Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the "heartbreaking" news about left-handed reliever Alex Vesia just before Game 7 of the World Series. The day before Game 1, the Dodgers announced that Vesia would be away from the team due to a “deeply personal family matter” involving him and his wife.
In support of Vesia, the Dodgers bullpen honored him by wearing his number. During Game 6, the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen showed the same gesture, marking a powerful moment transcending baseball itself.
“It’s everything,” Roberts said. “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 this act of solidarity reflects the deep respect and bond between players beyond the sport. It highlights the true spirit of the league and the athletes' connection during difficult personal moments.
The Dodgers and Blue Jays shown solidarity with Alex Vesia during the World Series by honoring him amid a personal family crisis, highlighting the profound brotherhood within MLB.