UPDATE: In a heart-wrenching moment for baseball fans, Clayton Kershaw delivered what may be his final pitch at Dodger Stadium on October 6, 2023. The legendary left-hander struck out Rafael Devers with a fastball, marking the climax of an emotional farewell during his last regular-season home start.
Kershaw, who confirmed his retirement at the end of the season, received a thunderous standing ovation from a sell-out crowd as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed him from the game. The moment was filled with heartfelt hugs and applause, as Kershaw soaked in the love from the fans and his teammates.
Despite not being at his best, Kershaw navigated a tough matchup against the San Francisco Giants, walking four and allowing two runs. Yet, the 37-year-old veteran demonstrated his resilience, leaving the game with his team still in contention, underscoring his legacy of determination.
As Kershaw took the mound, his teammates initially stayed back, allowing him a moment to embrace the crowd. He promptly urged them to join him as he faced his first batter, yielding a leadoff home run to Heliot Ramos. He fought through a challenging first inning, throwing 23 pitches but later settled into a rhythm, showcasing his trademark grit.
Kershaw’s performance included striking out Willy Adames after a nine-pitch at-bat, bringing his pitch count to 91 before retiring Devers. This final strikeout was a poignant conclusion to a storied career at Dodger Stadium.
Following Kershaw’s exit, the night took a celebratory turn, with Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts hitting back-to-back home runs, putting the Dodgers ahead by three runs. Kershaw’s presence and leadership remained palpable, even from the dugout.
While Kershaw is set to make one more regular-season start next week, uncertainty looms over his role in the Dodgers’ postseason plans, given the team’s depth and talent. Throughout his illustrious 18-year career with L.A., Kershaw has claimed three Cy Young Awards, an MVP title, and amassed 222 victories, just 11 shy of the franchise record held by Don Sutton.
The emotional farewell was witnessed by several notable figures, including Matthew Stafford, the quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams and Kershaw’s childhood friend, alongside former teammates who celebrated the impact Kershaw has had on the franchise and community.
As the sun sets on a remarkable career, Kershaw’s legacy will forever resonate with fans who witnessed his journey from his major league debut on May 25, 2008, to potentially his final appearance at Dodger Stadium. The outpouring of support from the crowd and his teammates signifies the profound impact he has made in Los Angeles and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates as Kershaw prepares for his next start, with the entire baseball world watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds.
