As the Los Angeles Dodgers officially reported for Spring Training on Friday, Alex Vesia spoke for the first time since his daughter passed away on Oct. 26, 2024.
Vesia was not on the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series roster when they faced the Toronto Blue Jays because of what the team called a deeply personal family matter. Vesia later revealed it was due to the loss of his daughter, Sterling Sol.
The Dodgers pledged their support to Vesia and opted against placing him on the family emergency medical list or the bereavement list. Had they gone with that path, the Dodgers would have needed to activate him within seven days, while also missing at least three games.
“We just didn’t want to have any potential for any kind of pressure,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said at the time. “This is so much bigger than baseball. For us, it was doing whatever small part we could to just 100% be supportive.”
Players from both the Dodgers and Blue Jays also wore No. 51 on their hats in support of Vesia. The Los Angeles Rams later gifted Vesia a signed jersey in honor of his late daughter.
Vesia gave a statement on the first day of Spring Training, but did not answer any questions. He instead thanked everyone for their support, asked for privacy moving forward, and urged anyone struggling to seek help.
Alex Vesia’s full statement
“Bear with me, please. Good morning. 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 I am for her. Part of what I’m here to share is on behalf of both of us,” Vesia began.
“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 for 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. 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 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 that there was 51 on Louie Varland’s hat. I immediately texted Gus Varland, his brother, and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. 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 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.
“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, messages 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 has meant the world, really.
“We even got a jersey from the LA 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’ve 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 as we navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season.
“Stepping away from the team and the brothers 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 the first or 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. Gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, and being able to laugh and joke around, it’s 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. And 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 OK.”
If you love our reporting, choose DodgerBlue.com as a preferred source on Google.
