During Game 6 of the World Series, Kike Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers noticed a touching tribute from Toronto Blue Jays reliever Chris Bassitt. After striking out, Hernandez saw that Bassitt had written “51” on his hat in honor of Hernandez’s teammate, reliever Alex Vesia.
All four Blue Jays relievers who pitched in the game had also donned the “51” tribute on their hats. Vesia, a key reliever for the Dodgers, had been absent from the series due to personal reasons related to his wife’s pregnancy.
The solidarity shown by the Blue Jays players deeply moved Hernandez and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who both expressed gratitude for the gesture. Roberts emphasized the camaraderie and mutual respect among players in Major League Baseball, highlighting that the tribute to Vesia transcended the game itself.
While Blue Jays manager John Schneider was not part of the decision to honor Vesia, he commended his players for their empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by their fellow athletes.
This heartwarming display of support demonstrates the human side of baseball and the bond shared among players beyond the competition.