Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the emotional news about left-handed reliever Alex Vesia just before Game 7 of the World Series.
The Dodgers announced that Alex Vesia would be away from the team as he and his wife were facing a “deeply personal family matter.” This news came the day before Game 1 of the World Series, impacting the team emotionally.
In an extraordinary display of solidarity, the Dodgers bullpen honored Vesia by wearing his number. The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen mirrored this gesture during Game 6, showing support that transcends the sport.
During Game 6 of the World Series on Friday night, the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen was seen doing the same thing in what has been an incredible act that is bigger than baseball.
Roberts reflected on the significance of this support from fellow players just before the decisive game of the season.
“It’s everything. I didn’t learn that until after the game last night, and I think it really speaks to the brotherhood of athletes, Major League Baseball players. They’ll all say that ‘baseball is what we do but it’s not who we are,’ and for these guys to recognize Alex, and what he and Kayla have gone through, heartbreaking is not even a good enough descriptor.
“But for them to acknowledge that, it just speaks to how much respect and love that they have for one another. It’s a huge, huge tribute to Alex.”
This heartfelt tribute highlights the deep respect and solidarity active players share beyond the game itself.
Dave Roberts praises the powerful act of support from both teams’ bullpens, emphasizing the true brotherhood among MLB players during a difficult personal time for Alex Vesia.