Kershaw’s Emotional Farewell After World Series Win

Clayton Kershaw was visibly emotional as he joined his family on the field at Toronto’s Rogers Center early Sunday. The Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series title, marking a memorable end to Kershaw’s 18-year career in Los Angeles.

After the Dodgers pulled off a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays in an 11-inning Game 7, Kershaw, who had announced his retirement plans in September, shared heartfelt embraces with his wife, Ellen, and their kids.

“Oh my god,” the 37-year-old pitcher exclaimed, tears in his eyes.

Ellen, pregnant with their fifth child, also teared up as she celebrated with the three-time Cy Young Award winner.

Going into Saturday’s decisive game, the series was tied at three games each. The Dodgers staged an incredible comeback from a three-run deficit in the bottom of the 11th when Alejandro Kirk’s ground out resulted in a double play, clinching the win—a moment Kershaw initially misunderstood.

“When he hit the double play, I thought we’d tied it. I had no idea,” Kershaw recalled. “I thought it was the next batter.”

He continued, recounting how catcher Josh Bard informed him, “We just won the World Series,” to which Kershaw responded, “Really? I thought…”

In the locker room, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts invited Kershaw to share his thoughts, marking a special moment for the pitcher who first joined the team in 2008.

“It’s such an honor to be in this clubhouse with all of you. I love you all,” Kershaw said, starting his speech shirtless. “I can’t think of a better way to go out than to open a bottle with this group. We’re on a winning streak!”

This victory made the Dodgers the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles since the Yankees achieved the feat from 1998 to 2000. Last year, Los Angeles triumphed over the Yankees with five wins in that series.