Dave Roberts Discusses Heartbreaking Alex Vesia News Ahead of Game 7
On the eve of Game 1 of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that left-handed reliever Alex Vesia would be stepping away from the team to handle a deeply personal family matter with his wife.
In support of Vesia, members of the Dodgers bullpen honored him by writing his number on their uniforms. During Game 6, the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen joined in, reflecting an act of compassion that transcended competition.
Dave Roberts’ Reaction
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed how meaningful the gesture was for him and his players, especially before the decisive Game 7, when Toronto had a chance to win the World Series.
“It’s everything,” Roberts said. “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.”
Roberts’ remarks reflected the unity and empathy that connect athletes beyond rivalry, reminding everyone that humanity outweighs the game itself.
Author’s Summary
Dave Roberts called the league’s shared tribute to Alex Vesia a moving example of genuine brotherhood and compassion in sports beyond victory or defeat.