After 17 seasons, three Cy Young Awards, and a World Series championship that reshaped the Los Angeles Dodgers’ identity, Clayton Kershaw has officially thrown his last pitch. His retirement doesn’t just close a chapter in baseball history - it cements a legacy that continues to echo through a franchise built in his image.
Kershaw, 37, announced his retirement following the Dodgers’ 2025 postseason run, ending one of the most dominant and disciplined careers in modern baseball. Known as much for his precision mechanics as for his relentless competitiveness, Kershaw leaves behind a résumé that blends brilliance with longevity.
“Clayton didn’t just pitch — he set a standard,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Every young arm that comes through this clubhouse carries a little piece of what he taught us.”
The End of an Era
Kershaw’s career spanned the full evolution of the Dodgers’ dynasty — from rebuilding contender to perennial powerhouse. His debut in 2008 heralded the start of an era defined by consistency: 2.48 career ERA, 213 wins, and over 2,900 strikeouts.
He captured his first National League MVP in 2014, becoming the first pitcher to do so in nearly 50 years. His 2020 World Series victory against the Tampa Bay Rays was both redemption and coronation — the culmination of years spent fighting playoff heartbreak.
By the time he retired, Kershaw had appeared in 15 postseason campaigns, more than any pitcher in franchise history.
“We won because of him, but more importantly, we believed because of him,” said Mookie Betts, reflecting on Kershaw’s leadership through the Dodgers’ latest championship run.
Influence That Transcends the Mound
Inside the Dodgers organization, Kershaw’s fingerprints remain everywhere. From the team’s pitching philosophy to its clubhouse culture, his influence extends well beyond his final stat line.
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