Some things are bigger than baseball.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers were without top reliever Alex Vesia in this World Series, the rest of their bullpen showed their support for the lefty by having his number 51 embroidered on the side of their hats.
As the series returned to Toronto for Game 6 on Friday, Blue Jays relievers joined in the tribute by also having the number 51 embroidered on their caps.
Louis Varland, Mason Fluharty, Seranthony Domínguez and Chris Bassitt each participated in the game wearing the new hats.
Before Game 7, Los Angeles outfielder Kiké Hernández was asked about the gesture, saying he did not notice it until he struck out in the ninth inning against Bassitt.
“For these guys, it’s amazing. They’re trying to win a World Series, but they understand that life is bigger than baseball and baseball is just a game,” he said. “For them to do that with the stakes – where we were with the stakes, hats off, and I want them to know that we appreciate them. Regardless of what happens tonight, we appreciate what they did.”
“That’s it,” added Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“I didn’t learn that until after last night’s game. I think it really speaks to the fraternity of athletes, of Major League Baseball players, that they all say baseball is what we do, but it’s not who we are.”
