Dodgers' pitcher Clayton Kershaw set to end 18-year career with over 3,000 strikeouts.
Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement from Baseball
After an illustrious 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw has announced his retirement from baseball at the end of the 2023 season. The news was shared during a press conference at Dodger Stadium, where Kershaw's wife, Ellen, and their four children were present.
Throughout his career, Kershaw has amassed an impressive record of 222-96 and 15 shutouts, leading active major league players. His pitching style, characterised by deception, movement, and velocity changes, has made him one of the most formidable pitchers in the game.
Kershaw's impact on the field extends beyond his pitching prowess. He is known for his exceptional fielding skills, a rare trait among pitchers. His oldest son, Charley, even shares a locker with him in the Dodgers clubhouse.
Dave Roberts, Kershaw's manager, praised him as a great competitor and a positive influence. "Clayton has been a cornerstone of this organisation for nearly two decades," Roberts said. "His dedication, both on and off the field, has set a standard for all of us."
Max Muncy, a teammate of Kershaw, views his retirement as an exciting day. "Clayton has been a mentor to me and so many others on this team," Muncy said. "His work ethic and commitment to excellence have inspired us all."
Mookie Betts, another teammate, appreciates Kershaw's impact on the game, the Dodgers, and himself. "Clayton is one of the best pitchers I've ever seen," Betts said. "His consistency and competitiveness are unmatched."
Kershaw's career highlights include a no-hitter against Colorado in June 2014 and World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. However, he missed the entire postseason, including the Dodgers' World Series win over the New York Yankees in 2021.
Despite a diminished velocity in recent years, Kershaw has adapted his approach, relying more on his experience and guile. He is one of three active pitchers with 3,000 strikeouts, along with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
Before the National League added a designated hitter, Kershaw was known as a decent hitter. His teammates cite his work ethic between starts as inspirational.
Kershaw's retirement marks the end of an era for the Dodgers and Major League Baseball. His legacy, however, will live on, not just in the records he has set, but in the lives he has touched and the impact he has had on the game.
In a poignant moment, Kershaw and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, his high school football teammate, shared a heartfelt embrace, symbolising the end of an era for both sports figures in Los Angeles.
As Kershaw prepares for his final regular-season start, which will be at Dodger Stadium on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants, fans and teammates alike will gather to celebrate his extraordinary career. The Dodger Stadium lights will shine brightly, not just for the game, but for a man who has given his all to the team and the city of Los Angeles.
