Clayton Kershaw concluded his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a high note, delivering an impressive performance as the team defeated the Seattle Mariners 6-1 at T-Mobile Park on October 1, 2023. Kershaw, who held the Mariners scoreless into the sixth inning, received a heartfelt send-off from family and teammates, marking the end of an era for one of baseball’s all-time greats.
As Kershaw prepared for his final start, he took a moment to embrace his wife, children, and former teammates, including long-time pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and friend A.J. Ellis. This emotional moment was captured by the team’s social media cameras, showing the veteran pitcher visibly moved.
During the game, Kershaw showcased why he is considered one of the best of his generation. He struck out seven batters while allowing just four hits. After retiring the last three batters he faced, he received a warm ovation from the crowd, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team and the sport.
The Dodgers’ offense supported Kershaw with notable contributions, including two-run home runs from Hyeseong Kim and Freddie Freeman, along with Shohei Ohtani‘s record-breaking 55th home run of the season. With this victory, the Dodgers capped off their regular season with a total of 93 wins, the lowest since 2018, and secured a spot in the upcoming MLB Wild Card Series.
Kershaw’s final appearance leaves questions about his future in baseball. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Kershaw will not be on the team’s roster for the Wild Card Series, as he threw 94 pitches during the game. This decision indicates that Kershaw’s time with the Dodgers may have concluded, but his legacy is firmly established.
When he is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in five years, Kershaw’s plaque will reflect a remarkable career, including 2,855 1/3 innings pitched, 451 games started, 223 wins, and 3,052 strikeouts. His career ERA stands at 2.53, making him one of the most effective pitchers in history. Additionally, his accolades include 11 All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, and a Most Valuable Player award in 2014.
As the Dodgers prepare for their upcoming series against either the Cincinnati Reds or the New York Mets, they will look to build on their recent success. The first game of the Wild Card Series will take place on Tuesday at 6:08 p.m. PT. With Kershaw’s departure, the team will need to adapt their pitching strategy, particularly as other key players, like Ohtani, continue to perform at a high level.
Kershaw’s farewell performance highlighted not just his skill but also the deep connections he forged within the team and the broader baseball community. As fans look back on his career, they celebrate not only his on-field achievements but also the impact he had on the sport.