Former Pioneer Pitcher Alex Vesia An Integral Part of Dodgers' World Series Championship
In the glittering world of Major League Baseball, where top prospects often emerge from powerhouse college programs, Alex Vesia's journey stands as a testament to perseverance and the strong ties to Cal State East Bay baseball. The left-handed reliever, who helped the Los Angeles Dodgers clinch the 2024 World Series, traces his roots back to his days on the mound at Cal State East Bay.
At Cal State East Bay, Vesia's potential began to blossom. He quickly earned a spot in the starting rotation as a freshman, impressing his coaches with his work ethic and determination. In his senior season with the Pioneers (2018), he made seven starts, appearing on the mound 14 times with 78.2 innings pitched for an 8-2 record and a 1.94 ERA.
As a Pioneer, Vesia won multiple postseason accolades such as ABCA/Rawlings All-West Region First Team (2018), NCBWA All-West Region Honorable Mention (2018), All-CCAA First Team (2018), All-CCAA Second Team (2016) and All-CCAA Honorable Mention (2015).
Vesia (Cal State East Bay, '18) was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He quickly progressed through the minor leagues, making his major league debut with the Marlins in 2020. The following year, a trade brought him to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he would eventually cement his place in baseball history.
In 2024, Vesia posted an impressive 1.76 ERA over 66.1 innings in 67 regular-season games with 87 strikeouts.
His stellar performance continued into the postseason, where he played a crucial role in the Dodgers' World Series victory over the New York Yankees. In the series opener, as the Dodgers trailed 2-1 heading into the eighth inning, Vesia struck out the first two batters he faced and retired the side without allowing a runner, keeping the Dodgers within reach late in a game they came back and won in the bottom of the 10th.
In game two with the Dodgers ahead 4-2 in the top of the ninth, the bases were loaded for the Yankees with the go-ahead run at first base and two outs. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts made a call to the bullpen needing only one out for the win. And he called upon Vesia. On one pitch, a fly ball to center field sealed the win for the Dodgers for a 2-0 series lead with the save going to Vesia.
The culmination of a historic season for the Dodgers came on October 30. As they trailed early 5-0, a five-run top of the fifth knotted the game even. And with a 5-5 score in the bottom of the fifth, the Yankess were in position to break through with the bases loaded. But Vesia got out of a jam as a flyout to right field ended the inning. Keeping the Yankees from reaching the plate in the inning paved the way for the Dodgers to eventually win game five, 7-6 as Vesia got to celebrate a World Series win with his fellow teammates.
Vesia's success has not only elevated his own career but has also put a spotlight on Cal State East Bay's baseball program. He remains connected to his alma mater, often inviting former teammates and coaches to games and sharing his experiences with current players. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring players at Cal State East Bay, proving that with hard work and determination, reaching the major leagues is possible regardless of where one starts.
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