Blue Jays Honor Dodgers’ Vesia with Tribute During World Series

UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have made a heartfelt move by honoring Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia during the World Series. Vesia is currently away from the team due to a “deeply personal family matter,” according to Dodgers officials. In a show of solidarity, Blue Jays pitchers began wearing Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps during Game 6, which took place on October 27, 2023.

The Dodgers’ pitchers have been donning Vesia’s number as a tribute since Game 1, with the Blue Jays following suit to express their support. Chris Bassitt, Seranthony Dominguez, Mason Fluharty, and Louis Varland all sported the number during the Blue Jays’ 3-1 loss to the Dodgers, which pushed the series to a decisive Game 7.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his gratitude for the Blue Jays’ gesture, stating, “It just speaks to how much respect and love they have for one another. It’s a huge, huge tribute to Alex.” The emotional weight of this tribute underscores the camaraderie that exists among athletes, even amidst fierce competition in the World Series.

Dodgers outfielder Enrique Hernandez shared his reaction upon seeing the number on Bassitt’s cap while walking back to the dugout. “Instead of being mad that I struck out, I was kind of going back to the dugout thinking ‘Did Bassitt play with Vesia at some point?’” Hernandez said. He emphasized that the tribute reflects a profound understanding among players that “life is bigger than baseball.”

Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised his team’s character, highlighting the strong bond among players who are not just athletes but also “husbands and fathers.” He said, “We have a lot of good people, a lot of good humans in there that just appreciate what we all do and the hardships that come with it.”

As the series progresses, the emotional tribute to Vesia serves as a reminder that sports can transcend competition, highlighting the human connections that bind players across teams. With Game 7 set to take place soon, all eyes will be on the field, but the shared tribute to Vesia will resonate deeply among fans and players alike.