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Offensive coordinator John Morton talks future with Lions: ‘I love it here’

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**Allen Park — Offensive coordinator John Morton doesn’t know what the future holds as the Detroit Lions’ 2025 season nears its end. But if it were up to him, he would be back for the 2026 season.**

Speaking for the last time before the offseason, Morton told reporters Thursday that despite some of the challenges he’s encountered—namely, being stripped of play-calling duties midway through the season—he would like to be back for another year.

The offensive coordinator job, and whether Morton remains in it, is arguably the biggest storyline to watch for the Lions entering the upcoming offseason.

“I’d like to be here. Yeah. I love it here. I love (coach) Dan (Campbell), I love the organization. It’s my home,” Morton said. “All I’m thinking about is Chicago right now, so whatever happens, happens. I’ve been in this business for a while. I’m proud of the things that I’ve done. There’s a lot of things that I’ve got to improve on. Whatever happens, I just march on, just like I always have. That’s my attitude with everything.”

Morton, an Auburn Hills native, had big shoes to fill when taking over for ex-coordinator Ben Johnson, who guided the Lions to elite offensive outputs in three straight seasons before becoming head coach of the Bears last offseason.

Then, before training camp, the offensive line was thrown into turmoil when All-Pro center Frank Ragnow abruptly retired. The troubles that this season would bring were evident in training camp, when the Lions’ defense looked to be ahead of its star-studded offense.

However, Detroit was also operating without offensive tackle Taylor Decker for much of the summer, making it hard to fully grasp what things would look like during the regular season.

After a lifeless performance in the opener against Green Bay, the Lions’ offense rebounded to form one of the most productive units in the league, but things never looked quite right, even as they began racking up yards and points. The offensive line’s woes made the Lions’ run game an inconsistent mess, and the failure to address those issues seemed to create a disconnect between the roster and the staff.

Despite ranking third in points per game (28.9), for example, the Lions’ rushing offense ranked 15th and has had seven games with 100 rushing yards or fewer. From 2022 to 2024, the Lions had just eight total games with fewer than 100 rushing yards.

In addition to having a completely new interior offensive line, the Lions also dealt with a rash of injuries at those positions. Morton said the offensive line struggles produced “part of the problem,” but “it ain’t all the problem.”

“It’s a little bit of everything, it really is. But it does start up front. If you can control the line of scrimmage and do that, it just makes everything a lot easier,” Morton said. “I think it all does start up front, and losing our tight ends and stuff that’s part of the offensive line. But it’s not excuses. It’s not. We all have our hand in this. We have to be creative, just like in everything else, in the passing game and stuff. When a guy goes down, ‘OK, this guy’s got to step up.’”

Coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties after Detroit’s 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings coming out of the bye week on November 2. Campbell said the reason he took the play-calling from Morton was because Morton struggled to bring the vision for his offense to life but remained open to the idea that Morton could return to calling plays once he had a better feel for what he wanted.

In Campbell’s first game as the play-caller, the Lions exploded for 44 points in a win against the Washington Commanders. But not long after, Detroit returned to its inconsistent ways, suggesting that Campbell’s play-calling wasn’t the answer, either.

Morton said Thursday that while he’d like to be back as the offensive play-caller or as a play-caller anywhere, calling plays is “absolutely not” a prerequisite for his return.

“Whatever it takes, you know what I mean? I would love to do that, wherever that may be. I love doing it, I love putting the game plan together. I love all that,” Morton said.

Added Morton, “I told you guys before, I’m a team player. I’ll do whatever it takes at this point in my career. Whatever Dan wants, I do. I’m here to help him and help this team win. That’s what I’ve done.”

Morton, 56, has 22 years of NFL coaching experience but is in just his second season as a play-caller. He last called plays during the 2017 season as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets.

In terms of what he’s learned since taking a step back, Morton said he’s gotten a better idea of how Campbell views tendencies and wants to marry the run and pass games.

“Those are kind of the things I’ve got to work on,” Morton said. “We’ll look at the offseason and I’ll just keep going like I’m the coordinator calling plays and try to improve.”
https://www.macombdaily.com/2026/01/01/offensive-coordinator-john-morton-talks-future-with-lions-i-love-it-here/

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“Devin Williams will thrive there” – MLB insider links star free agent closer to Yankees’ AL East rival

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A two-time All-Star during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, Devin Williams’ stint with the New York Yankees did not go as planned in 2025. The closer ended the regular season with a career-worst 4.79 ERA.

Despite his recent struggles, Williams, who is now a free agent, boasts an impressive 1.83 ERA over the last five seasons. This makes him a high-ceiling option for any team that can unlock his full potential.

During Thursday’s episode of the “Blair & Barker” podcast, insider Jeff Passan speculated that the Toronto Blue Jays could be the team to benefit from signing Williams.

“Devin Williams hits 94-87, so there’s a fastball there,” Passan said (36:30). “The changeup is just an awesome, awesome changeup. I think Williams is just a guy who has a nasty out-pitch that he can also land for strikes.”

Passan added, “I think Devin Williams would be a great addition for the Blue Jays, and I think he will thrive there. But I think it all depends on how much (Toronto Blue Jays owner) Edward Rogers is willing to throw into this organization.”

### Williams Defends His 2025 Performance

Though his ERA doesn’t paint a flattering picture, Williams finished within the top 4 percent of MLB players in strikeout rate, whiff rate, chase rate, and expected batting average — indicators of strong underlying performance.

Speaking to insider Will Sammon of The Athletic, Williams explained why his 2025 ERA was not an accurate reflection of his overall season.

“As far as my feel and my command, I even lowered my walk rate this year, even with kind of the way that the year went,” Williams said. “The statistics ended up the way they were because I had four or five blow-up games. They ended up scoring three or ended up scoring four.”

Williams continued, “I just wasn’t able to get out of it after one run. That contributed to why my ERA looks the way that it did. It wasn’t necessarily like I was bad in every game. It’s just when I had a bad game, it was terrible.”

### What’s Next for Devin Williams?

MLB Trade Rumors predicts that Williams could land a four-year deal this winter, potentially worth around $68 million. Given his track record and underlying metrics, the right team could turn Williams into a dominant closer once again.

—

*Edited by Raghav Mehta*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-devin-williams-will-thrive-there-mlb-insider-links-star-free-agent-closer-yankees-al-east-rival

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2026 Mock Predicts Rams Make Shocking Selections

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The Los Angeles Rams have found themselves atop of the NFC after Week 12 and now have a real possibility of having the first round bye in the playoffs. The Rams have cemented themselves as one of the top contender for the Super Bowl after a tough stretch the last three weeks. LA currently has the pieces to compete now and the future. One NFL analyst reveal their latest 2026 mock draft, which can help the Rams return with a youthful roster. Rams Select Offensive Lineman With First Pick The Los Angeles Rams have two first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft after their traded away their 2025 first rounder to the Atlanta Falcons. In exchange, the Rams received the Falcons first round pick for next years draft. Atlanta currently has a record of 4-7 after Week 12, giving the Rams a high draft pick in 2026. CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer released his latest mock draft, which has Los Angeles making their first pick of next years draft at the 11th spot, predicting the Rams will selecting offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from the University of Miami, Florida. “Mauigoa is a thick and powerful right tackle who could move to any position on the offensive line except left tackle. He’s strong at the point of attack in the run game and maintains a solid anchor against power,” Brockermeyer wrote. Selecting an offensive lineman, especially a right tackle, will be beneficial for the future of the LA Rams, with the aging long time Ram, Rob Havenstein, who is 33 years old, possibly retiring in the next couple of seasons. Havenstein is currently dealing with an ankle and knee injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Mauigoa will be 21 by the start of the 2026 season and will have plenty of time to form chemistry with the Matthew Stafford and the future quarterback of the organization. The lineman has only allowed on sack on the season and has the ability to eliminate any opposing team’s best rusher. Brockermeyer lists Francis Mauigoa as the number player at his position in the mock draft. Rams Select Offensive Weapon With Second First Round Pick The Los Angeles Rams currently have two of the best performing wide receivers in the league this season with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but both of those players contracts expire at the end of the 2026 season. Nacua is on the third year of his rookie deal and Adams is in his first year of a two year contract with the team. If the Rams do not lockdown Puka with a big contract, LA will not have any long term wide receivers on the squad. Brockermeyer predicts the Rams will select wide receiver Denzel Boston from the University of Washington with the 31st overall pick of his mock draft, giving LA a youthful option. “Boston is a long and fluid receiver who can stretch the field outside and create separation in the slot. He has strong production and is a red-zone threat due to his contested-catch ability,” Brockermeyer wrote for CBS Sports. Boston currently has 730 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns on the season, averaging 11 yards per catch. If the Rams are unable to keep either Puka or Adams on their current contracts, Boston is a good alternative for the organization.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/los-angeles-rams/mock-draft-francis-mauigoa-denzel-boston/

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George Pickens Makes Strong Admission on Steelers’ Mike Tomlin

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Wide receiver George Pickens is thriving with the Dallas Cowboys this season. Pickens has more receiving yards through 10 games this season than he had in 14 contests last year. He has also set a career high with seven touchdowns. That’s led some pundits to criticize the Pittsburgh Steelers for trading Pickens before the 2025 NFL season. The Steelers sent Pickens to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick. In his most recent admission to the media, Pickens explained he understood the trade and explained he views the Steelers organization very positively. The receiver also suggested he is still on good terms with head coach Mike Tomlin. “I can call up Coach T [Mike Tomlin] right now, and we’d have a real conversation,” Pickens wrote in The Players’ Tribune on Friday. “What I respect about him most is he always told me, ‘Just keep being you, George.’ “It just wasn’t the long-term fit for where my journey was headed, and that’s ok.” George Pickens Speaks out on Steelers Departure Previously, Pickens has indirectly put the Steelers on notice about his exit from the team. In August, the receiver told NFL Network’s Jane Slater that the trade to Dallas “was good for” him. That comment angered Steelers Nation a bit. But Pickens may have not really meant that comment as a diss at the Steelers. The wideout appeared to put those comments in better context while addressing his Pittsburgh tenure in his article this week. “Everything started off so good, too. I had the one-handed catch in my third game, and y’all know the numbers,” Pickens wrote. “Second year, 1, 100 yards. I don’t gotta bore you. “But I was still a kid. I made some mistakes. I’ll own that. I let my emotions get the best of me a few times because I’m always riding that line. That’s just who I am. I’ve tried to learn from it and grow while still being ME.” The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf and signed him to a 4-year, $132 million extension. Pickens wrote that at that time, he knew his time in Pittsburgh was coming to an end. Even then, though, the receiver suggested the two sides remained respectful through the trade to Dallas. “They did right by me,” Pickens added. “They sent me to the perfect spot in Dallas. What more do you want me to say? “There’s no drama, bro. No headlines to write. THey’re doing their things way up there, and I’m down here in Dallas with CeeDee and Dak doing what I do best. Everybody wins.” Pundits stirring hot takes that the Steelers lost the Pickens trade will disagree. Yet, it’s still hard to argue with that sentiment. While the Steelers could use a better WR2 this season, Pickens wouldn’t have been the right fit. In 2025, he would have taken a back seat to Metcalf and the multi-tight end set offense, which likely would have frustrated him to no end. Instead of that potential drama, the Steelers traded Pickens for draft capital that could help the team land a future franchise quarterback. Will Pickens Stay in Dallas? The Steelers clearly didn’t have Pickens in their long-term plans. The question, though, is do the Cowboys plan to keep the receiver beyond 2025? Pickens’ rookie contract will expire at the end of the season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in March. The Cowboys already have about $65 million to the salary cap dedicated to quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb. Spotrac projected Pickens’s market value at $29. 4 million for his average annual salary. Dallas could place the franchise tag on Pickens. According to Over The Cap, though, that would only save the team about $1. 3 million. Pickens seems to have matured over the last year, but he hasn’t been completely drama free in Dallas. Cowboys insider Clarence Hill Jr. reported the receiver didn’t make the team bus last week in Las Vegas. Hill implied that could become a factor in his contract negotiations. Overall, though, there’s been a lot of positivity about Pickens staying in Dallas after this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/george-pickens-nfl-news-mike-tomlin/

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Commanders are raising season-ticket prices for 2026

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Next year, it will be more expensive to attend games at arguably the worst stadium in the NFL. com, the Commanders will be raising season-ticket prices in 2026. While upper-bowl seats, which make up 25 percent of the season-ticket accounts, will remain unchanged, other seats will increase in price. The average increase for all season tickets will be just under 10 percent, according to Jhabvala. The maximum increase will be 16 percent. In justifying the increase, the team has cited an increased demand and the investment being made in the organization by ownership. Season-ticket holders were notified of the change on Friday morning. The renewal deadline is January 9. Accounts set to auto-renew have an opt-out deadline of December 12. It’s ultimately a business analysis that each team has to make. What is the right price point? Set it too high, and seats may be empty. Set it too low, and the team leaves money on the table. The fact that the Commanders have slumped to 3-8, with a five-game losing streak, won’t make customers ecstatic about reshuffling household budgets. But with a swanky new stadium coming, many may decide to grin and bear it for the handful of seasons that remain before the Commanders ditch Northwest Field for good.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/commanders-are-raising-season-ticket-prices-for-2026

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One Hope United ramps up gift drive for as many as 10K kids around Tampa

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A beloved tradition is returning to the Tampa area this holiday season, promising to spread joy to thousands of children and families. One Hope United is kicking off its annual Holiday Hope Express, a festive event designed to deliver gifts and holiday cheer across the region.

**Spreading Holiday Cheer Through the Holiday Hope Express**

Led by the nonprofit organization One Hope United, the Holiday Hope Express runs through December 12. Its mission is to provide gifts and holiday tidings to as many as 10,000 children and families in need around Tampa Bay.

One Hope United serves as a foster care and adoption services agency for the region, but during the holiday season, its focus turns to making the holidays brighter for children through its signature gift drive.

**How Local Businesses and Community Members Can Help**

The Holiday Hope Express is primarily a toy drive, with a special emphasis on encouraging employers and organizations throughout Tampa Bay to organize their own drives in their workplaces or communities. Gifts collected are then delivered to central donation points managed by One Hope United.

Local businesses can also contribute by making monetary donations online. “Every toy makes a difference,” says Damon Cates, President and CEO of One Hope United. “The Holiday Hope Express is a way for our community to come together and brighten the holidays for children who need it most.”

**Resources for Organizing a Holiday Drive**

To help businesses and groups get involved, One Hope United offers a variety of resources. Their Holiday Hope Express website features helpful tools like the “Hope Conductor Toolkit,” which provides step-by-step instructions for starting an internal toy drive campaign.

Support materials are available, including social media assets, suggested gift lists, and downloadable flyers to promote drives in the workplace or community.

**Key Dates and Recommendations**

One Hope United recommends that participating companies wrap up their collection drives by December 5, ensuring that all gifts are delivered to the nonprofit by December 12. For donors looking for guidance, the suggested shopping budget for each child ranges between $25 and $50.

**Get Involved Today**

The Holiday Hope Express offers a meaningful way for the Tampa Bay community to unite and make a difference this season. For more information on how to participate or to make a donation, visit the [Holiday Hope Express website](#).

Help One Hope United bring holiday joy to local children and families—every gift truly counts!
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/765811-one-hope-united-ramps-up-gift-drive-for-as-many-as-10k-kids-around-tampa/

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Insider Reveals Why Giants Didn’t Fire Joe Schoen When Team Fired Brian Daboll

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With the decision to fire head coach Brian Daboll, many have questioned why the New York Giants didn’t move on from a few other faces within the organization. At the top of that list are defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and general manager Joe Schoen.

Schoen hasn’t necessarily done the worst job for the Giants, which has been evident when the team is healthy—primarily due to some of the young talent they’ve landed through the draft. Still, the Giants haven’t won games at the level the organization desires, and general managers often bear the brunt of that blame.

As things currently stand, it’s almost guaranteed that Schoen will have until the end of the season to prove his worth. Beyond that, his future remains uncertain. However, many feel it might have been better to let him go alongside Daboll rather than giving him the entire year—especially if the Giants don’t plan to bring him back next season.

According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, when asked about Schoen’s return next year, the prevailing sentiment around the NFL is that he will remain with the Giants for the remainder of the season, mainly because of the talent he has brought in.

“The Giants have already said in their statement announcing the firing that Schoen will remain the general manager and head their coaching search. That indicates that he’s part of their plans moving forward,” Raanan noted.

There is a belief that Schoen has assembled a promising core of young talent, but that group hasn’t been developed or utilized properly. The feeling around the league is that Schoen is likely to survive a third straight difficult season because he still has the trust and attention of ownership.

It’s not unfair to suggest that Schoen hasn’t done a great job overall. However, some of the blame may not rest entirely on him, given the Giants’ ongoing injury issues.

Of course, fans might argue that every NFL team deals with injuries. Yet, the Giants’ top offensive players have truly been derailed by them this season, significantly impacting the team’s performance.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/insider-reveals-why-giants-didnt-fire-joe-schoen-when-team-fired-brian-daboll-11045758

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Pat McAfee Links Brian Daboll to High-Profile College Coaching Job

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Football fans have quickly begun speculating about what may be next for former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after he was let go by the organization on Monday. This led former NFL punter Pat McAfee to suggest a potential fit for Daboll at the collegiate level.

Daboll hasn’t coached collegiately since briefly serving as an offensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama in 2017. Notably, this lone season with the Crimson Tide was a wildly successful one, helping the program win a National Championship.

With no prior head coaching experience at the college level, Daboll isn’t exactly the first name that comes to mind for most when it comes to some of the top head coaching vacancies across college football. However, Pat McAfee shared why he believes Daboll could be a “home run” hire for Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft.

“Daboll getting fired from the Giants seemingly opens the door for Penn State to make a move that everybody will like up there,” McAfee said on Wednesday’s edition of *The Pat McAfee Show*. “I assume Pat Kraft and everybody that’s making the decision is like, ‘Hold the phone, we got a guy who wants to be here very, very bad seemingly and has a big name.’ That could be a home run for them. We would like to say to Daboll, if you go to Penn State college football would be pumped. He would be electrifying.”

McAfee’s comments come after a photo surfaced of Daboll wearing a Penn State hoodie following his firing from the Giants, naturally sparking plenty of speculation that he may at least have an interest in the job.

It’s possible that fans may be reading too much into Daboll wearing Penn State apparel. However, there are notable ties within the Daboll family to the program. His son, Christian Daboll, spent three seasons as a student coach with the Nittany Lions before ultimately joining his father on the Giants coaching staff.

While it remains unclear whether Penn State has any interest in hiring Daboll, it certainly seems that the Nittany Lions would be near the top of his list if he is open to a return to college coaching.

More NFL opportunities could also emerge as we approach the end of the 2025 NFL regular season. At this point, it truly seems like everything may still be on the table for Daboll as he figures out his future in coaching.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/pat-mcafee-links-brian-daboll-high-profile-college-coaching-job-11036339

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Dodgers Front Office Gets Clear Message From Shohei Ohtani

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani made his feelings clear regarding the team’s offseason ambitions.

The Dodgers won the World Series in dramatic fashion, beating the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games. Down 3-2 with two road games left, Los Angeles was on the verge of failing to defend their 2024 title.

Then, manager Dave Roberts got his team refocused and rallied them, pulling off a tough string of back-to-back wins.

In Game 7, the Dodgers were down 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning. With one out on the board, nine-hole hitter Miguel Rojas came up to bat. After battling with Blue Jays closer Trevor Hoffman, Rojas eventually got a hold of one and drove it over the wall, hitting the game-tying home run that kept the Dodgers in the game.

The Dodgers ended up winning the game on the back of Will Smith’s 11th-inning homer, cementing Rojas as a hero in the eyes of fans.

Dodgers supporters were not the only ones grateful for Rojas’ heroics. Shohei Ohtani was also appreciative of Rojas’s efforts and made an effort to send a message about his future.

“I think one of the coolest things that happened in my life, so far. I hit the homer, right? And everybody’s kind of like on top of me, right there in front of the dugout,” Rojas told Chris Rose Sports.

“But then, Shohei, he’s hitting next, right? He popped it up to left, to make it two outs in the inning. Came back to the dugout, and I’m by the back rack, like laying my helmet, and Shohei came to me and he say, ‘Miggy, you can’t retire next year. You’re playing with me for 10 more years.’

“And I got a picture of him kind of like holding me, and telling me that I can’t retire next year, that I have to play 10 more years. And I say, ‘Shohei, I’m old, and I don’t know if I can play for 10 more years, but I’ll play with you next year, for sure.’”

Rojas should end up staying with the Dodgers. The organization tends to reward players who are fan-favorites and locker room leaders. He can also still field at a high level and has positional versatility, both of which will be valuable to the team.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/dodgers-front-office-gets-clear-message-from-shohei-ohtani-11016546

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Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia shares heartbreak of baby daughter’s death: ‘No words to describe the pain’

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia has shared the heartbreaking news of his baby daughter’s death, expressing that there are “no words to describe the pain.”

The MLB player, who was absent from the recent World Series games against the Toronto Blue Jays, revealed that he and his wife, Kayla Vesia, would “cherish every second” they shared with their child.

“Our little angel, we love you forever & you’re with us always,” Alex wrote on Instagram alongside a touching picture of their infant’s hand clasped with theirs. “There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.”

Their daughter passed away on Sunday, October 26, just two days after the World Series began. Earlier, on October 23, the Dodgers announced that Vesia would be away from the team “with a heavy heart” to “navigate a deeply personal family matter.”

At the time, the Dodgers organization shared, “The entire Dodgers organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family, and we will provide an update at a later date.”

In his heartfelt post, Vesia expressed gratitude for the support he and his family have received. He thanked the Dodgers, fans of both the Dodgers and Blue Jays, and the wider baseball community.

“Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” he said. “Thank you Dodger Nation, Blue Jays organization and all baseball fans for your love and support. We have seen ALL your messages, comments and posts. It’s brought us so much comfort.”

He also extended thanks to the medical staff, saying, “Lastly, we’d like to thank Cedars Sinai and all the medical staff who helped Kayla and Sterling. Every person we came across was truly so incredible.”

The Independent has reached out to the Dodgers for comment regarding Vesia’s post.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/alex-vesia-dodgers-baby-death-b2861230.html