Imagine walking off the field after what you thought was just another tense inning, only to discover you've just clinched a World Series victory without even knowing it—that's the rollercoaster of emotions Clayton Kershaw experienced in his final game. And this is the part most people miss: it highlights how deeply immersed athletes can get in the heat of the moment.
Clayton Kershaw, the legendary pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, wrapped up his remarkable 18-year career without immediately grasping that he'd secured his third World Series title. At least, not right away.
On Saturday night, the Dodgers edged out the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in an epic 11-inning showdown during Game 7, marking them as the first squad in a quarter-century to snag back-to-back championships. But for Kershaw, the news wasn't immediate.
Stationed in the bullpen and prepping to pitch, the three-time Cy Young Award winner—a prestigious honor given to the top pitcher in the National League each year—lost count of the outs as Alejandro Kirk smacked a grounder that turned into a game-ending double play. For those new to baseball, a double play is a defensive play where two runners are put out in quick succession, often ending the inning decisively.
'As soon as he hit that double play, I figured the run had crossed and the game was knotted up,' Kershaw chuckled later. 'I was clueless! I assumed I was up next for the batter.'
It took Dodgers bullpen catcher Josh Bard to break the news, confirming the triumph and snapping Kershaw back to reality. 'Bardo glanced my way and said, "Hey, we just bagged the World Series," and I had to double-check, "Seriously?"' Kershaw recalled.
But here's where it gets controversial: some fans argue that pitching styles like Kershaw's, which emphasize deception and changing speeds, might give an unfair edge in the game. Do you think it's clever strategy or something that bends the rules too far? Let's discuss in the comments!
Kershaw Gets Choked Up Reflecting on His Dodgers Journey, Overflowing with Gratitude for His Third World Series Crown 🥹
In a heartfelt post-game chat, Clayton Kershaw opened up about his storied career, expressing immense thanks for clinching that third World Series ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The 37-year-old southpaw announced back in September that he planned to hang up his cleats at season's end. Sitting by his locker Saturday evening, he beamed that he couldn't have envisioned a better send-off. Having dedicated his entire professional life to the Dodgers, Kershaw not only snagged three World Series titles but also cemented himself as one of the era's top hurlers and a cherished figure in Los Angeles sports history.
'It's not bittersweet at all,' he shared. 'Think about it—how incredible is this? For the rest of my days, I'll boast that we clinched Game 7 of the World Series in my very last outing. You can't invent a story like that. Even if my fastball was cruising at 88 miles per hour instead of my usual zip, I'd still be calling it quits. It's the ideal finale.'
The three-time Cy Young winner delivered a pivotal relief stint in the 12th inning of Game 3, sealing a 6-5 Dodgers win that dragged on for 18 nail-biting innings.
'You can't script that either,' he added with a smile. 'I'm just grateful to have stepped in and recorded that final out. That's unbelievably awesome.'
During his peak from 2010 to 2015, Kershaw dominated the National League, leading in ERA—a measure of runs allowed per inning, with lower being better—five times, strikeouts three times, and wins twice.
He's now in elite company alongside pitching legends like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Newcombe, and Fernando Valenzuela as the greatest to don Dodger Blue.
Kershaw's 2014 season stands out as one of the finest ever, posting a 21-3 record, a stellar 1.77 ERA, and 233 strikeouts, earning him both the Cy Young and National League MVP honors. For beginners, the MVP award recognizes the most impactful player, often going beyond just pitchers to team leaders.
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Kershaw earned his fame through a deceptive approach, mixing pitches with movement, varying speeds, and clever mechanics. He often credits his idol from childhood, Roger Clemens, as a major influence.
As an 11-time All-Star—a selection for baseball's annual mid-season showcase—he shares the record for most seasons with the Dodgers with Zack Wheat and Bill Russell. Kershaw also claimed World Series glory in 2020 and 2024.
His overall stats shine: a 222-96 career record, 15 shutouts—the most among current active players—and he tossed his lone no-hitter in June 2014 against Colorado.
His 2.54 ERA ranks as the best in the live-ball era since 1920, and his .698 winning percentage leads all pitchers with 200 or more wins since 1900.
Kershaw revealed that Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman extended a job offer for him to stay involved somehow.
'He hinted at a role where I could stick around,' Kershaw noted. 'I'm not sure what that entails, but this franchise is extraordinary—they don't need me to keep winning titles, as we've proven. Still, if I can contribute in any way down the line, I'd love that.'
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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What do you think, readers? Is Kershaw's late-career retirement the perfect capstone, or should elite athletes push harder for more glory? And on that pitching deception—brilliant tactic or ethically murky? Share your takes in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
