LOS ANGELES — At 3:28 p.m., Clayton Kershaw made his way through the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse, donning a hooded sweatshirt and sneakers. This moment marked a significant milestone for the pitcher who has epitomized the franchise and symbolized the hopes of an entire city for nearly two decades. Friday was not just another game; it was the last time Kershaw would start a regular-season game at Dodger Stadium. Yet, even in his retirement, Kershaw adhered to his well-established routine, which has been pivotal in his journey to becoming arguably the best pitcher of his generation.
As the clock struck 6:23 p.m., Kershaw exited the Dodgers’ dugout and walked towards the bullpen, greeted by a crowd of 53,037 fans who have followed his career since he was just 20 years old. Taking a seat in the outfield grass, Kershaw looked up at the sea of faces and felt an overwhelming rush of emotions. “Obviously a little bit harder tonight, a little bit harder to do that,” Kershaw expressed. “But in a good way. There’s no way I could try to soak it all in tonight. Eighteen years of memories you can’t just put into words in one night, or feel all the feels that you can possibly feel.”
From the outset of his career, few pitching prospects have generated as much hype as Kershaw, known for his blazing 97 mph fastball and the iconic curveball that Vin Scully dubbed “Public Enemy No. 1.” Kershaw not only lived up to the expectations but surpassed them. Before taking the mound, he glanced up at his wife, Ellen, and his family in the stands, blowing them a kiss. Joined by catcher Dalton Rushing, Kershaw stepped onto the field first to soak in the adoration of the crowd, raising his arm in acknowledgment before his teammates joined him to share this momentous occasion.
“He deserves it,” said teammate Mookie Betts. “He’s going to have a statue here pretty soon. Somebody like that deserves any little moment he can get some shine.” The atmosphere intensified as the stadium erupted when Kershaw’s entrance song, “We Are Young,” played at 7:08 p.m. At 37 years old, Kershaw now sports flecks of gray in his beard and is a father of four, with a fifth child on the way. Despite injuries that plagued the last two years of his career, he has managed to maintain a pitching average of 89 mph this season.
Kershaw's final home game came against the San Francisco Giants, a team he has faced more than any other in his career, boasting a remarkable 2.08 ERA against them over 62 outings. Manager Dave Roberts quipped, “All we need is Buster in the lineup, hitting third,” referring to the fact that former Giants catcher Buster Posey is now running their baseball operations department. Kershaw’s journey in baseball began during Roberts’ last year as a player in 2008, and Kershaw was just a young prospect then.
As the game progressed, Kershaw showcased his enduring skill, striking out Rafael Devers with a well-placed slider and inducing a double play to escape a jam in the third inning. However, his performance was not without its challenges, as a leadoff homer from Heliot Ramos and additional runs tested his resolve. As the fourth inning rolled around, Kershaw's time on the mound was coming to an end. Fans sensed the finality of the moment, cheering loudly as Kershaw delivered his last pitches.
As Kershaw completed the fifth inning, the emotions surged within him. “The emotions and the smile on his face, he seemed at peace,” remarked Miguel Rojas. As Kershaw embraced his teammates, he took a moment to soak in the atmosphere before handing the ball to Roberts. “I just said, ‘Congratulations on a great career,’” Roberts recalled, to which Kershaw humbly responded, “I’m sorry I pitched so poorly tonight.” With a final look at his family and a wave to the crowd, Kershaw retreated to the dugout, prompting a well-deserved curtain call.
In what would be Kershaw’s 228th regular-season start at Dodger Stadium, he finished with a line of 4 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out six batters. His career ERA at this iconic stadium stands at an impressive 2.26. The fans who witnessed Kershaw’s rise from a young rookie to a celebrated ace felt a deep connection to him, sharing in both his triumphs and struggles.
Kershaw’s legacy is intertwined with that of the Dodgers, a relationship marked by both success and heartbreak. Despite the team’s postseason challenges over the years, Kershaw has consistently been the face of their pitching staff. “I think that narrative [about Kershaw's postseason struggles] is so off base,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations. “When we had big games and he was rested, there was nobody we’d rather have on the mound than Kershaw.”
As the Dodgers clinched their spot in the postseason for the 13th consecutive year, Kershaw remains a vital part of the team's future, regardless of his role. “I still feel that there’s a role for him, a spot for him,” Roberts affirmed. The clubhouse celebrated not only their postseason berth but also the incredible career of Kershaw. “I’m kind of mentally exhausted today, honestly, but it’s the best feeling in the world now,” he expressed after the game. “We got a win, we clinched a playoff berth, I got to stand on that mound one last time. I just can’t be more grateful.”
As Clayton Kershaw embarks on this new chapter of his life, his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of Dodgers fans and the annals of baseball history.
