In an emotional address on Friday, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia opened up for the first time about the heart-wrenching loss of his newborn daughter during last year’s World Series. Speaking from Phoenix, Vesia shared a poignant six-minute statement, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Dodgers organization and the broader community.
Vesia expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of condolences they received, highlighting how it has helped him and his wife, Kayla, through their grief. He also shared that they have turned to therapy, encouraging others facing similar tragedies to consider doing the same.
“Life can change in an instant,” Vesia reflected, his voice breaking occasionally as he read from his smartphone. “Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world. We cherished every moment with her, holding her, reading to her, loving her. Though our time was brief, those memories are ours to treasure. We ask for understanding and privacy as we continue to heal and tackle the challenges of the baseball season.”
Vesia explained the difficulty of stepping away from his team during such a critical time. “Leaving my teammates was tough, but it was an easy decision because my family needed me,” he said. Despite the personal turmoil, Vesia and his wife found solace in watching every pitch of the World Series, which served as a beacon of hope during their darkest days.
Vesia, an essential element of the Dodgers’ bullpen, was notably absent from the roster just before the World Series began in late October. Tragically, their daughter passed away two days later as the series moved from Toronto to Los Angeles. In a heartfelt tribute, the Blue Jays’ relievers wore Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps during Game 6, with his fellow Dodgers bullpen teammates marking the series with his number as well. The Dodgers went on to win the series in seven fiercely contested games.
In a touching gesture of solidarity, the Los Angeles Rams presented Vesia with a team-signed jersey featuring his daughter’s name on the back. Vesia shared his plans to soon display this cherished gift in his home as a tribute to his daughter’s memory.
“The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched,” he said. “We’re both grateful to not only Dodger nation but the fans worldwide. My DMs, messages — my DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we’ve had. I’ve tried to read all the comments and everything just because it’s meant the world, really.”
Vesia, 29, arrived in Arizona in early November and immediately began to work out. He called the gym his “mental clarity.” Shortly thereafter, he began his throwing program. On Friday, ahead of the Dodgers’ first official workout of spring training, Vesia threw a bullpen session from the team’s complex at Camelback Ranch.
“Being around the guys again, preparing for spring training, it’s been really nice,” Vesia said. “Gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, and being able to laugh and joke around — that’s been really nice for me.”
Vesia has been one of the Dodgers’ most trusted relievers over the past five years, putting up a 2.67 ERA in 295 regular-season appearances since his first full season in 2021 — not to mention a 1.86 ERA in 19 playoff innings. That will continue in 2026, even after the offseason acquisition of star closer Edwin Diaz.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spent about a half hour chatting with Vesia on Thursday and believes returning to baseball will be “therapeutic.” Six weeks before reporting, Vesia and his wife began to see a therapist. He said it “hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone has made a difference.”
“I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families,” Vesia added. “And realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community. The baseball community is extremely strong. I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we’re carrying her with us every day. It’s been hard, but we’re doing OK.”
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