Clayton Kershaw is one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball and has been a fixture in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation for over a decade.
From his early years in high school and college to his rise to stardom with the Dodgers, Kershaw has left an indelible mark on the game of baseball.
However, injuries have also been a part of Kershaw’s career, and as he approaches potential free agency in 2022, there are questions about what the future holds for this legendary pitcher. We’ll take a closer look at what happened to Clayton Kershaw and his impact on the game of baseball.
Clayton Kershaw’s Early Career
Clayton Kershaw’s baseball career began in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, where he attended Highland Park High School.
There, he excelled as both a pitcher and a shortstop, earning numerous accolades and catching the attention of scouts from Major League Baseball teams. In his senior year of high school, Kershaw went 13-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 139 strikeouts in just 64 innings pitched.
After high school, Kershaw committed to play college baseball at Texas A&M University. However, he ultimately decided to forego college and enter the MLB Draft in 2006.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Kershaw with the seventh overall pick in the draft, and he quickly began to climb the ranks of their minor league system.
Kershaw made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Dodgers in 2006, where he went 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA in six starts. He then moved up to the Great Lakes Loons in 2007, where he continued to impress with a 7-5 record and a 2.77 ERA in 97 innings pitched.
By 2008, Kershaw had advanced to the Dodgers’ Triple-A team, the Las Vegas 51s, where he posted a 7-5 record with a 4.26 ERA in 25 starts.
Kershaw’s rapid rise through the minor leagues was a sign of the immense talent he possessed as a pitcher, and it wouldn’t be long before he made his mark on the Major League stage.
Kershaw’s Rise to Stardom
Clayton Kershaw’s rise to stardom began in earnest in 2011, when he won his first Cy Young Award. That season, Kershaw led the National League in wins (21), ERA (2.28), and strikeouts (248) while throwing a league-high 233.1 innings.
His dominant performance helped lead the Dodgers to the playoffs, although they were ultimately eliminated in the NL Division Series by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kershaw’s success in 2011 was just the beginning of a remarkable run of performances. Over the next several years, Kershaw would establish himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball, winning two more Cy Young Awards (in 2013 and 2014) and an MVP award (in 2014).
During this time, Kershaw’s dominance was characterized by his ability to consistently rack up strikeouts while limiting walks and home runs.
One of Kershaw’s most impressive seasons came in 2014, when he went 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 198.1 innings pitched. He also threw six complete games and one shutout, helping lead the Dodgers to their second straight NL West title.
Kershaw’s performance that season was one of the best in recent memory and cemented his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
Overall, Kershaw’s career statistics are among the best of any pitcher in history. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Kershaw had amassed over 2,500 strikeouts and had a career ERA of 2.43.
His three Cy Young Awards and one MVP award are testament to his incredible talent and sustained excellence over the years.
Kershaw’s Injury History
Unfortunately, injuries have also been a part of Clayton Kershaw’s career. One of the most notable injuries he has dealt with is a recurring back issue that has caused him to miss significant time on multiple occasions.
Kershaw first experienced back trouble in 2016, when he missed over two months with a herniated disc. He then experienced more back trouble in 2017 and was sidelined for another six weeks.
In addition to his back problems, Kershaw has also dealt with shoulder issues. In 2018, he missed time with shoulder inflammation and was forced to start the season on the injured list.
He also missed time in 2019 with a shoulder injury, although he was able to return in time to help the Dodgers make the playoffs.
These injuries have undoubtedly impacted Kershaw’s performance on the field. When healthy, Kershaw is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. However, his time on the injured list has limited his ability to take the mound and has caused him to miss important games for the Dodgers.
It’s worth noting that Kershaw has been able to bounce back from these injuries and continue pitching at a high level, but they remain a concern as he gets older and potentially faces free agency in 2022.
Despite his injury history, Clayton Kershaw’s impact on the game of baseball cannot be denied. He has established himself as one of the best pitchers of his generation and has played a crucial role in the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past decade.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Kershaw and whether he will be able to continue pitching at a high level in the coming years.
Kershaw’s Legacy
Clayton Kershaw’s legacy in baseball is already firmly established, despite his career being ongoing. He has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the game, with an impressive resume of accolades and achievements.
Beyond his statistics, Kershaw has also had a significant impact on the game of baseball in terms of his leadership on and off the field.
Kershaw’s leadership has been particularly evident in his role as a mentor to younger players on the Dodgers roster. He has often spoken about the importance of leading by example and setting a positive tone in the clubhouse.
Kershaw has also been known to take younger pitchers under his wing, offering guidance and advice on the nuances of the game.
Kershaw’s leadership and positive impact on the Dodgers were on full display during the team’s World Series championship run in 2020.
Despite some early struggles in the postseason, Kershaw was dominant in Game 5 of the World Series, striking out six batters and allowing only two runs over 5 2/3 innings.
He also provided a crucial pep talk to the team before the game, reminding them of the importance of staying focused and playing with confidence.
Kershaw’s performance in the 2020 postseason helped to cement his legacy as one of the game’s greatest pitchers. It also showcased his ability to lead and inspire his teammates, even in high-pressure situations.
Overall, Clayton Kershaw’s impact on the game of baseball cannot be overstated. He has been one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers in recent memory, and his leadership and mentorship have helped to shape the Dodgers into a championship-caliber team.
As his career continues, it will be interesting to see how Kershaw’s legacy evolves and how he continues to impact the game of baseball.
What’s Next for Kershaw?
Clayton Kershaw’s future in baseball is somewhat uncertain, as he is set to become a free agent after the 2021 season. It’s unclear whether the Dodgers will attempt to re-sign him or if Kershaw will choose to test the open market.
Kershaw has expressed his desire to remain with the Dodgers, but ultimately, his decision will likely depend on a variety of factors, including contract length and financial considerations.
Assuming Kershaw continues to pitch, his career is likely to continue to evolve in the coming years. As he gets older, he may need to adjust his approach on the mound, relying more on his experience and knowledge of the game rather than his raw physical abilities.
Kershaw has already shown a willingness to make adjustments to his game, adding new pitches and refining his mechanics over the years.
Off the field, Kershaw is likely to continue to be a leader and mentor to younger players, whether he remains with the Dodgers or signs with another team.
He has spoken in the past about his desire to use his platform as a professional athlete to make a positive impact on the world, particularly through his work with the Kershaw’s Challenge charity.
Ultimately, the future for Clayton Kershaw is unclear, but one thing is certain: he has already established himself as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Whether he continues to pitch at a high level or decides to hang up his cleats, Kershaw’s impact on the game of baseball is undeniable, and his legacy is already firmly established.
Clayton Kershaw Career Stats
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Wins | 185 |
| Losses | 76 |
| ERA | 2.47 |
| Innings Pitched | 2,363.2 |
| Strikeouts | 2,689 |
| Cy Young Awards | 3 |
| MVP Awards | 1 |
| All-Star Appearances | 9 |
| Gold Glove Awards | 3 |
This table provides an overview of some of Clayton Kershaw’s most impressive career statistics, including his win-loss record, ERA, and strikeout total.
It also highlights some of his notable achievements, such as his three Cy Young awards and one MVP award, as well as his appearances in the All-Star Game and his three Gold Glove awards.
FAQs
What is Clayton Kershaw’s net worth?
Clayton Kershaw’s net worth is estimated to be around $75 million as of 2021, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
What is Clayton Kershaw’s pitch arsenal?
Clayton Kershaw’s pitch arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup. He has also been known to throw a two-seam fastball on occasion.
How many strikeouts does Clayton Kershaw have in his career?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Clayton Kershaw has recorded 2,689 strikeouts over the course of his career.
What is Clayton Kershaw’s charity, Kershaw’s Challenge, all about?
Kershaw’s Challenge is a charity founded by Clayton and his wife, Ellen, that seeks to improve the lives of children in need around the world. The organization supports a variety of causes, including education, healthcare, and basic needs like food and water.
Has Clayton Kershaw ever won a Gold Glove award?
Yes, Clayton Kershaw has won three Gold Glove awards over the course of his career, in 2011, 2013, and 2014.
Conclusion
Clayton Kershaw has had a remarkable career in baseball, from his early days in high school and college to his rise to stardom with the Dodgers.
Despite facing significant injury challenges throughout his career, Kershaw has consistently been one of the game’s top pitchers, earning numerous accolades and helping lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship in 2020.
Looking ahead, Kershaw’s future in baseball is somewhat uncertain, as he is set to become a free agent after the 2021 season. However, regardless of what comes next, Kershaw’s impact on the game of baseball is already firmly established.
He has been a leader and mentor to younger players on and off the field, using his platform to make a positive impact through his charity work. As one of the game’s all-time greats, Clayton Kershaw’s legacy is sure to endure for years to come.
His achievements on the field and his leadership off the field have helped to shape the game of baseball and inspire a new generation of players. While his future may be uncertain, his impact on the game is already undeniable.
