Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla shared devastating news last Friday: the passing of their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, on October 26. The couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post, expressing their grief and gratitude for the support they received. “Our little angel, we will love you forever and you will always be with us,” the family wrote. “Our beautiful daughter went to heaven on Sunday, October 26. There are no words to describe the pain we feel, but we carry her in our hearts and cherish every second we spent with her.” The 29-year-old player was not on the Dodgers' roster during the World Series, as he was on special leave granted by the team. In their message, the Vesia family also thanked the Los Angeles Dodgers for their support and understanding: “Thank you to the Dodgers for their understanding and support during this difficult time. Our baseball family supported us unconditionally, and we couldn't have gotten through it without them.”

A gesture of solidarity on and off the diamond

During Game 3 of the World Series, players from both teams paid tribute to Vesia by wearing his number 51 on the sides of their caps. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted the gesture as a show of unity and empathy in professional baseball.

“I think this reflects the brotherhood among athletes, among MLB players,” Roberts said. “For these guys to recognize Alex and what he and Kayla have been through is heartbreaking, and that doesn't even begin to describe it.”

The Dodgers organization also issued a statement on October 23, announcing that Vesia would be taking a temporary leave of absence “to deal with a very personal family matter,” expressing their condolences and full support to the family.

In their farewell message, Alex and Kayla also extended their gratitude to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the medical staff who cared for them throughout their ordeal.

“Every single person we met was truly incredible,” they said. A native of Alpine, California, Alex Vesia was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2018 and made his Major League debut in 2020. Since joining the Dodgers in 2021, he has established himself as a key part of the bullpen, finishing the season with a 4-2 record and a 3.02 ERA in 68 appearances.