Why Are the LA Dodgers Wearing 51 on Their Caps vs Blue Jays in World Series Game 6?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are wearing the number ‘51’ on their caps during World Series Game 6 against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The gesture is a touching tribute to their teammate, left-handed reliever Alex Vesia, who is currently away from the team due to a personal family matter.

With the Dodgers fighting to keep their championship hopes alive at the Rogers Centre, the team wanted to make sure their absent teammate remained part of their playoff journey in spirit. The symbolic move quickly caught fans’ attention as broadcasters and social media posts highlighted the stitched “51” on each cap.

Dodgers Honor Alex Vesia with Number 51 Tribute

According to manager Dave Roberts, Alex Vesia withdrew from the World Series roster for “deeply personal family reasons.” The 29-year-old pitcher has been one of the Dodgers’ most dependable bullpen arms this season, and his absence has been felt both emotionally and on the mound.

Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips told reporters that the idea to honor Vesia came from within the clubhouse. “Since we were still in Toronto, we had tried to think of many ways to show our love and support for him and his family. We just recognize that we really miss them, and baseball is completely secondary to what they’re going through,” Phillips said.

The Dodgers’ bullpen — which has been under immense pressure throughout the postseason — decided to wear the tribute number “51” on their hats to show solidarity. It’s a simple but powerful symbol of unity and compassion within the team.

Players and fans alike shared heartfelt messages online using phrases like “For 51” and “Win it for Vesia,” reflecting how deeply the tribute resonated. Despite the intensity of the World Series, the Dodgers made sure that family, empathy, and togetherness remained central to their identity.

Emotional Impact and Team Spirit Amid Pressure

The Dodgers entered Game 6 trailing the Blue Jays 3-2 in the series. Facing elimination on foreign soil, their gesture toward Vesia reminded everyone that baseball is about more than wins and losses — it’s about people. Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts were seen acknowledging the meaning behind the number before the first pitch.

In their two previous World Series triumphs in 1992 and 1993, the Blue Jays also clinched their titles in Game 6 — making this game another potentially historic night. For the Dodgers, however, the embroidered “51” added a layer of personal motivation to an already high-stakes matchup.

As the Dodgers push to force Game 7, the “51” symbol stands as a reminder of unity, empathy, and the strength of team spirit in the face of personal adversity. For Los Angeles, this postseason story is not just about chasing a championship — it’s about standing together for family, even when one of their own can’t be there.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why are the Dodgers wearing 51 on their caps?

The Dodgers are honoring teammate Alex Vesia, who left the World Series roster due to a family matter. The number “51” is his jersey number.

Q2: What happened to Alex Vesia?

Vesia stepped away from the team to deal with a deeply personal family situation involving his wife, Kayla, according to manager Dave Roberts.

Q3: Who suggested the 51 tribute?

The Dodgers bullpen group, led by Evan Phillips, suggested the tribute to show support for their absent teammate during the World Series.

Q4: Is Alex Vesia expected to return?

There is no set timeline for his return. The team has prioritized his privacy and family well-being over any baseball matters.

Q5: What is the Dodgers’ World Series status?

The Dodgers are trailing 3-2 in the series against the Toronto Blue Jays and must win Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7.