Blue Jays Honor Dodgers’ Vesia with Emotional Tribute During World Series

UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in a heartfelt tribute to Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia, who is absent from the team due to a deeply personal family matter. This emotional gesture comes as the teams face off in the World Series, with Game 7 scheduled for today, October 28, 2023.

In a show of solidarity, Blue Jays pitchers, including Chris Bassitt, Seranthony Dominguez, Mason Fluharty, and Louis Varland, wore Vesia’s No. 51 on the side of their caps during Game 6, which resulted in a 3-1 victory for the Dodgers. This win forced a decisive Game 7 in the series.

Vesia, only 29 years old, has been a reliable asset for the Dodgers, posting a record of 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA over 68 regular-season games and a 2-0 record with a 3.86 ERA in the postseason. His absence has been felt deeply by teammates and fans alike.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed gratitude for the Blue Jays’ tribute, stating, “It’s everything. I think it really speaks to the brotherhood of athletes. It just speaks to how much respect and love they have for one another. It’s a huge, huge tribute to Alex.”

Dodgers outfielder Enrique Hernandez noticed the tribute firsthand when he spotted the number on Bassitt’s cap after striking out in the ninth inning. “Instead of being mad that I struck out, I was thinking, ‘Did Bassitt play with Vesia at some point?'” Hernandez remarked. “For those guys to do that, it’s incredible. They understand that life is bigger than baseball.”

Blue Jays manager John Schneider highlighted the character of his players, saying, “We have a lot of good people in there that appreciate what we all do and the hardships that come with it.” This sentiment is resonating beyond the field as fans rally around the shared humanity of the sport.

As the final game of the World Series approaches, the solidarity between teams emphasizes that the spirit of sportsmanship transcends competition. Fans and players alike are urged to tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown, underscored by a powerful message of support for Vesia and his family.

Stay tuned for updates as the game unfolds, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #Vesia51.