On the eve of the World Series Game 1, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that pitcher Alex Vesia would be stepping away due to a deeply personal family matter. This news cast a somber tone over the team during a crucial moment of the season.
In solidarity, members of the Dodgers bullpen honored Vesia by marking his number during Game 6, showing their support in a simple but powerful gesture. Remarkably, the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen mirrored this act, demonstrating a level of sportsmanship that transcends the game itself.
“It’s everything. I didn’t learn that until after the game last night, and I think it really speaks to the brotherhood of athletes, Major League Baseball players. They’ll all say that ‘baseball is what we do but it’s not who we are,’ and for these guys to recognize Alex, and what he and Kayla have gone through, heartbreaking is not even a good enough descriptor.”
“But for them to acknowledge that, it just speaks to how much respect and love that they have for one another. It’s a huge, huge tribute to Alex.”
Roberts emphasized that the emotional unity displayed by both teams illustrates how compassion and humanity remain central to professional baseball, even amid competition at the highest level.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised both teams for honoring Alex Vesia, calling it a moving act of solidarity that highlights the spirit and empathy within Major League Baseball.