Alex Vesia opens up about loss of daughter: 'Life can change in an instant' - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Bill PlaschkeFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Alex Vesia, a left-hander pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, shared his deeply personal story of grief after losing his newborn daughter Sterling during the World Series. In an emotional statement at spring training, Vesia revealed how unprepared he felt for such loss and how it reshaped his perspective on life. He emphasized that life can change in an instant, reflecting on the brief ten minutes that altered everything.
Vesia detailed his struggle to process the tragedy while also stepping away from the team to focus on his family. Despite his pain, he found solace in rewatching the World Series with his wife Kayla, finding hope in the shared memories of their daughter Sterling. Vesia's absence during the series was met with overwhelming support from his teammates and even opposing players, who displayed solidarity by wearing his number 51 on their caps.
Upon his return to baseball, Vesia threw a strong bullpen session, signaling his readiness to contribute to the team as an essential setup man for closer Edwin Díaz. Manager Dave Roberts noted that baseball provided therapeutic benefits for Vesia, helping him find mental clarity and emotional strength during his recovery.
This story matters because it highlights resilience in the face of unimaginable loss and the power of community support. Vesia's journey underscores how sports can serve as a source of healing and hope, offering lessons beyond the field to readers interested in overcoming adversity.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/13/2026