As the MLB season begins, Kayla Vesia reflects on their loss, calling the day 'bittersweet.'
Category: Sports
As the Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their 2026 season on March 26, pitcher Alex Vesia took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message honoring his late daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, who tragically passed away just months prior. The day was marked by a mix of joy and sorrow, as Vesia, 29, expressed his determination to make his daughter proud.
In his Instagram post, Vesia wrote, "Same goals… different perspectives… new motivations," adding, "Thankful for everyone who has stuck by me. Dodger Nation gonna bring the energy. I’m going to make you proud SSV ❤️." This emotional tribute came nearly four months after he and his wife, Kayla, announced the heartbreaking loss of their baby girl.
Kayla Vesia echoed her husband’s sentiments, describing the season opener as "very bittersweet." She shared her feelings on social media, stating, "A very bitter sweet opening day 💙. What I would give to have my Sterling girl here, carrying her in my heart always." Her poignant words resonate deeply, highlighting the couple's struggle to navigate their grief.
The Vesias' loss was made public in November 2025, shortly after Sterling was born on October 26. In a joint statement, the couple wrote, "Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday, October 26. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her." They expressed gratitude to the Dodgers organization and fans for their overwhelming support during this difficult time.
During the 2025 World Series, which the Dodgers won against the Toronto Blue Jays, Vesia was absent, citing a "deeply personal family matter". The Dodgers had announced his leave on October 23, just days before the series began. The team showed solidarity with Vesia, as players from both the Dodgers and Blue Jays wore his jersey number, 51, on their caps in a show of support.
On March 27, Kayla continued to express her feelings, stating, "The start of the new MLB season is bittersweet five months after our newborn daughter's tragic death." She attended the season opener at Dodger Stadium, where the Dodgers secured an 8-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, though Vesia did not take the mound.
In previous statements, Alex Vesia has emphasized the importance of mental health, particularly following their loss. He revealed that he and Kayla began therapy at the start of the year to help cope with their grief. "Talking to someone has made a difference," he said, encouraging others who are struggling to seek help. "For those out there who have lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Your mental health matters," he added.
Alex's return to the mound during Spring Training marked a new chapter for him, as he began to rediscover his enthusiasm for baseball after a challenging winter. "I just want to have fun on the mound. I just want to be able to spazz out and be myself out there," he said, expressing his desire to honor his daughter's memory through his performance.
The Dodgers organization has been a pillar of support for the Vesia family during this tumultuous time. In a statement released following their loss, the team acknowledged the family's struggles and expressed their commitment to supporting them. "The entire Dodgers organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family," they wrote.
As the new season begins, the Vesia family continues to carry the weight of their loss but also seeks to find joy in their shared memories. Kayla's heartfelt Instagram posts serve as a reminder of the love they have for their daughter and the strength they draw from their community.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers aim to defend their title, with players and fans rallying behind them. The team's opener was a strong start, and as Vesia steps back into the game, he carries the hopes of his team and the memory of his daughter, forging ahead with renewed purpose.
As the sun set over Dodger Stadium on opening day, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and reflection. Kayla’s words lingered in the air, a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of life and the enduring love that remains even in the face of tragedy. "You’re making our babygirl so proud ❤️ I love you!" she commented on Alex's post, encapsulating the love that continues to bind their family together.