The LA Dodgers paid an emotional tribute to their absent teammate Alex Vesia by wearing the number “51” on their caps during World Series Game 6 against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night at Rogers Centre. The touching gesture comes as Vesia remains away from the team due to a personal family matter.
As the Dodgers fight to stay alive in the series, the symbolic number became a heartfelt reminder of unity, compassion, and family amid championship pressure.
Fans and broadcasters quickly noticed the tribute, flooding social media with messages tagged #For51 and #WinItForVesia.
During Friday’s Game 6 of the World Series, every member of the LA Dodgers bullpen wore caps embroidered with the number “51” to honor reliever Alex Vesia, who withdrew from the postseason roster earlier this week. According to manager Dave Roberts, the 29-year-old left-hander stepped away for “deeply personal family reasons.”
Vesia has been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent bullpen arms this season, recording a 2.89 ERA and 73 strikeouts across 65 appearances.
The tribute underscored how tightly knit the Dodgers clubhouse remains even under postseason stress, especially as the team faced elimination in Toronto.
Quotes and Reactions
Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips revealed the idea came from within the team:
“Since we were still in Toronto, we wanted to find a way to show Alex and his family that we’re thinking of them. Baseball comes second right now — we just miss him and wanted to carry him with us,” Phillips said.
Manager Dave Roberts praised his players’ empathy and togetherness, calling the gesture “a powerful sign of what it means to be a family.”
Star players Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts were also seen touching the stitched “51” before the first pitch — a moment that drew applause from the stands.
Impact on the Dodgers’ Playoff Push
The LA Dodgers entered Game 6 trailing 3-2 in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
With their season on the line, the team’s emotional tribute became a rallying point both on and off the field.
While Vesia’s absence has affected the bullpen’s depth, the move to honor him appeared to boost morale.
The gesture reminded players and fans alike that even during one of baseball’s most competitive moments, human connection matters more than victory.
What’s Next for the LA Dodgers
If the Dodgers manage to win Game 6, they will force a decisive Game 7 scheduled for Sunday at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
There is currently no official timeline for Alex Vesia’s return, as the team continues to respect his privacy.
Regardless of the outcome, the “51” tribute has already become one of the postseason’s most heartfelt storylines — symbolizing unity and resilience in adversity.
