Dodgers Teammates Unite in Heartbreak: Shohei Ohtani’s Touching Condolences to Alex Vesia Amid Family Tragedy and Injury Recovery
In the wake of one of the most emotionally charged chapters in Los Angeles Dodgers history, the baseball world has been reminded that some bonds transcend the diamond. Just days after the Dodgers clinched their second consecutive World Series title against the Toronto Blue Jays, relief pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla shared the devastating news of their newborn daughter Sterling Sol Vesia’s passing on October 26, 2025. The announcement, posted on Instagram on November 7, has sparked an outpouring of support from fans, players, and the entire MLB community. But amid the grief, a poignant exchange between Vesia and superstar teammate Shohei Ohtani has emerged as a beacon of humanity—highlighting themes of brotherhood, resilience, and mutual encouragement that are captivating fans far beyond the sport.
The story began unfolding on October 23, when the Dodgers announced Vesia’s absence from the World Series roster due to a “deeply personal family matter.” At the time, the team offered no further details, but the timing—mere hours before Game 1—hung like a shadow over Dodger Stadium. Vesia, a 29-year-old left-handed reliever known for his electric fastball and unflappable demeanor in high-pressure situations, had been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ bullpen throughout the 2025 season. His 2.45 ERA over 62 appearances made him indispensable, yet in that moment, baseball took a backseat to unimaginable loss.
Kayla and Alex Vesia had joyfully announced their pregnancy in April 2025, sharing glimpses of Kayla’s glowing baby bump and the couple’s excitement for their first child. Sterling Sol arrived prematurely, but the joy was short-lived. In their heartfelt Instagram post, the Vesias wrote: “Our little angel we love you forever & you’re with us always. Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.” Accompanying the message was a tender photo of Sterling’s tiny hand, a symbol of the fleeting but profound love they shared.
The Dodgers organization, fresh off a grueling seven-game World Series victory, rallied around their teammate with grace and solidarity. Manager Dave Roberts, in a pre-Game 7 press conference, called the situation “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that “there’s bigger things than baseball.” Teammates honored Vesia by stitching his jersey number, 51, onto their caps starting in Game 3—a gesture that even the rival Blue Jays mirrored in Game 6, turning a competitive series into a unified display of compassion. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised his players’ empathy, saying, “We have a lot of good people.” Fans, too, contributed thousands to Toronto’s SickKids Foundation in Sterling’s name, transforming tragedy into a wave of goodwill.
Enter Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom whose 2025 season—marked by 54 home runs, 18 pitching starts, and an NL MVP finalist nod—has redefined baseball greatness. Ohtani, no stranger to personal adversity after his own elbow surgeries and a shoulder subluxation scare during the World Series, reached out to Vesia privately upon hearing the news. Sources close to the team confirm that, approximately half an hour before the Vesias’ public announcement on November 7, Ohtani sent a deeply personal message of condolences. “My heart breaks for you and Kayla,” Ohtani reportedly wrote, according to an insider familiar with the exchange. “Sterling is an angel watching over you both. Lean on us—we’re family.” Ohtani, who typically communicates through interpreters, penned the note in English, a rare and intimate touch that underscores his growing comfort in his adopted home.
Vesia, ever the team player even in his darkest hour, responded with equal sincerity just hours later. In a direct reply that has since been confirmed by multiple sources, Vesia expressed profound gratitude: “Shohei, your words mean the world to us right now. Thank you for being the brother we need—your support lifts us more than you know.” But Vesia didn’t stop there. Mindful of Ohtani’s own recent battles, he added a heartfelt wish for recovery: “Praying for your quick healing from that shoulder tweak. You’ve carried us all season—get back strong, brother. We’ve got your back too.” Ohtani’s injury, a minor subluxation from a slide in Game 2 of the World Series, had sidelined him briefly but didn’t prevent his heroic Game 7 start, where he tossed six scoreless innings to seal the championship. Vesia’s words, blending vulnerability with encouragement, exemplify the Dodgers’ locker room culture—one forged in fire and fueled by mutual respect.
This exchange isn’t just a footnote in the Dodgers’ triumphant 2025 campaign; it’s a viral moment that’s resonating across social media, with #VesiaStrong and #OhtaniVesia trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans are sharing stories of their own losses, turning the conversation into a broader dialogue on grief, mental health, and the healing power of community. One viral post from a Dodgers supporter read: “Seeing Ohtani and Vesia lift each other up? That’s why we love this game. 💙” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal captured it perfectly: “In a sport often criticized for its isolation, these moments remind us: Teammates are lifelines.”
For Vesia, the road ahead is daunting. The Dodgers exercised his $3.65 million club option for 2026 on November 6, signaling their unwavering commitment. Teammate Will Klein, who stepped up in Vesia’s absence with a Game 3 gem, dedicated the World Series win to him: “We did this all for him.” As the parade confetti settled and the champagne corks popped without Vesia in attendance, Roberts reiterated the team’s priority: “Alex’s healing comes first. Baseball will wait.”
Ohtani’s recovery, meanwhile, appears on track. Roberts confirmed on November 8 that the 31-year-old slugger is “day-to-day but optimistic,” eyeing a full return for spring training. His splitter, sharper than ever in the playoffs, will be a weapon the Dodgers can’t wait to unleash again. Yet, in this intertwined tale of sorrow and strength, Ohtani’s gesture—and Vesia’s reciprocal grace—elevates them both beyond stats and accolades.
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The 2025 Dodgers weren’t just champions; they were humanitarians on the field. As Vesia navigates this profound loss, bolstered by Ohtani’s empathy and the league’s embrace, one thing is clear: In the face of heartbreak, baseball’s true MVPs are its hearts. Our thoughts remain with the Vesia family, and to Ohtani: Speedy recovery—LA needs you shining.
