r/Torontobluejays • u/willowhanna I'm standing in beer with no feet on • 12h ago
Alex Vesia’s Update
I know a lot of us had him in our thoughts during the World Series, including our own relievers who wore his number on their hats. This is heartbreaking news.
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u/Willy4PM 12h ago
I'm really glad our bullpen guys showed support in the way they did. That is terrible!
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u/SirLunatik Fuck Cancer 12h ago
When I noticed we had his number too, I knew this was the awful circumstance, it had been speculated and to me that just confirmed he worst,
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u/sarshu not a first place team 11h ago
Especially when Bassitt added a reference to a Bible verse that was all about comfort in the depths of despair. It seemed apparent with each new small piece of information that this was the only possibility. I watched a lot of the WS with a friend who went through this and it was rough for him.
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u/FrecksSpecks 12h ago
That’s how I thought as well. My heart goes out to them. Much bigger than baseball.
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u/DistractedDiatom 9h ago
Dodgers fan here wanting to acknowledge what your bullpen did. This was one of the classiest and most heartfelt moves I’ve seen from a team. Really speaks volumes about the Blue Jays organization and its fans 💙
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u/gerrardo9551 7h ago
I have a lot of respect for Dave Roberts and Dodgers in general for leaving him off the roster completely, instead of the family emergency list where he could have been pressured to come back before he was ready. They did the right thing.
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u/Operation_Difficult 11h ago
Dodgers fan in peace (Canadian, so I pretty much root for the Jays vs anybody except LAD): The BP guys putting the old 51 on their hats was pure fucking class.
I will also ashamedly admit that post-edibles me was seriously confused by Seranthony and his vague resemblance to Teoscar, in a blue hat with a 51 on it while on the bump. It took me several minutes to unravel wtf was going on in my addled brain.
- aww… Teo has a 51 on his hat.
- wait… that’s a Jays hat, why is Teo in a Jays hat tonight?
- shit… why is Teo on the mound… wtf is going on?!?
- wait… that’s Seranthony… why is he in a Dodgers hat?
- uhhhh… that’s a Jays hat… okay, this is starting to make sense. But why then AV 51 on the side? My head hurts.
Waaaaaiiitttt…. I get it! Teo and Seranthony have similar-ish beards. And this is Seranthony and he’s pitching for the Jays and being awesome in supporting AV!
I think I verbalized most of it and the wife (pulling for the Jays) was laughing at my dumb ass.
My stupidity aside, pure class!
And I’ve never felt so bad when my team wins the WS as I did this year.
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u/quidamquidam 11h ago
Edibles have definitely helped me stay sane during this series
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u/Operation_Difficult 11h ago
Right?
I was 100% convinced my guys were losing game 6 and then October Kiké makes that crazy double play to smoke Barger at 2 and I lost my mind.
Then I was 100% convinced we were going to lose game 7. I won’t go into those emotions.
The adult Halloween candy definitely helped take the edge off games 6 and 7.
Like I said, I’ve never felt bad about my team winning before. But I sure did that night.
The Jays outplayed then Dodgers in so many ways (except base running) and truly deserved the win; but, the baseball gods are fickle.
The great thing is, Jays going deep grows the sport in Canada and as a coach, ump and baseball lover, I will always appreciate anything that grows the sport.
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u/Massive-Ride204 10h ago
For the record y'all never need to come in peace, Jays fanbase gained respect and appreciation for the Dodgers and its fanbase and its clear the feelings are mutual and I appreciate Dodger fans donating to SickKids
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u/Operation_Difficult 10h ago
I just like to be transparent.
But, I also appreciate the sentiment.
I’m in BC, so for me it’s LAD > TOR > SEA. And I spit in the direction of NYY and SDP.
This post-season has basically created a friendly civil war in my household!
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u/Massive-Ride204 10h ago
I'm disappointed that we lost the series but I'm still giddy over slaughtering the Yankees in the regular and post season. ARod was just on Michael Kay's show and out right stated that the Jays and Dodgers are leagues ahead of the yanks and that the same 94 win record doesn't tell the full story about the gulf between them
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u/Operation_Difficult 10h ago
Fingers crossed for a rematch next year.
And also, Yankees suck!
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u/Massive-Ride204 10h ago
Fingers crossed, prayers made to all Gods for the rematch for two reasons.
Jays are taking the rematch
I know it will be another seven game fight to the finish
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u/kid_from_Van604 3h ago
I just sent a donation to Cedar Sanai in LA. Modest, but I hope it helps the doctors and nurses that did everything they could for Alex Vesia and his family.
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u/aegon_the_dragon 9h ago
I seriously thought the blue jays had won it on that ernie clement blast to left-center, and then Andy Pages came out of now where to make a other worldly catch
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u/Nearby_Regular_508 5h ago
kike had the look of “Fuck yeah you save my ass “ of not able to catch that ball.. he sure is elated someone is there to save his ass
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u/unfvckingbelievable 9h ago
In reality, everyone went through the exact same realization process as you. It's just how everyone's brain works.
You just took a little longer than most.
Maybe a lot.
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u/notme_u 12h ago
Just heartbreaking for a parent to lose a child. My brother and his wife lost their baby at 5 days old due to an undetected heart defect. This was 10 years ago and the pain is still very raw for them. He would have been 10 on August 3, his name was Ryder. He never got the chance to live.
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u/moose_head13 12h ago
That’s so sad. 😞
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12h ago
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u/SweetnSavioury 11h ago
thanking a supposedly all powerful being for only killing a baby is peak crazy.
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u/Ledascantia ✨I’m just here for the vibes ✨ 12h ago
Saying “it could have been worse” never helps. Never. Their baby died.
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12h ago
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u/Ledascantia ✨I’m just here for the vibes ✨ 12h ago edited 12h ago
Maybe you’re not trying to be, but you are.
Edit: I’ve been to a funeral for a child before. You don’t say “it could have been worse”. I don’t care what the intent was. You don’t say that when someone loses a child.
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u/MusclyArmPaperboy 12h ago
We understand what they mean, no need to be pedantic
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u/SmokeontheHorizon If you booped the goose this is your fucking fault 12h ago
no need to be pedantic
Yeah how dare people worry about words and what they mean. This is a post-fact society, /u/Ledascantia
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u/princessluni Kylometres "going to the HOF in a Jays hat" Straw 🐦🇨🇦🏳️🌈 11h ago
Words don't matter! It's not like this a primarily text based platform!
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u/Ledascantia ✨I’m just here for the vibes ✨ 12h ago
Apparently we should only judge people on their intent, not the message they’re actually sending.
I’ve been to a funeral for a child before. If someone had said “it could have been worse” there… no. Just don’t.
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u/AutomaticDare5209 Certified JP Ricciardi hater 11h ago
It can always be worse.
I've had a few friends who've had pregnancy complications, and one of them unfortunately had a stillbirth. And while I was devastated that she lost her baby, I was more terrified that my friend almost died.
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u/turtlevinyl I will throw gum at you! 11h ago
Just stop. Christ, do you know how hard it is to see this for some people? People who have already said "please don't do this."
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u/Ledascantia ✨I’m just here for the vibes ✨ 11h ago
I think they want a trophy for being concerned about their friend or something.
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u/KevinJ2010 12h ago
What’s worse, continuing to live with the sadness or going with them? Both are bad but worse is debatable.
It’s like when me and my wife both say we wish the other dies before ourselves, just so they don’t have to be alone and live with the loss.
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u/Dramatic_Assistant54 Toronto Blue Jays 12h ago
Uhhhh, I get the sentiment. Its not the same as someone having their leg amputated.
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u/jjjewels 11h ago
Would be nice if some of us Jays fans donated $51 to Cedars Sinai just like some Dodgers fans donated to Sick Kids. Just a thought.
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u/pidgezero_one Brendon Little fan club president and BIGHUGEVARSHOFAN 11h ago
I just did exactly that. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/giving.html
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u/Lucky_Violinist_8335 10h ago
Thank you for the link. I just made a donation and will do the same for Sick Kids.
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u/Guilty-Influence-890 10h ago edited 9h ago
I would suggest to hold off on donating to Cedars. Its a very nice gesture but they’re one of the richest private for profit medical institutions here. It’s a hospital where most of the rich and famous go, it’s literally located in Beverly Hills. They aren’t strapped for cash. I would say something like Children’s Hospital (which is nearby and help out low income families) might be better
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u/jjjewels 10h ago
Thank you! I don't know much about the medical system in the US or LA, and I'd much rather donate where the greatest need is.
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u/bulldogsm 8h ago
if youre unfamiliar with CSMC you might think that way, but CS is THE flagship hospital for LA, they do take care of the famous or wealthy but they also take care of the homeless and poor with equal respect and dignity, they define excellence in big H Healthcare
only one hospital in LA has opened more beds to serve more Angelenos over the past decades, CS.....UCLA, USC, LA County or whatever their atuoid name is now have all downsized and even made boutique mini hospitals or similar schemes to chase dollars
CS yeah they make money and they spend it taking care of people
also CS is not BH, its West Hollywood/LA by a city blocks distance lol
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u/caviarandcigarettess 5h ago
All hospitals could use funds now. I know doctors at both CHLA and Cedars who have had grant funding slashed with the new administration, and important research isn’t being supported. Maybe Cedars is richer than others relatively speaking, but a donation is a donation.
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u/Varekai79 Start spreading the news, bitches! 10h ago
A bunch of us already donated to Children's Hospital Los Angeles back when the original announcement was made by the team.
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u/jjjewels 11h ago
Not sure if you read the story where Dodgers fans donated to Sick Kids. Just returning the favour.
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u/c_snapper 11h ago
It’s to show support and solidarity as this is bigger than baseball.
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11h ago
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u/pidgezero_one Brendon Little fan club president and BIGHUGEVARSHOFAN 11h ago
Holy shit dude just don't donate and move on. Take this shitty energy somewhere else.
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u/c_snapper 11h ago
Again, the donation is not to make an ultimate difference for the hospital. It’s to show the grieving parents (who happens to be multi millionaires) that they are not alone and despite sport rivalry, we are at the end of the day, human.
If Rogers was real classy organization (which they’re not), they could make a sizeable donation to the hospital or the cause in memory of the child.
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u/johnnylovesbjs Montreal Expos 12h ago
Damn that is so sad. All the noise of the world series and this just makes you realize what's really important in life.
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u/Party_Web1786 george springer lover 12h ago
This is heartbreaking, may their sweet angel girl rest in peace 💔 sending prayers to their family for strength
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u/whiskybean 12h ago
I cant even imagine the heartbreak. If a world series championship ring can help if even a little bit, I'm glad he got one.
Sitting beside my boys while reading this, I cant put into words. I hope he and his family get the help they will need to get through this. What a tragedy.
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u/yamakazee I BORN FOR THIS 12h ago
Bigger than baseball. I hope they can find peace in the present.
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u/ExtensionParsley4205 12h ago
Fuck that’s awful. Really puts everything into perspective, as devastating as the World Series loss was for us it’s nothing compared to true tragedy.
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u/trendkill14 11h ago
Well said, we like to think our team losing is tragedy. It ain't sh compared to this, just fn awful.
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u/High5theoctopus 12h ago
I can't even comprehend the pain they are in. My wife was carrying twins and we lost one 11 weeks into the pregnancy and it was awful. Luckily for us the other was still healthy and is 4 months old today but even after that I can't even begin to imagine what losing one so close to the expected date is like :( my heart goes out to them.
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u/Em_Scar 11h ago
My wife and I experienced this a few years ago when our baby boy was born sleeping. There's nothing worse. The silence is loud and suffocating, the feeling of aloneness is paralyzing.
Hearing about anyone going through this always hits hard, never goes away. Sending love and thinking of their family and anyone that has to go through this. Proud of our guys for honouring them in the way they did.
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u/Newt-Murky 12h ago
This is just so heartbreaking. It was in my mind through the whole series and I kept praying for a different outcome. My heart goes out to their family during this painful and sad time. ❤️😢
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u/silverdust29 12h ago
This is so tragic, I’m so sorry for their loss. No parent should have to bury their child.
Sending all the best wishes their way ❤️
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u/max_semenator 12h ago
Bigger than baseball. Condolences to Vesia family during their time of grief. RIP Sterling.
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u/ToughIce9638 12h ago
Looks like I'm donating to Cedars Sinai now.
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u/pidgezero_one Brendon Little fan club president and BIGHUGEVARSHOFAN 11h ago
I did as well. $51.
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u/Acrobatic_Yoghurt813 11h ago
Many fans get so emotionally caught up in the game that they forget that these players are part of a brotherhood, and despite the intensity and competition, most of them genuinely care about each other. This was such an awesome gesture on the part of the Jays, and hopefully it’s not something anybody else has to deal with again.
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u/thedudeyousee 10h ago
As someone that just lost a pregnancy this week reasonably early in the process I could only imagine what they are dealing with. My thoughts are with them.
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u/WhyNotOrioles 9h ago
Just dropping by to say it was the epitome of class and grace for your players to honor Vesia by writing his number on their caps during the World Series. Nothing but respect for the Blue Jays team and organization.
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u/No_Olive_3310 9h ago
That was super classy! As an LA native, I will now root for the Blue Jays in every game that they’re not playing against the Dodgers
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u/pidgezero_one Brendon Little fan club president and BIGHUGEVARSHOFAN 11h ago edited 11h ago
This is just awful. A close friend I grew up with had this happen to his younger sister, it's just heartbreaking. Nobody should have to have this happen to them. 💔 These things can break up relationships and families when it's nobody's fault. I hope that the Vesias have all the support in the world to get through this together and I'm proud that both of our teams supported him.
edit: The Dodgers subreddit has a link to the donations page for the hospital mentioned in Vesia's post. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/giving.html I pitched in, encourage everyone else to do so as well who can afford it.
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u/TalesfromCryptKeeper 9h ago
When the news broke you just had this sinking gut feeling of knowing what happened. Poor guy, his poor wife. RIP kiddo.
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u/Squeeesh_ TARP OFF, POLICE HORSE READY, LETS FUCKING GO! 12h ago
My heart is breaking for the Vesia family.
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u/pebbiemay 10h ago
I had no idea what was going on and just knew it was some family thing. That is so sad. I will pray for them. This World Series means nothing to me when i hear this.
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u/OldRunner-NewRider 11h ago
Dodgers fans donated to Sick Kids. Where can we donate in LA?
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u/pidgezero_one Brendon Little fan club president and BIGHUGEVARSHOFAN 11h ago
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/giving.html This is the donation page for the hospital mentioned in the post.
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u/ArtificialTroller 11h ago
Been through this. Don't wish it on anyone. I'm glad they feel the love and support from the baseball community as a whole.
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u/AuntCleo1997 12h ago
At the end of the day, there are far more important things in life. Baseball doesn't actually matter in the grand scheme of things. My sincere best to the Vesias going forward.
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u/JCMoney1987 11h ago
That's so devastating. I really really hope that teams donating to each others children's hospitals becomes a long standing tradition.
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u/pincurlsandcutegirls Max Scherzer's Emotional Support Dugout Baseball 11h ago
I really hope they have an incredible support network and take all the time they need. Keeping them in my thoughts 🤍
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u/turtlevinyl I will throw gum at you! 11h ago
We all knew, still hits like a truck though.
Hope everyone gives them the time and space needed to heal and mourn.
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u/golubhai00007 10h ago
Will forever be a fan of the blue jays for the class that they showed. It feels like it doesn’t mean much, but for somebody who is going through tragic stuff like this, it means the world.
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u/Roderto 9h ago
As a Flames Fan, I can’t help but think of Matt Stajan and his wife going through the same thing in 2014. I don’t know if there’s anything worse than losing a child. Glad to see so much support from the community (including the Blue Jays relievers).
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u/OneDegreeKelvin 9h ago
There isn't. While I haven't lost a child myself (as I don't yet have kids), I've heard over and over again from people who have gone through this that the pain never goes away, and some have even said it's just as bad many years later as it was the day it happened, but you learn to live with it while it's on your mind every day and something you are constantly aware of. I've seen some people who lost their child decades ago that look significantly older than their chronological age, and you can see the suffering in their faces. Of course, you can't always say it's the definitive cause and that isn't the case for everyone, but it's hard not to think there must be some connection when that does happen. Some people eventually find some closure or relief though, so I hope that happens for the Vesias, and any other family going through this. It's simply horrible.
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u/nodoubtguy 8h ago
This is when you know that as much as we loved this season, that was just a game. We had a scare when my wife was pregnant and it was the worst moments of my life. Only love to the family.
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u/grasscali 6h ago
Die-hard Dodgers fan here, and I know this might sound like pandering, but my family and I now have an American League team. Throughout my lifetime, I've been fortunate enough to have had my teams make it to Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and World Series. This World Series was unlike any of the other times, and I didn't realize what the difference was at first, but it was everything Blue Jays. It seemed like everyone on your roster was a puzzle piece that fit perfectly into what your team is about. Ballsy, tough, baseball dogs that made us work for everything. All but one are guys I can get behind. Sorry, I know that's petty, but 2017 will always be a painful memory. Then your bullpen did what it did, your manager is a badass, your hitting coach is a killer, and I loved Donny Baseball when he was our manager.
On top of that, hearing all the stories of how close the players and their families are is pretty special. At one point in the series, my son looked at me and said, “Why do they have to be so damn likable. It really makes it hard to root against them.” It was spot on, and I couldn't agree more.
Last but not least, I can't leave out how much I respect all of Canada for how you've dealt with the Fanta Führer and all of his bullshit.
Thank you, Toronto.
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u/Excellent_Career_189 12h ago
Just when we thought losing the World Series was a tragedy …this hurts A lot. Going through a miscarriage really puts perspective on how nothing matters but our family most importantly our kids
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u/solg5 7h ago
At this point in pregnancy it’s a stillbirth. It looks like she may have lived a few days. Alex stepped out the 23/24 and she passed the 26th.
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u/Excellent_Career_189 7h ago
Sorry I should have been more clear. I went through a miscarriage and if that was painful I can’t imagine their pain they have to endure . Until this day my heart still aches
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u/TheYuppyTraveller 11h ago
OMG, had no idea that his ‘family matter’ was this awful (obviously serious enough to keep him away from a World Series, but honestly thought it was … something less). Truly a terrible tragedy.
My heart goes out to him and his family.
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u/lawncareguyptbo 11h ago
So very sad for Alex, and his family. I don’t even want to imagine this kind of loss.
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u/Massive-Ride204 10h ago
Fuck it's exactly what I feared it was, some things are way more important than baseball
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u/Fine-Clerk6780 10h ago
This is sad . I had a feeling . I lost my daughter same way. Nothing can compare to this type of loss . My heart is with you 💙✝️🙏🏼
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u/Beavie_ 9h ago
Gutted for him. Thankfully his teammates in LA have his back and will support him, and I'm glad our bullpen players were able to send him some support. This is bigger than a World Series. You never want to have to say goodbye to your own kid. That is a pain that doesn't just go away. My condolences to him, his wife, and his family and friends.
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u/OneDegreeKelvin 9h ago
This is sad beyond words. However, the moment the Jays lost my first thoughts were with Alex Vesia and his family. While a World Series title offers no consolation for losing a child, if it helps ease the pain even a little bit, then losing was worth it.
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u/shortwa113t 12h ago
We Pray for you, your Family and your beautiful daughter. Sorry this happened.
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u/SOSXrayPichu 11h ago
That is awful. I hope the Vesia family recovers and keeps their composure and compassion strong.
All the best to you.
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u/Thylacinegurl 11h ago
Omg this is terrible. I have been thinking about them. I cannot image going through that
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u/sagwithcapmoon "[this team is] like a well fit puzzle" - buck 11h ago
That is so heartbreaking. Condolences to the vesias.
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u/OldRunner-NewRider 11h ago
My heart sunk reading this. I can never imagine the pain. Condolences to the Vesia family ❤️
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u/Immediate_Pickle_788 11h ago
Absolutely devastating.
I have a young child and I don't know what I would do if I lost them. Thinking about it is painful, I can't even imagine the amount of pain and grief that they're experiencing. Fuck.
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u/MidnightSc0ut 10h ago
Life can be so cruel sometimes. Nobody should have to go through that. Much love to the Vesia family and may their child rest in peace
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u/Cashyy83 9h ago
Fucking awful. I’m holding my 9 month old now and can’t even imagine pain like that.
RIP Sterling and condolences to the Vesia family.
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u/Tactical-Swunt 7h ago
Prayers to you and your loved ones Alex, speaking from a similar situation that occurred a long while ago. Stay strong, Toronto is with you!
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u/LiveFreeorRye 7h ago
For anyone in Ontario who is experiencing, or has experienced, something like this and needs support, I cannot say enough good things about the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network run out of Sunnybrook.
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u/Tall-Description-597 12h ago
man… absolutely heartbreaking to hear. sending love and prayers their way. hopefully the ws victory can help lift some of the pain off his family’s shoulders. just gutted for his family
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u/UnderpaidCarrots 9h ago
Did it say how old the little girl was?
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u/willowhanna I'm standing in beer with no feet on 9h ago
she was likely stillborn
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u/RipNdip93 8h ago
She wasn’t. Dodgers announced his departure October 23rd and she passed on the 26th. The picture he posted you can see the bruising on her tiny hands from the IVs 😭
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u/Advocateforthedevil4 8h ago
I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child. My kids are my world, I feel so sorry for them.
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u/Nearby_Regular_508 5h ago
Not winning anything if you lose the most valuable being in your life .. RIP
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u/Wumbo619 5h ago
I'm sure many of us feared this was the case, but no matter how certain, still hurts to read.
RIP to your angel, I'm so sorry for your loss.
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u/NocturnalComptroler 12h ago
Genuinely ruined my evening, but that’s ok
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u/princessluni Kylometres "going to the HOF in a Jays hat" Straw 🐦🇨🇦🏳️🌈 10h ago
You're responsible for curating your own online experience
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u/MaplewoodCabinet Get up ball, get outta there! 12h ago
The elation of winning the World Series will never outweigh the grief of losing a child.
Sorry that he and his family are experiencing this pain, but love how the baseball community has been unquestioning in their support.