LOS ANGELES DODGERS star Alex Vesia attended spring training on Friday, four months on from the tragic passing of his infant child.
Vesia, 29, and his partner Kayla lost their daughter Sterling in October last year.
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Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Alex Vesia attended Spring TrainingCredit: AP
He missed the World Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays due to the devastating lossCredit: AP
The LA Dodgers star lost his infant daughter Sterling with wife KaylaCredit: Instagram @babyy_vesia
The loss of his newborn child meant that he missed the Dodgers’ World Series win against the Toronto Blue Jays.
After the Dodgers’ first official workout at spring training, Vesia read a heartfelt statement to reporters.
He said, “The lessons we’ve learned from this is that life can change in an instant for us.
“Ten minutes is all it took. Sterling’s soul was the most beautiful girl in the world.
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“We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her and love her. Our time together was far too short.”
He explained that missing the World Series was a tough but “easy decision because my family needed me.”
The Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in seven games to win their second title in as many years.
Vesia also thanked the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams after they sent him a jersey with all of the team’s signatures.
The star pitcher said he will have the shirt framed in his Los Angeles home.
He also explained that he and his wife have started therapy six weeks ago, adding that “talking to someone has made a difference.”
Vesia continued, “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Our mental health matters.”
Players of the team sent a powerful message in tribute to Vesia during the World Series triumph.
Dodgers relievers wore Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps in a strong message of solidarity for their absent teammate.
In a touching tribute, Blue Jays relievers joined their opponents and also wore 51 on their caps in game six.