Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia is mourning the tragic loss of his infant daughter, Sterling. The announcement of her passing came on Friday, revealing she died on Sunday, October 26. Alex and his wife, Kayla, expressed their grief in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Heartfelt Tribute to Their Daughter
The post included a touching image of Sterling holding the hands of her parents. “Our little angel, we love you forever, and you’re with us always,” they wrote. “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.”
Impact on the Game
Alex Vesia did not participate in the World Series due to what the Dodgers referred to as a “deeply personal family matter.” The day before Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Vesia was officially announced as absent from the team.
- Season Performance: Vesia concluded the regular season with a record of 4-2 and an ERA of 3.02 over 68 appearances.
- Postseason Performance: He achieved a 2-0 record with a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason games.
Support from the Baseball Community
In solidarity, Dodgers relievers honored Vesia by wearing his jersey number, 51, on their caps. Similarly, Blue Jays relievers participated in the tribute during Game 6 of the World Series.
Vesia and his wife expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center for their care, as well as to both teams for their unwavering support during this difficult time.
“Our baseball family showed up for us, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” they stated. They also acknowledged the overwhelming support from Dodgers fans, Blue Jays organization, and their entire baseball community. “Your love and support have brought us comfort.”
Wider Support from MLB Community
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) offered their condolences in a statement, sending love and support to the Vesia family during this trying moment. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Dodgers community,” they conveyed.
As the Dodgers celebrated their second consecutive World Series championship, the Vesia family faced an unbearable loss, garnering overwhelming support from fans and peers alike in their time of sorrow.
