UPDATE: In a heart-stirring moment at Dodger Stadium, Clayton Kershaw may have thrown his final pitch at home on October 6, 2023. With a strikeout against Rafael Devers, Kershaw left the mound to a thunderous standing ovation, signaling a potential end to his illustrious career in Los Angeles.
The 37-year-old left-hander, who announced his retirement will take place at the end of the season, embraced teammates and manager Dave Roberts as emotions ran high. The sold-out crowd erupted in applause, celebrating a player who has become synonymous with the Dodgers.
Despite a challenging performance against the San Francisco Giants, where Kershaw walked four and allowed runs, he still managed to keep his team in contention. His final regular-season home start began with a solo home run given up to Heliot Ramos on just his third pitch, but Kershaw’s resilience shone through as he navigated through tough innings.
As the night unfolded, Kershaw’s teammates initially gave him space, allowing him a moment in the spotlight. However, he soon called them back to the field, demonstrating his leadership one last time. He finished with six strikeouts, concluding his outing with Devers on his 91st pitch, a fitting end to a remarkable Dodger Stadium career.
In a twist of fate, Kershaw cheered as teammates Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts hit back-to-back home runs, extending the Dodgers’ lead in the fifth inning. Kershaw’s next appearance is set for next week, but uncertainties loom regarding his role in the postseason due to the depth of the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
Over his 18-year career entirely spent with the Dodgers, Kershaw has collected 222 regular-season victories, just 11 short of breaking the franchise record. His accolades include three Cy Young Awards and an MVP award, alongside a career ERA of 2.54, the second lowest for pitchers with over 1,500 innings in the live-ball era.
The atmosphere was electric, with notable figures in attendance, including Matthew Stafford, Kershaw’s childhood friend, and several former Dodgers teammates. Among them was Andre Ethier, who played alongside Kershaw during his major league debut on May 25, 2008, at Dodger Stadium.
The emotional farewell from Dodger fans underscores Kershaw’s significant impact on the team and the community. As he prepares for a potential final postseason run, all eyes will be on Kershaw and the Dodgers as they navigate the next steps. What happens next could redefine Kershaw’s legacy, and fans will be watching closely.
