Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia and his wife, Kayla, revealed on social media that their newborn daughter, Sterling, passed away on October 26, leading to Vesia’s absence from the World Series for personal reasons. This heartbreaking announcement came via an Instagram post on Friday, where the couple shared their grief and gratitude for the support received from the baseball community.
In the emotional post, the Vesias described their daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, as their “little angel” and expressed that she went to heaven on Sunday, October 26th. They acknowledged the indescribable pain of their loss but emphasized cherishing every moment they had with her. The post included a touching image of the infant holding hands with adults, symbolizing the family’s bond and the brief time they shared.
The Dodgers had initially announced Vesia’s absence on October 23, just before Game 1 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, citing a “deeply personal family matter.” The team respected his privacy and did not pressure him to return, with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stating that the situation was “so much bigger than baseball” and that their focus was on supporting the Vesia family during this difficult time.
During the World Series, Dodgers relievers paid tribute to Vesia by etching his number 51 on their caps starting from Game 3, and Blue Jays relievers joined in this gesture from Game 6. This show of solidarity between opposing teams highlighted the camaraderie and empathy within Major League Baseball, transcending competitive rivalries. Manager Dave Roberts noted that it reflected the players’ recognition that baseball is what they do, not who they are, and underscored the respect and love for Vesia.
Vesia, 29, had a notable season, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 68 regular-season games and a 2-0 record in seven postseason appearances before his absence. His contributions were integral to the Dodgers’ bullpen, and his teammates rallied to secure a second consecutive World Series championship in seven games, dedicating their efforts in part to his family’s ordeal.
The Vesias expressed profound gratitude to the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center for their care and support, as well as to the Dodgers, Blue Jays organization, and fans worldwide. They mentioned that the outpouring of messages, comments, and posts from the baseball community provided immense comfort during their mourning process. The MLB players’ union also issued a statement offering love and support, emphasizing the wider network of solidarity.
This tragedy has reminded the sports world of the importance of compassion beyond the game, as players, teams, and fans united in support. The Vesias’ openness about their loss has fostered a sense of shared humanity, illustrating how personal challenges can bring people together across team lines. As they navigate their grief, the ongoing support from the baseball family continues to be a source of strength.
Moving forward, the Vesias plan to cherish Sterling’s memory while relying on the comfort of their loved ones and the broader community. The incident has left a lasting impact, reinforcing values of empathy and unity in professional sports, and highlighting how athletes’ personal lives are deeply interconnected with their public roles.
