Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla, have announced the tragic death of their newborn daughter, Sterling, who passed away on October 26, leading to Vesia’s absence during the team’s World Series victory. The emotional revelation, made via social media, has drawn an outpouring of support from the baseball community, highlighting the personal challenges behind professional sports.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, the couple shared a poignant image of their infant daughter and expressed their enduring love, stating, “Our little angel we love you forever & you’re with us always.” They revealed that Sterling died on October 26, describing the indescribable pain of their loss while cherishing the precious moments they had with her. This public acknowledgment came after Vesia’s sudden departure from the team just before the World Series began, which the Dodgers had initially attributed to a “deeply personal family matter.”
Vesia, a key bullpen asset, was absent starting October 23, the day before Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays, missing the entire series despite his contributions earlier in the postseason. His teammates and even opponents honored him by wearing his jersey number, 51, on their caps during games, a touching tribute that underscored the solidarity within the sport. The gesture extended to Blue Jays relievers in Game 6, symbolizing cross-team compassion in the face of adversity.
The Vesias expressed profound gratitude in their post, thanking the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center for their dedicated care and support during this difficult time. They also acknowledged the overwhelming kindness from the Dodgers and Blue Jays organizations, as well as fans worldwide, noting that the flood of messages and comments provided immense comfort. “Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” they wrote, emphasizing the role of community in their healing journey.
Throughout the regular season, Vesia compiled a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 68 games and was 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason appearances before his departure, playing a crucial role in the Dodgers’ path to the World Series. His absence was felt deeply, but the team rallied to secure a second consecutive championship in a hard-fought seven-game series, a victory tinged with sadness over their teammate’s personal loss. Manager Dave Roberts and players have publicly offered condolences, reflecting on Vesia’s integral presence and the collective grief.
As the family navigates this period of mourning, there is no immediate timeline for Vesia’s return to baseball, with the Dodgers ensuring he has the necessary space and support. The incident sheds light on the often-hidden personal struggles of athletes, bridging the gap between on-field performance and off-field humanity. The widespread response from fans and fellow professionals underscores the deep connections within the sports world, offering a beacon of hope amid tragedy.
Looking ahead, the Vesias are focused on honoring Sterling’s memory and healing together, with the continued backing of the baseball fraternity likely to aid their recovery. This event serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the power of unity in times of crisis, leaving a lasting impact on all who have followed the story.
