Clayton Kershaw Retires After Legendary Career
Clayton Kershaw, a standout pitcher with an impressive 18-year career, concluded his journey without adding another World Series title to his accolades—at least not right away.
The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched victory against the Toronto Blue Jays, winning 5-4 in a gripping Game 7 that went to 11 innings, marking their back-to-back championship triumph after a lengthy 25-year gap.
However, Kershaw was initially unaware of this thrilling outcome.
As he warmed up in the bullpen, he missed the decisive moment when Alejandro Kirk hit into a game-ending double play with runners on the corners.
“When the double play happened, I honestly thought we’d tied it up. I had no clue what was going on; I thought it was the next batter,” he chuckled.
The moment fell to Dodgers bullpen catcher Josh Byrd, who had the job of breaking the news to Kershaw. “Baldo looked at me and said, ‘We just won the World Series.’ I was like, ‘Really?’”
At 37, Kershaw has already announced his retirement planned for the end of this season. On Saturday night, he reflected at his locker, expressing that he couldn’t have wished for more. Throughout his career with the Dodgers, he garnered three World Series rings and established himself as one of baseball’s greats, beloved by many in Los Angeles.
“It’s not a sad feeling,” Kershaw noted. “How amazing is this? I’ll always say that the last game I played was the Game 7 of the World Series. It’s poetic, really. Even if my fastball was only 88 mph, I would still feel fulfilled. It’s the perfect ending.”
Kershaw, who recorded an intense 18-inning victory during Game 3 earlier in the series, couldn’t help but feel grateful. “You can’t script it. I’m just thankful to be out there and actually make this happen,” he commented.
During his prime from 2010 to 2015, he dominated the National League by leading in earned run average five times and in strikeouts three times.
He’s now etched in history alongside greats like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, representing the Dodgers with honor.
Kershaw might have had his best season in 2014, boasting a 21-3 record with a stunning 1.77 ERA and a remarkable 233 strikeouts, earning him both the Cy Young and MVP awards.
His pitching style was marked by its deception and variation, inspired by his childhood idol, Roger Clemens.
An 11-time All-Star, Kershaw ties with Zach Wheat and Bill Russell for the most seasons played with the Dodgers. He celebrated World Series victories in 2020 and 2024, with an overall record of 222 wins to 96 losses, including 15 shutouts—the highest for any active major leaguer. He also threw a no-hitter against the Rockies in June 2014.
Kershaw’s ERA, at 2.54, is the best for any pitcher in the modern era since 1920, and his winning percentage remains unrivaled among pitchers with at least 200 wins since 1900.
Kershaw shared that Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, extended a job offer. “He mentioned something about a place I could hang out,” he said. “I’m not sure what that entails, but this organization is remarkable. They don’t need me to win a World Series now, but if I can contribute in any way in the future, I hope to.”
