On a quiet morning in Glendale, Arizona, Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia spoke publicly for the first time since the heartbreaking loss of his newborn daughter last year during the World Series. Addressing the media on Friday, Vesia revealed how he and his wife, Kayla, have embarked on a healing process through therapy and urged others facing similar grief to seek support. His story underscores the resilience required to navigate profound personal tragedy alongside a professional athletic career.
A Father’s Heartfelt Reflection on Time with Daughter Sterling Sol
Vesia’s emotional six-minute statement shared intimate moments of his brief time with his daughter, Sterling Sol, who passed away shortly after birth. He described holding her, changing her diaper, and reading to her during the precious minutes they had together. Despite the brevity of Sterling’s life, Vesia and Kayla treasure those memories, asking for privacy as they continue their healing amid the challenges of the baseball season.
The lessons we’ve learned from this is that life can change in an instant,
Vesia said, pausing emotionally during his statement.
Ten minutes is all it took. Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world. We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her and love her. Our time together was far too short. Kay and I will keep those precious moments and memories to ourselves. I hope that anyone listening can empathize and respect our wishes for privacy as we continue to heal and as we navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season.
Stepping Away from World Series to Grieve
Vesia was notably absent from the Dodgers’ World Series roster announced on October 24, with the team citing a deeply personal family issue. The pitcher’s daughter passed away two days afterward, news which Vesia and Kayla shared publicly via Instagram on November 7. When asked about the decision to step back from such a pivotal moment, Vesia acknowledged it was difficult but necessary.
I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we’re carrying her with us every day,
he expressed.
It’s been hard, but we’re doing OK.
Support from Baseball Community and Beyond
Throughout this difficult period, the baseball world extended overwhelming solidarity to Vesia. Early in the World Series, Dodgers relievers honored him by wearing his No. 51 on their caps, a gesture that was soon adopted by Blue Jays relievers as well. This shared expression of support touched Vesia deeply during the intensity of the seven-game series.
He recounted a notable moment when he spotted Toronto pitcher Louie Varland wearing his number and contacted Louie’s brother, Gus — a former Dodgers player — to confirm. The message he received highlighted how the baseball community transcends the game itself during times of hardship.
I asked him if I was seeing that correctly,
Vesia recalled.
He texted me back right away, and he said, ‘The Varlands love you, dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It’s bigger than baseball. We love you all.’ Kay and I, we were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed with emotion, and the baseball community, the relationships that you make along the way, it showed that it’s much bigger than baseball.
Gestures of Compassion Beyond the Diamond
The outpouring of kindness reached beyond baseball. The Los Angeles Rams presented Vesia with a jersey signed by their entire team, emblazoned with “S. Vesia” on the back to honor Sterling. The pitcher intends to have the jersey framed as a lasting tribute in his home. These acts of empathy have reinforced the closeness and support network surrounding Vesia and Kayla during their journey.
The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched,
Vesia reflected.
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.
Returning to the Team and Finding Strength
Speaking from Camelback Ranch on the first official report day for pitchers and catchers, Vesia expressed appreciation for the warmth he has encountered in the Dodgers’ clubhouse. Many teammates and position players have reached out throughout the offseason. Max Muncy described Vesia as a competitive presence whose energy positively influences the team.
I know a lot of guys saw him in the offseason, and they made themselves available to him,
Muncy said.
I’m hoping he feels the love from all of us, just knowing we’re all here for him. That’s one of the most competitive guys on the mound that I’ve seen. It’s infectious to all of us, and I’m hoping he’s able to get back out there and keep being who he is and be that fire for us.
Career Highlights and Recent Performance
Since joining the Dodgers in 2021 following a trade from the Marlins, left-handed reliever Vesia has been a consistent contributor, maintaining a 2.67 ERA over five seasons. Last postseason, he recorded a 3.86 ERA across seven appearances and had six consecutive scoreless outings before the World Series, culminating in the Dodgers’ championship victory in seven games.
We still watched every pitch of the World Series,
Vesia stated,
For us, in so many ways, that was a light in our darkness.
Using Baseball and Community as Paths to Healing
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently spent about 30 minutes catching up with Vesia, offering ongoing support and emphasizing the therapeutic potential of returning to the sport. Within days of his daughter’s passing, Vesia returned to Arizona to begin training. The gym has since become a refuge during this difficult time.
Having something to look forward to has helped me,
Vesia shared.
The gym has been my mental clarity. Being around the guys again, preparing for spring training, it’s been really nice. 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.
Alex Vesia’s journey through loss and recovery highlights the profound intersections between personal grief and professional commitment. Supported by a close-knit baseball community and his family, Vesia is gradually finding strength and purpose as he prepares to rejoin the Dodgers for the upcoming season.
