Dodgers Manager on Alex Vesia's World Series Absence Before Game 7 Win
Some things are bigger than winning or losing.
While the Toronto Blue Jays were narrowly defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers during game seven of the 2025 World Series on Nov. 1, the Canadian team’s display of solidarity with Alex Vesia—who was absent from the Fall Classic due to a “deeply personal family matter”—won't soon be forgotten.
Indeed, during the Oct. 31 game of the high-stakes series, several Blue Jays players wrote Vesia’s jersey number 51 on the side of their hats, a gesture that went a long way with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“I didn’t learn that until after the game last night,” he said Nov. 1, according to Newsweek, “and I think it really speaks to the brotherhood of athletes.”
The show of support for the Dodgers relief pitcher—whose wife Kayla Vesia announced in April they are expecting their first baby—was especially impactful on Roberts due to the gravity of the situation.
“For these guys to recognize Alex, and what he and Kayla have gone through, heartbreaking is not even a good enough descriptor,” he continued. “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.”
Likewise, Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández commended his rivals for what he described as an “incredible” act of goodwill.
“For those guys to do that, it's incredible,” he told reporters during a press conference ahead of game seven. "They're trying to win a World Series, but they understand that life is bigger than baseball, and baseball’s just a game. For them to do that, with where we were at with the stakes, hats off to them. And I want them to know that we appreciate them.”
Vesia’s absence was also felt by his teammates, who inscribed his number on their own hats throughout the series as well.
“I'm new to the bullpen, but Ves, he means a lot to all of us,” Clayton Kershaw told reporters following the Oct. 27 game. “And he was a huge part of this team, huge part of that bullpen. So, we just wanted to do something to honor him.”
Keep reading to see the stars who stepped out to cheer on their team during the 2025 World Series…
The mother-daughter duo hit their matching ensembles out of the park.
Add throwing the first pitch during Game 5 to the NBA Hall of Famer's list of accomplishments.
The Black-ish star got the crowd loud-ish for Game 5.
Call her [a baseball fan]. The Call Her Daddy host showed up lookin' chic for Game 5.
The Hot Ones host was heating up the celeb section during Game 5 of the World Series.
A smart move for the Smartless hosts and country singer to welcome the crowd during Game 3 of the World Series.
A royal play. The Duchess and Duke of Sussex pledged their allegiance to LA on the sidelines.
Parents' night out. The Rhode founder and "Daisies" singer took in the action together.
World Series or world tour? The pop star and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback put their romance on display at yet another sporting event.
From the ring to the baseball stadium. The Christy star and the film's inspiration cheered on the Dodgers together.
A Jonas LA revival? The New Jersey natives showed their support for the West Coast.
Childish Gambino maintained a neutral stance when it came to supporting the Blue Jays or the Dodgers.
Spotted: The Gossip Girl alum showed subtle support for the Blue Jays.
The Moneyball star and Red Hot Chili Peppers member took in the action.
After belting the National Anthem, the "Nasty" rapper posed with the World Series trophy.
The Princess Diaries alum and Armchair Expert host buddied up in the stands.
Play ball. The Frankenstein star posed with the Word Series trophy.
Jays fans showed out. The Canadian supported his hometown team.
It literally could not get any better for the Parks and Recreation alum than the Los Angeles team taking home this trophy.
A wickedly awesome World Series appearance was made by the Wicked star.
The Monsters alum showed his support for the Dodgers.
Date night! The Vanderpump Rules star and fitness coach turned the sporting event into a romantic evening for two.
The Canadian does it right by supporting her hometown team.
The Primal Fear alum and Nashville star squeezed together for a photo op.
Aca-believe the Pitch Perfect alum supported the Blue Jays.
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