Pitcher Alex Bashear Returns to the Mound After Personal Tragedy

PHOENIX — For the scorekeepers, Monday was just another inning — a fleeting 17 pitches during a spring training game for Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Bashear.

Yet, for Bashear, who has been navigating the pain of losing his newborn daughter just four months ago and missing the World Series, his return to baseball was incredibly significant.

“We’ve been waiting for it,” Bashear noted afterward, pausing to add with a warm smile, “It was a little overwhelming…just trying to take it all in.”

Bashear’s appearance was charged with emotion as the Dodgers defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-0. He took the mound in the fifth inning to a rousing ovation, and on returning to the dugout after a flawless inning, he was met with celebratory high-fives and handshakes.

Most importantly, he reconnected with feelings he had set aside during a difficult winter — pitching, engaging in games, and showcasing his usual vibrant presence on the mound.

“I just want to have fun on the mound,” he expressed. “I just want to be good and be myself when I’m out there because I feel so good out there right now. It’s just me, and me, and baseball.”

Since arriving at Dodgers camp this spring, Bashear has been striving to regain a sense of normalcy.

He appreciated the immense support he and his wife, Kayla, received in the wake of last year’s tragedy, saying that even on the first day of spring, “When we walked out the door, there was cheering and so much love. It means a lot.”

The 29-year-old left-hander is eager to return to a familiar routine.

“Compartmentalizing it all was tough. But it was tough in a good way, because I want to interact with the fans and do all the other things, but I know I have a job to do,” he admitted.

Bashear began his preparation for the upcoming season back in November, spending extra time at the gym and finding a sense of “mental clarity” amid his grief.

Thus far, his efforts seem to be paying off as he’s had a swift start at Dodgers camp.

He not only was among the first pitchers to face batters in training recently but also had notable moments during live batting practice, including striking out Shohei Ohtani twice, much to the camaraderie and light-hearted teasing from his superstar teammate.

“Shohei was like, ‘Hey, I want some of this,'” Bashear laughed, recalling the exchange. “And I was like, ‘Okay, here we go.'”

Every strikeout against Ohtani led Bashear to celebrate, circling the mound, letting out his characteristic celebratory cry. He did the same on Monday afternoon after striking out Mariners infielder Cole Young with a full-counter slider, eliciting cheers from the crowd once more.

Manager Dave Roberts remarked, “I think it meant a lot to him to be able to come back here for a baseball game, a major league game, and get a shutout and be welcomed by the fans. His teammates, of course, feel for him and want to support him. So today was a really good day for Alex.”

Bashear shared that his Dodgers teammates have been significant sources of support throughout this spring.

In a statement made on the first day of camp earlier this month, he revealed he had only publicly discussed his daughter’s death once but found comfort in sharing it within the team.

“Honestly, it was a blessing,” he reflected. “I like talking to people about this stuff. I don’t want them to feel like they can’t do it, because we share important moments and things like that. They’re my brothers. I love them all so much. This means a lot.”

But ultimately, nothing would mean more than resuming his role as a pitcher.

No matter what he’s gone through, it’s what propels him forward.