Dodgers' Alex Vesia publicly thanks Toronto Blue Jays for teams support during World Series
Photo credit: Dodgers Nation-x.com
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia is feeling the love from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic death of his daughter in October.
During Game 6, a number of pitchers for the Toronto Blue Jays had the number 51 - Vesia's jersey number - written on the side of their caps.
In a video released on social media, a visibly emotional Vesia reads a prepared message on behalf on himself and his wife Kayla. After he thanks her and the Dodgers staff and teammates, he turns his attention to Toronto.
Alex Vesia gave a shoutout to the Blue Jays for wearing 51 on their hats in the World Series while he was away from the Dodgers:
“They are a first-class organization. Kay and I, we were very emotional… it showed it was much bigger than baseball.”
“They are a first-class organization. Kay and I, we were very emotional… it showed it was much bigger than baseball.”
I'd like to the opportunity to thank the Toronto Blue Jays. Their front office, coaching staff, and their players for showing us the support. They are a first class organization and I just want to say thank you to them. - Alex Vesia on the Toronto Blue Jays actions during the World Series
Vesia goes on to state that him and his wife were watching the World Series and first noticed the 51 on Louis Varland's hat. Vesia knew Varland's brother Gus and sent him a text message to ask if he was seeing that correctly. That's when he found out about the full tribute.
"The Varlands love you dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It's bigger than baseball, we love y'all.." "Kay and I, we were very emotional."
As Canada, and the world, watched the series in record numbers, the tribute to Vesia became something of a national news story, a camaraderie between competitors that united the baseball world.
Thank you baseball
Alex Vesia spoke for more than six minutes this morning, thanking the Dodgers and baseball community at large for their support after he and his wife, Kayla, lost their daughter last year. Here is his full prepared statement:
Vesia in camp with Dodgers
After taking time to grieve during the offseason to grieve and mourn, Vesia is in camp with the Dodgers, whose pitchers and catchers reported yesterday. He likely returns to his role in the bullpen in 2026.
Blue Jays Central sends their support to Alex and Kayla.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14|128 ANSWERS Dodgers' Alex Vesia publicly thanks Toronto Blue Jays for teams support during World Series Do you remember the tribute during the World Series? | ||
| Yes | 93 | 72.7 % |
| No | 19 | 14.8 % |
| Who cares, lets move on | 16 | 12.5 % |
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