Toronto Blue Jays.
A Family's Heartbreaking Loss
Alex Vesia, a 29-year-old relief pitcher, was unexpectedly absent from the Dodgers' World Series roster, with the team initially citing a deeply personal family matter. The full extent of the tragedy was revealed through a poignant Instagram post from the couple, which expressed their profound grief.
Our little angel we love you forever & you're with us always, the Vesias wrote. Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we're going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.
Baseball Community Shows Support
In a powerful display of solidarity, both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays paid tribute to the Vesia family during World Series games by wearing caps featuring Vesia's jersey number, 51. This gesture underscored the deep bonds within the baseball community during times of personal crisis.
The Vesia family expressed immense gratitude for this support, stating: Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn't be able to do this without them. They also extended thanks to hospital staff who provided care, describing them as truly so incredible.
Dodgers Fans Extend Compassion to Toronto
In a remarkable show of cross-border compassion, Los Angeles Dodgers fans have donated more than $30,000 to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) during this period. Sandra Chiovitti, a spokesperson for SickKids, confirmed to the Toronto Star that the hospital received over 400 contributions from U.S.-based donors, many including personalized messages referencing the Blue Jays or baseball.
This charitable movement emerged alongside the emotional support for the Vesia family, creating a dual narrative of personal tragedy and community generosity that transcended team rivalries.
The Dodgers ultimately defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in Game 7 at Rogers Centre to claim their second consecutive World Series championship, a victory shadowed by the team's personal loss.
