Alex Vesia addressed the media on Friday ahead of Dodgers spring training, opening up about the loss of his infant daughter in October of last year.
Vesia, who missed the 2025 World Series due to the tragedy, thanked the organization for supporting he and his wife, Kayla, amid their devastation.
“The amount of support you’ve given Kay and I has been overwhelming in the best way. We’re beyond grateful to be a part of the organization and this family,” he said, pausing several times to collect himself. “So many of you have stepped up and been there for us in a big way over the past few months. It’s meant the world to Kay and I.”
Vesia also thanked the Dodgers’ World Series opponent, the Toronto Blue Jays, for wearing No. 51 on their hats, a tribute to the Vesias and the shared bond between baseball players.
“The relationships you make along the way, it showed that it’s much bigger than baseball,” he said.
The fans also reached out to offer their support as well, he explained.
“My DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we’ve had,” he said. “I’ve tried to read all the comments and everything, and it’s meant the world.”
Furthermore, the Los Angeles Rams sent a custom jersey to the family, which the Vesias appreciate and plan to get framed.
Vesia Mourns ‘Beautiful’ Late Daughter
Vesia said his daughter, Sterling Sol, was “the most beautiful girl in the world,” though her time with he and Kayla was “far too short.”
“We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her and love her … 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 heal and as we navigate the ups and downs of the baseball season,” he said.
The Vesias Used Baseball as ‘the Light in Our Darkness’
Though he missed the World Series, Vesia said he watched every game, and seeing his teammates on the field was a relief.
“Stepping away from the team, the brothers that I go to war with every day, was difficult, but it was also an easy decision, because my family needed me,” he said. “We still watched every pitch of the World Series, and for us, in so many ways, that was the light in our darkness.”
Manager Dave Roberts said he hopes returning to the field can help Vesia even further, adding that “his teammates are excited to have him back.”
“Getting back to what he loves to do is something that therapeutic for him,” Roberts said.
Vesia said he and his wife have also started therapy, which he recommended for others in similar situations.
“For those out there who have lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help,” he said. “Talk to somebody. It’s definitely helped Kay and I. And please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.”
Read Vesia’s full comments below:
I just want to start off by acknowledging my wife, Kayla, who is not only the strongest person that I know, but a support system for me every bit as much as I am for her. Part of what I am here to share is on behalf of the both of us.
I will start off by thanking the Dodgers: Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Doc, the whole coaching staff, and all of my teammates. The amount of support you have given Kay and I has been overwhelming in the best way. We are beyond grateful to be a part of this organization and this family. So many of you have stepped up and have been there for us in a big way over the past few months, and it has meant the world to both Kay and I.
I’d like to take 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.
When Kay and I were watching the World Series, we noticed there was 51 on Louie Varland’s hat. I immediately texted Gus Varland—it’s his brother—and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. He texted me back right away and said, “The Varlands love you, dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It’s bigger than baseball. We love y’all.” Kay and I were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed with emotion, and the community, the relationships that you make along the way… it showed that it was much bigger than baseball.
The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched. We’re both grateful to not only Dodger Nation but the fans worldwide. 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, and it’s meant the world, really.
We even got a jersey from the L.A. Rams with all their signatures on it. That was a surprise and very cool as well. We’ll have that framed and put up in our house.
The lessons we have learned from this is that life can change in an instant for us. 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 navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season. Stepping away from the team—the brothers that I go to war with every day—was difficult. But it was also an easy decision because my family needed me.
We still watched every pitch of the World Series. And for us, in so many ways, that was a light in our darkness. We got back to Arizona like the first or the second of November, and I immediately got back into the gym. I started my throwing program. Having something to look forward to has helped me. The gym has been my mental clarity.
Being around the guys again, preparing for Spring Training, it’s been really nice. I’ve gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, and being able to laugh and joke around has been really nice for me.
Kay and I started therapy about six weeks ago. It hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone has made a difference. For those out there who have lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It’s definitely helped Kay and I. Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.
I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families. 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 okay. Thank you.
