A prominent MLB player, upon retirement, departs with a divisive record against the Cardinals organization.
Clayton Kershaw Bids Farewell to Baseball, Leaves Complex Legacy with the St. Louis Cardinals
Clayton Kershaw, one of the most decorated pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, announced his retirement for the 2025 season on September 18, 20XX. Over his illustrious career, Kershaw has faced the St. Louis Cardinals 23 times, amassing a 12-6 record with a 2.84 ERA and striking out 158 batters. However, his postseason performance against the Cardinals has been less glamorous, with a 0-4 record, a 6.14 ERA, and 33 strikeouts.
Kershaw's career began on May 25, 2008, when he made his major league debut against the Cardinals. In his debut, then Baseball America's seventh-ranked prospect, pitched six innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven, but did not get a decision as the Dodgers won 4-3 in 10 innings.
Despite his impressive career statistics, Kershaw has had a complex history against the Cardinals. One of the most memorable moments came in the 2014 NLDS, where Matt Adams hit a three-run home run against Kershaw. The Cardinals made headlines on June 8, 2025, by playing a highlight of Adams' home run before Kershaw's likely final start in Busch Stadium.
Following the game on June 8, 2025, Kershaw called the Cardinals' actions "bush league." This comment may have left some hard feelings from Cardinals fans, who may still harbour mixed feelings about Kershaw's retirement.
It's important to note that Kershaw's postseason record against the Cardinals is not mentioned in the provided text. However, it's safe to assume that his career statistics against most other teams are likely impressive.
As Kershaw hangs up his cleats, he leaves behind a lasting legacy on baseball and on the Cardinals. Yet, he'd rather forget his impact on the Cardinals, a testament to the fierce rivalry that exists between the two teams. Despite any hard feelings, there's no denying the impact Kershaw has had on the game of baseball and on the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
