LOS ANGELES — There are a thousand reasons to love Clayton Kershaw, but it only takes 3,000 strikeouts to make him the greatest pitcher in Los Angeles Dodgers history.
At Dodger Stadium — the site of nearly two decades of hard work and dedication — Kershaw has reached a level only 19 other pitchers have reached in MLB history. But none of them, except him, have done it all in one uniform.
A career built on loyalty and intelligence
Kershaw is not the kind of pitcher who throws 100 mph and wows the crowd. His weapons are:
The legendary curveball, dubbed the “orbit of genius”
Precision strategy, not speed beyond limits
A heart that never gives up, regardless of injury or criticism
Despite back, shoulder and elbow injuries that have sidelined him, Kershaw has always returned – even stronger. And most importantly: he has never changed colors, something that is increasingly rare in modern sports.
Legacy beyond statistics
From Cy Young Awards (3 times), 2014 MVP, 2020 World Series championship, to now 3,000 K – Kershaw has achieved every individual and team accolade. But what sets him apart from every Dodgers pitcher ever – from Sandy Koufax to Don Drysdale – is his extraordinary consistency over 17 seasons, and his irreplaceable role as a spiritual leader.
When a Man Doesn’t Need to Scream to Become a Legend
According to LA Times journalist Bill Plaschke, Kershaw doesn’t need a big moment, doesn’t need to brace himself in front of the camera. He’s quiet, patient, and lets his pitches do the rest.
“He’s not just a great baseball player. He’s a living example of loyalty, grit, and belief in the only team he’s ever called home,” Plaschke wrote.
A legend doesn’t need another pitch
Whether he continues to play or not, Kershaw has left an indelible mark. 3,000 strikeouts are just an exclamation point on an epic career. And for Dodgers fans, #22 will forever be a part of the team’s heart – just as he once was in this city.