During Game 6 of the World Series, Kike Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers was struck out by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt. However, instead of feeling upset, Hernandez noticed something heartwarming – Bassitt had written the number “51” on his hat as a tribute to Hernandez’s teammate, Alex Vesia.
All four Blue Jays relievers who took the mound in the game, including Bassitt, had honored Vesia by displaying his jersey number. This gesture deeply moved Hernandez, as Vesia had been away from the team due to personal reasons related to his family.
Vesia, a key member of the Dodgers’ bullpen, was currently dealing with a significant personal matter with his wife, Kayla. Their journey, including the anticipation of their baby girl’s arrival, had been shared on social media.
The support shown by the Blue Jays relievers touched not only Hernandez but also Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who emphasized the solidarity among athletes beyond the game. He expressed gratitude for the recognition of Vesia’s challenges and the display of respect and camaraderie among players.
While Blue Jays manager John Schneider was not directly involved in the gesture, he commended his players for their empathy and understanding of the trials that come with being professional athletes and individuals with personal lives.
In a touching display of sportsmanship and compassion, the Blue Jays relievers paying tribute to Alex Vesia highlighted the deep bonds and mutual respect within the baseball community.