Clayton Kershaw has officially joined one of Major League Baseball’s most exclusive clubs. In a game against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium, the veteran Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher recorded his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming just the 20th player in MLB history to achieve the feat.
Now 36 years old and still donning Dodger blue, Kershaw added this historic achievement to a résumé already filled with accolades: a National League MVP, three Cy Young Awards, a World Series ring, and 10 All-Star selections. He also becomes just the third active pitcher to reach the 3,000-strikeout mark, following Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
It was a moment filled with emotion, celebration, and the kind of energy that only Kershaw could bring to Chavez Ravine. Dodgers fans witnessed not just a statistical milestone, but the continuation of a legendary career that’s always been rooted in Los Angeles.
A night of mixed emotions and a walk-off finish
While Kershaw’s personal milestone took center stage, the game itself delivered its own drama. Trailing 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers managed to claw their way back into contention.
Michael Conforto and Shohei Ohtani each notched crucial base hits, setting the table for Freddie Freeman to play hero. The former MVP delivered with a walk-off single, sealing a thrilling 5-4 victory over the White Sox and giving Kershaw the storybook ending his historic night deserved.
Fans, unsurprisingly, erupted with joy both in the stadium and online. Social media lit up with tributes to the Dodgers ace.
“I may never see this from a Dodger again,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“The best non-World Series moment in recent memory,” declared another, calling Kershaw “the best left-handed pitcher ever.”
But amid the celebrations, there was one concerning moment. Third baseman Max Muncy exited the game after a brutal on-field collision. No official update was given postgame, but the Dodgers will be hoping for good news as they move forward in the season.
For Kershaw, this milestone is particularly poignant as it comes in the twilight of his career. He’s long been the face of the Dodgers franchise, and moments like these only solidify his place among baseball’s all-time greats.
As the season continues, Kershaw’s strikeout total will only grow-but 3,000 is more than just a number. It’s a testament to nearly two decades of consistency, excellence, and unwavering dedication to the game. In a career already defined by greatness, July 3, 2025, stands out as yet another chapter in the legend of Clayton Kershaw.
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