The Los Angeles Dodgers family and the wider baseball world are mourning a profound loss. Pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla, have shared the heartbreaking news that their infant daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, has passed away.
A Heartbreaking Announcement
The couple confirmed the devastating news in a poignant statement posted on their Instagram account on Friday, November 7. They described the loss as something for which there are simply no words, a sentiment that has resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike. The announcement was accompanied by a touching photograph of the couple's hands resting over their daughter's.
In their message, they revealed the painful detail that Sterling passed away on Sunday, October 26. Despite the unimaginable grief, the Vesias are holding on to the precious time they had with her, vowing to keep her memory alive in their hearts. "We love you forever & you're with us always," their emotional statement read.
Baseball Community Rallies in Support
The Vesia family took a moment to express their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received during this incredibly difficult period. They specifically thanked the Dodgers organization, their fans, and even members of the Toronto Blue Jays community who reached out to them. They noted that the flood of messages and posts provided a small measure of comfort when everything felt overwhelmingly hard.
The family also extended a special thank you to the Cedars-Sinai medical staff, describing every single member involved in Sterling's care as "incredible."
Dodgers Prioritize Family Over Baseball
The Dodgers organization had previously shown its unwavering support for the pitcher. Before the World Series, the team announced that Vesia would not be participating in the championship run due to a "deeply personal family matter."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation, making it clear that the team's primary focus was on supporting the Vesia family. He stated that roster decisions were entirely secondary to the well-being of Alex and Kayla.
Andrew Friedman, the President of Baseball Operations, provided further insight, explaining that the club deliberately avoided using a roster option that could have pressured Vesia into an earlier return. The goal, as reported by People magazine, was to ensure Vesia felt no pressure to return before he was ready.
A League-Wide Tribute
The support for Vesia was not just verbal; it was visibly demonstrated on the field. In several games, a number of Dodgers players took the field with Vesia's No. 51 displayed on their caps. After one such game, veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw explained the gesture, saying, "We just wanted to do something to honor him," emphasizing how important Vesia is to the team.
This tribute extended beyond their own clubhouse. In a powerful show of solidarity, relievers for the Toronto Blue Jays also wore Vesia's No. 51 during Game 6. Dodgers player Kike Hernandez acknowledged this cross-team compassion, stating, "I want them to know that we appreciate them."
The couple had joyfully announced they were expecting their first child in April. The passing of Sterling Sol Vesia is a tragic loss for the Vesia family and a moment of shared sorrow for the entire baseball community.
