Dodgers legend ‘Clayton Kershaw’ retires
Three-time Cy Young winner ends 18-year career with two World Series titles
Clayton Kershaw, the 37‑year‑old left‑hander who spent his entire 18‑year Major League career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced his retirement at a press conference in Dodger Stadium. Surrounded by his wife Ellen, their four children, teammates, manager Dave Roberts and owner Mark Walter, Kershaw said he felt “at peace” with the decision after realizing this season would likely be his last.
Kershaw departs as one of the most decorated pitchers in modern baseball. His résumé includes three National League Cy Young Awards, the 2014 NL MVP, 11 All‑Star selections and two World Series championships (2020, 2024). He finishes with a 222‑96 win‑loss record, a 2.54 ERA—the lowest among active qualifying pitchers—and more than 3,000 strikeouts, placing him in an elite club alongside Max Schweizer and Justin Verlander. His 15 shutouts lead all active pitchers, and his career ERA is the lowest in the live‑ball era since 1920. He also recorded a no‑hitter in June 2014 and tied franchise records for longevity with the Dodgers.
Roberts praised Kershaw as “one of the greatest competitors” and highlighted his consistency and accountability. Walter lauded both his on‑field achievements and his charitable work, noting the family’s humanitarian projects in Africa and Los Angeles. Teammates Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and others described his work ethic and quiet leadership as inspirational.
In recent years, injuries limited Kershaw’s innings; a toe injury in 2024 curtailed his season to seven starts. Nevertheless, he returned this year, providing stability to a rotation plagued by setbacks. He acknowledged the rarity of his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play at a high level for so long.
Off the field, Kershaw’s personal life remains busy. His wife is expecting their fifth child, and his oldest son Charley has a locker in the Dodgers clubhouse. The family splits time between Los Angeles and Dallas, where Kershaw grew up and once played high‑school football with future NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford. Kershaw’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Dodgers and positions him as a likely Hall of Fame inductee, eligible in 2031.
