Clayton Kershaw’s Retirement Announcement

Los Angeles Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw revealed in September that he plans to retire following this season.

At 37 years old, Kershaw boasts an impressive career ERA of 2.53, the best among MLB pitchers with over 1,000 innings pitched in the live ball era, which began in 1920.

Retired MLB player Tom “Flash” Gordon expressed to Fox News Digital his belief that Kershaw deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.

“If he’s not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, then I don’t know what we’re talking about,” Gordon remarked, highlighting Kershaw’s significant contributions during his career.

Gordon, who spent time watching Kershaw while his son, Dee Strange Gordon, played for the Dodgers for four years, noted Kershaw’s work ethic and leadership on the mound.

“He’s an elite athlete, no doubt, but it’s the way he carried the team, pushing the Dodgers into the playoffs for years,” Gordon shared.

Kershaw is one of only 11 pitchers to hit the remarkable milestone of 3,000 strikeouts earlier in this season, and he has won three Cy Young Awards while leading the National League in ERA five times.

Gordon reflected on how Kershaw’s performance has lifted his teammates. “I’ve learned a lot from pitchers like Roger Clemens and Brett Saberhagen. When you see someone like Kershaw, it teaches you a lot,” he added.

Gordon compared Kershaw’s talent to renowned pitchers like Pedro Martinez, expressing a hope that Kershaw might retire with another championship title since he previously won the World Series with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024.

“If the team keeps up their momentum, he has a chance to grab another title before he hangs up his cleats, which would be an incredible way to end,” Gordon commented.

The Dodgers currently lead the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, and Kershaw has yet to pitch in this postseason but is available from the bullpen.

This season, Kershaw participated in 23 games, posting an 11-2 record with an ERA of 3.36.

The next game in the NLDS is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:08 PM.

Dee Strange Gordon, Tom’s son, enjoyed a successful 11-year career in the majors, achieving a .286 batting average while being selected for two All-Star teams and excelling in both shortstop and second base positions.

Currently, Tom Gordon is involved with “The Perfect Game,” a major scouting organization and is set to debut his podcast “Inning of Life,” where he interviews notable figures in baseball.

Having played for 21 seasons in Major League Baseball, Gordon earned three All-Star selections and recorded an impressive streak of 54 consecutive saves during his career.