UPDATE: Clayton Kershaw delivered a poignant performance in what may be his final appearance at Dodger Stadium on September 29, 2023. The legendary pitcher struck out Rafael Devers with a precise fastball, marking a bittersweet moment for fans and teammates alike. After announcing his retirement at season’s end, Kershaw soaked in a rapturous standing ovation from a sold-out crowd, making this night unforgettable.
As Kershaw exited the field in the fifth inning, he embraced manager Dave Roberts, who has guided him for the past decade. The emotional exchange underscored the significance of the moment, as Kershaw raised his hat to a sea of cheering fans before returning for a heartfelt curtain call.
Despite not being at his peak, Kershaw, aged 37, managed to navigate through the game against the San Francisco Giants, striking out six batters while allowing two runs. He faced challenges early on, walking four and throwing 23 pitches in the first inning alone. Yet, as he has done throughout his illustrious career, he found a way to give his team a fighting chance.
The game began with a solo home run from Heliot Ramos, but Kershaw’s resilience shone through as he limited the damage with key strikeouts, including a pivotal nine-pitch battle against Willy Adames. Ultimately, Kershaw’s final pitch of the night was a triumphant strikeout against Devers on his 91st pitch, encapsulating his storied legacy.
The Dodgers rallied behind Kershaw, with back-to-back home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, securing a three-run lead. This emotional night was witnessed by notable figures, including Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, Kershaw’s childhood friend, and numerous former teammates like Austin Barnes and Andre Ethier. Ethier was present during Kershaw’s major league debut in 2008, making this reunion even more poignant.
Kershaw’s record speaks volumes: three Cy Young Awards, an MVP title, and 222 regular-season victories—just 11 shy of Don Sutton’s franchise record. His impressive 2.54 career ERA ranks second among pitchers with over 1,500 innings in the live-ball era.
Looking ahead, Kershaw is expected to make one more regular-season start next week. However, with the Dodgers’ deep pitching rotation, his role in the postseason remains uncertain. This weekend’s emotional farewell at Dodger Stadium has left fans and players alike pondering the legacy of one of baseball’s greatest pitchers as he prepares to close this chapter of his career.
As the baseball world watches, Kershaw’s next steps will be closely followed, with fans hoping to see him continue to shine, even as he prepares for retirement.
