Clayton Kershaw is a professional baseball player who has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball history, having won multiple awards and accolades for his performances on the mound.
However, as a pitcher, Kershaw is not expected to excel at batting. In fact, it is rare for pitchers to hit home runs. We will explore whether Kershaw has ever hit a home run in his Major League Baseball career.
Kershaw’s Background
Clayton Kershaw was born on March 19, 1988, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up playing baseball and was a standout pitcher in high school. After being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 2006 MLB draft, Kershaw began his professional baseball career.
Kershaw quickly established himself as a top prospect, and he made his MLB debut in 2008 at the age of 20. Over the course of his career, Kershaw has become known for his dominant pitching performances.
He has won three Cy Young Awards, which are given to the best pitcher in each league, and he has been named an All-Star eight times. Kershaw has also helped lead the Dodgers to multiple National League pennants and a World Series championship in 2020.
In addition to his on-field success, Kershaw is also known for his philanthropic work. He and his wife founded the Kershaw’s Challenge charity, which supports various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children in need around the world.
Despite his reputation as one of the best pitchers in baseball, Kershaw’s batting skills are not as well-known. As a pitcher, he typically only comes to bat a few times per game, and his primary focus is on his performance on the mound.
Kershaw’s Batting Performance
As a pitcher, hitting is not a primary focus for Kershaw. However, he has had some success at the plate over the course of his career. Kershaw has a career batting average of .154, with 158 at-bats, 24 hits, and 2 doubles.
While Kershaw’s batting numbers may not be impressive compared to those of position players, he has had some notable moments as a batter. In addition to his home run, Kershaw has hit a number of clutch singles and doubles over the years.
One notable example came in Game 1 of the 2015 National League Division Series, when Kershaw hit a two-run single to help lead the Dodgers to a victory over the New York Mets.
Overall, Kershaw’s primary focus is on his performance as a pitcher. However, his ability to contribute at the plate on occasion adds another dimension to his game and makes him a more complete player.
Kershaw’s Home Run
On June 18, 2011, the Los Angeles Dodgers were playing the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Kershaw was pitching for the Dodgers, and in the top of the third inning, he came to bat against Brewers pitcher Shaun Marcum.
With the count at 1-2, Kershaw connected on a fastball and drove it over the center field wall for a home run. The blast traveled an estimated 399 feet.
Kershaw’s home run was significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it was the only home run he has hit in his entire Major League Baseball career.
Given his reputation as a dominant pitcher, Kershaw is not expected to contribute much at the plate, so hitting a home run was a rare and memorable feat.
In addition, Kershaw’s home run came against the Brewers, who were one of the top teams in the National League at the time. Marcum, the pitcher he hit the home run off of, was also a solid starter who had won 13 games the previous season.
The fact that Kershaw was able to hit a home run against a tough opponent and a quality pitcher only adds to the significance of the moment.
Finally, Kershaw’s home run was notable in the context of baseball history. It came during the height of the “steroid era,” when home runs were being hit at a record pace, often with the help of performance-enhancing drugs.
Kershaw’s home run, by contrast, was a pure display of skill and athleticism, and it served as a reminder that baseball could still be exciting and compelling even without the aid of drugs.
Overall, Kershaw’s home run was a memorable moment in his career and in baseball history. It showcased his ability to contribute in unexpected ways and added to his reputation as one of the most talented players of his generation.
Clayton Kershaw’s Career Offensive Statistics
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Plate Appearances | 438 |
| At-Bats | 380 |
| Hits | 59 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Runs Batted In | 13 |
| Batting Average | .155 |
| On-Base Percentage | .204 |
| Slugging Percentage | .214 |
| OPS (On-Base plus Slugging) | .418 |
FAQs
Has Clayton Kershaw ever won a Silver Slugger Award?
No, Kershaw has never won a Silver Slugger Award, which is given to the best offensive player at each position in both the American and National Leagues.
What is Kershaw’s career high in hits in a single game?
Kershaw’s career high in hits in a single game is two. He has achieved this feat several times throughout his career.
How does Kershaw’s batting compare to other pitchers in the league?
Kershaw’s career batting average of .154 is higher than the league average for pitchers, which is typically around .120-.130. However, there are several other pitchers in the league who have better offensive numbers than Kershaw.
What other notable offensive achievements has Kershaw had in his career?
In addition to his home run and two-run single in the 2015 National League Division Series, Kershaw has also hit a grand slam in a minor league game earlier in his career.
What is Kershaw’s approach at the plate?
Kershaw is known for his disciplined approach at the plate. He rarely swings at pitches outside the strike zone and is selective with his swings, often looking to make contact rather than swinging for the fences.
Conclusion
While Clayton Kershaw is primarily known for his dominant pitching performances, his rare home run in 2011 against the Milwaukee Brewers is a memorable moment in his career.
Despite not being a consistent offensive threat, Kershaw’s ability to hit a home run against a tough opponent and a quality pitcher added to his reputation as a well-rounded player.
The significance of his home run in the context of baseball history also showcased that the sport can still be exciting and compelling even without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Overall, Kershaw’s home run serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent and contributions to the game of baseball.
