Baseball legend Clayton Kershaw, renowned Dodgers pitcher, set to end his Major League Baseball career after completion of his 18th season
After a storied 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is set to take the mound on Friday for his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium. The three-time Cy Young Award-winner and two-time World Series champion has been resurgent this season, boasting a 10-2 record in 20 starts and a 3.53 earned run average.
Kershaw's journey with the Dodgers began in 2008 when he was drafted seventh overall out of Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. His career took off quickly, earning his first All-Star selection and his first Cy Young Award as the National League's top pitcher in 2011.
From 2011 to 2014, Kershaw led the major leagues in earned-run-average each season. He won the Cy Young Award again in 2013 and 2014. However, injuries have been a constant challenge, starting with a bad back in 2016. Despite these setbacks, Kershaw has shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back to help the Dodgers win their first NL title in 2017 and a World Series in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
In the 2020 playoffs, Kershaw had a record of 4-1, an earned-run-average of 2.93, and 37 strikeouts, playing a crucial role in the Dodgers' victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series.
Kershaw's decision to retire was not made lightly. After much contemplation, he discussed it with his wife for months before making the announcement. Despite the emotional toll of his decision, Kershaw has expressed gratitude for staying healthy and being able to pitch this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his gratitude for coaching Kershaw for a decade, calling him a greater competitor, very accountable, and consistent. First baseman Freddie Freeman referred to Kershaw as a baseball legend, "forever."
Kershaw will retire with at least 222 career wins and more than 3,000 strikeouts. His impact on the Dodgers and Major League Baseball will be felt for years to come. On Friday, Dodger Stadium will bid farewell to a true legend as Kershaw takes the mound for one last regular-season game.
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