Revival of the Dodgers' franchise was often spearheaded by Clayton Kershaw throughout the years
In the heart of Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium prepares to host a historic moment as Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for what could be his final game. The game is set to begin at 7:08 PM on this evening, 53,037 eager fans in attendance, eager to witness a piece of Dodger history unfold.
Kershaw, a Dodger through and through, has spent 18 years with the team, cementing his place in the annals of Dodger history. His illustrious career includes three Cy Young awards, a feat he achieved three times, and seven consecutive years finishing in the top five. In 2011, he made history by winning his first 20 games, a remarkable achievement in the world of baseball.
The Dodgers, under the management of Dave Roberts, have improved significantly over the past 10 to 12 years, culminating in a 13th consecutive postseason berth. This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the players and the management.
On the night of September 20, 2011, Kershaw delivered a memorable performance, beating Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants 2-1. The crowd roared as Todd Leitz, the Dodger Stadium public address announcer, announced Kershaw's relief with a fitting preface and farewell.
Kershaw's career earned-run average of 2.54 is lower than that of Cy Young, the baseball legend for whom the award is named. No pitcher in the last 100 years has thrown as many innings with a better ERA than Kershaw. This remarkable statistic underscores the consistency and excellence of his career.
The journey of the Dodgers, however, has not always been smooth. In 2011, the commissioner's office threatened to kick the team out of the league. Yet, under the current ownership group led by Mark Walter, Kershaw was ensured he would not have to pitch on short rest during Octobers, a testament to the team's commitment to their star player.
The 2011 Dodgers were outspent by the Minnesota Twins and outdrawn by the Milwaukee Brewers. Yet, they persevered, with Frank McCourt, who bought the Dodgers for television content, not championships, playing a role in their resilience.
A significant part of Kershaw's journey is tied to the music of his time. On September 20, 2011, the day of his historic win, the band Fun. released a song that would become his signature song. The song, "Tonight," was by The Smashing Pumpkins, a band known for their powerful anthems.
As Kershaw prepares to potentially say goodbye, the Dodgers have already secured a win the day after his announcement, beating the Giants once more. The crowd, the stadium, and the Dodger family are united in their gratitude for Kershaw's contributions to the team. His legacy, marked by his four consecutive ERA titles, his three Cy Young awards, and his unmatched consistency, will live on in the hearts of Dodger fans for years to come.
