PHOENIX — Alex Bashear looked down, dabbing at his eyes before handing a box of tissues to a Dodger staff member nearby.
This was his first time speaking publicly about the heartbreaking loss of his newborn daughter, Sterling Sol, last October, an event that led him and his wife, Kayla, to miss the World Series as they mourned.
Even before he began, his voice trembled and tears threatened to spill.
“I wasn’t prepared not to take my baby girl home,” he shared. “But we walk with her every day.”
In a heartfelt six-minute address on Friday, Bashear expressed gratitude to the Dodgers and the baseball community for their immense support since last October. “The love we’ve felt from Kay and I has been unmatched,” he said.
He also took a moment to appreciate gestures from teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, whose relievers honored him by writing his No. 51 on their caps during the Fall Classic, and the Los Angeles Rams, who gifted signed jerseys. He admitted, “My DMs on Instagram are practically flooded with love and support.”
While watching the World Series from a distance, he faced mixed emotions. “It was hard to be away from my team—my brothers. But it was also clear that my family needed me,” he explained.
He recounted the most suffocating moment: reflecting on the brief time he had with his wife and daughter, who passed away after birth on October 26th. “Life can change in an instant,” he noted. “We had just ten minutes with her. Sterling Sol was truly beautiful. We held her, changed her, read to her. Those moments, though fleeting, are precious to us, and we’re hoping for privacy as we heal and navigate the baseball season.”
Friday began with a sense of normalcy for Bashear, who is a six-year MLB veteran. He took the mound for a bullpen session at the Dodgers’ first official spring training practice. “It felt great to joke around with teammates,” he said, showing off his new beard and bulked-up physique, crediting his intense offseason workouts for his “mental clarity.”
However, the memory of last October’s pain still loomed. “Words can’t express it,” reflected manager Dave Roberts. “It’s good to see him back. We spent time together yesterday, and I know his teammates are eager to have him with them. Our hearts break for him and Kayla. No one should have to experience that.”
While Roberts hoped returning to the game would be healing for Bashear, the pitcher mentioned he and Kayla have been seeking professional help and attending therapy sessions over the past six weeks. “It was tough, but talking to someone really made a difference,” he said. “If you’ve lost a child or are dealing with tough times, please get help. It’s vital to talk about it. Your mental health matters.”
As he concluded his statement, Bashear paused to collect himself, taking a deep breath. “I’ve found that what happened to us has happened to many families,” he said. “This understanding has deepened our compassion and gratitude for the community. The baseball community is incredibly strong.” He thanked the reporters, turned toward the clubhouse, and reached for another tissue.
“It was tough,” he added quietly. “But we’ll be okay.”
