With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw to retire after 2025 season
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw speaks with the media during a press conference announcing his retirement from MLB at Dodger Stadium.
(
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
/
Getty Images North America
)
Topline:
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw says he'll retire after the 2025 season. He made the official announcement at a press conference ahead of the Dodgers' Thursday night game against the San Francisco Giants.
Why it matters: Kershaw has been with the Dodgers his entire 18-year career and is considered one of the best pitchers to ever wear Dodger Blue. His name will be mentioned in the same breath as Dodger greats Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale — both of whom are in the Hall of Fame. And after returning from injury this past offseason, he's put together a signature swan song year with a 10-2 record through 20 starts. In July, he became only the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000 strikeout mark.
Support for LAist comes from
Why now: Kershaw was asked this very question during his retirement press conference.
"You know, I think just with this last home start coming up, I just felt it was the right time," Kershaw said. "Honestly, [my wife] Ellen had a lot to do with it. She kind of talked to me and it just felt like everything had come together."
Kershaw added that he's been talking about it with his family all season, and that they all had a feeling this season might be his last.
"Usually we wait till the offseason to...make a final call, but I think almost going into this season we kind of knew that this was going to be it. Didn't want to say anything in case I change my mind."
The backstory: Kershaw made his Major League debut on May 25, 2008, at age 20 and showed signs of his future dominance almost right away, striking out seven hitters in his first game. You can check it out (and get a quick dose of Vin Scully at his best) here:
Support for LAist comes from
18 seasons later, he's still wearing Dodger Blue. He talked about what Los Angeles means to him during his retirement announcement.
"I love being here, I wouldn't change that for anything," he said. "Yeah, my kids have grown up here...we [Ellen and I] started out dating to married to four, four and a half kids later, so it's just been...we've all grown up here, haven't we?"
What's next: Kershaw will start his final regular season game on Friday against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.
After that? Who could say. Coaching? Maybe. Cooperstown? Almost certainly.
It's not a stretch to say that baseball players, coaches, fans and writers largely agree that Kershaw belongs in the Hall of Fame one day. His resume includes two World Series wins, three National League Cy Young Awards, an MVP in 2014, 11 All-Star Game selections and over 200 wins and 3,000 strikeouts.
Fun fact: Kershaw grew up with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Dallas, where the two attended Highland Park High School and played multiple youth sports together.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
Best of LAist