After 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement, leaving behind a more than outstanding career.
That’s why we at MARCA take a look at the five most shocking facts about his career, achievements in which he can even surpass Shohei Ohtani
Talking about Kershaw is talking about a future member of the Hall of Fame. “Claw” not only accumulated more than 3,000 strikeouts in his career, but also did so with a unique style and shining in the most difficult moments
Four consecutive ERA titles
Between 2011 and 2014, Clayton Kershaw dominated the ERA statistic in MLB with historic numbers: 2.28, 2.53, 1.83 and 1.77. No other pitcher in history had managed to maintain that level for four consecutive years.
During that period, he won three Cy Young Awards and in 2014 even took home the National League MVP, something almost unheard of for a pitcher.
In May 2016, walks were rarer than his shutouts
That month, Kershaw pitched three complete games without allowing a run and gave up just two walks. His dominance was so overwhelming that it seemed more likely to see him complete a shutout than to walk a batter. He finished the season with a 1.69 ERA and 172 strikeouts, reaffirming his legendary status.
Shohei Ohtani vs Clayton Kershaw head-to-head history
When Ohtani played with the Angels, he was never able to get a hit off him in the regular season. The only exception was in the 2022 All-Star Game, when he singled in his first at-bat. However, Kershaw picked him off seconds later. Today they both share a locker room with the Dodgers, but that little rivalry was etched in the memory of the fans.
More valuable than the hitters in 2014
In his MVP season, Kershaw posted a 0.86 WHIP, with opponents batting just .196 against him. Interestingly, his own batting average was .175, meaning he was close to producing more than he allowed. With a 21-3 record and 239 strikeouts, he established himself as the most dominant player that year.
Undefeated against the Mets
In 19 encounters against the Mets, Kershaw never lost: 11 wins, 0 losses, 2.17 ERA and 157 strikeouts. For more than a decade, New York never found the formula to beat him. His dominance was so absolute that it remained one of his most peculiar records.
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