Clayton Kershaw entered Major League Baseball in 2006 when he was selected seventh overall in that year’s draft. Two years later, he made his highly anticipated debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the very team that drafted him, taking the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kershaw earned his first career victory on July 27 of that season, defeating the Washington Nationals. His rookie year concluded with a 5-5 record and a 4.26 ERA across 22 appearances.
By the 2011 season, Kershaw had firmly established himself as one of the league’s most promising pitchers. That year, he received his first invitation to the All-Star Game and was recognized as the National League’s best pitcher for the month of July. In addition, he threw two complete games, including two shutouts, and captured a Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence.
At just 23 years old, Kershaw’s talent was undeniable. He earned his first Cy Young Award that same season, surpassing elite pitchers such as Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, cementing his status as one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
Kershaw continued his dominance through the 2012 and 2013 seasons, earning consecutive All-Star selections. This impressive streak carried into the following years, showcasing his consistency and elite skill. By 2016, he once again earned the honor of being the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter, marking the sixth consecutive season he received that prestigious assignment.
First World Series appearance
In 2017, Kershaw finally helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series. Earlier that year, he once again started the season opener, tying Don Sutton’s record for the most consecutive Opening Day starts. During that same season, he achieved a major personal milestone by recording his 2,000th career strikeout, becoming the fifth-youngest player in MLB history to reach that mark.
The following year, 2018, the Dodgers returned to the World Series, further solidifying their dominance during that era and showcasing Kershaw’s pivotal role in the team’s success.
A season marred by injuries in 2019
The 2019 season proved difficult for Kershaw as he spent significant time sidelined with injuries. When he returned for the postseason, the Dodgers were eliminated in the National League Championship Series, cutting their championship aspirations short.
In 2020, the team bounced back, capturing a World Series title and bringing championship glory back to Los Angeles. However, the following year, 2021, injuries resurfaced, limiting Kershaw’s impact and raising questions about his long-term durability.
A farewell was inevitable
Given his remarkable career achievements and the physical toll of recurring injuries, it became clear that retirement was on the horizon. Kershaw confirmed the inevitable through a heartfelt message on social media, announcing that he would hang up his glove at the conclusion of this season.
As the Dodgers’ season winds down, so too will the career of one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history. The final moment will surely be emotional not only for Kershaw and his family but also for the countless Dodgers fans who have admired and cherished him throughout his legendary career.
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