Clayton Kershaw Retires as Three-Time World Series Champion

In a storybook ending that Hollywood scriptwriters could only dream of crafting, Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw has concluded his illustrious 18-year career with a third World Series ring. The final chapter was written when Will Smith’s solo home run in the top of the 11th inning of Game 7 gave the Dodgers a 5-4 lead, ultimately securing the championship and allowing Kershaw to ride off into the sunset as one of baseball’s all-time greats. Throughout his career, Kershaw embodied excellence, loyalty, and perseverance – values that have cemented his legacy in the sport’s hallowed history.

The southpaw’s career statistics read like a baseball fantasy: three World Series championships, three Cy Young Awards, 11 All-Star selections, and a resume that guarantees his eventual enshrinement in Cooperstown. What makes Kershaw’s story particularly special is that he spent all 18 seasons with the Dodgers, becoming the face of one of baseball’s most storied franchises during an era of tremendous success. Before Game 7, Kershaw reflected on the poetic nature of his farewell, telling MLB Network, “Getting to be out here for a Game 7 as your last game, how cool is that, man?” He also joked about his declining fastball velocity as another sign it was time to step away: “I don’t think 88 [mph] is cutting it anymore in this game. It’s time to go.” His self-deprecating humor belied a career defined by dominance and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

Kershaw’s ascension to baseball royalty began remarkably early. In just his sophomore season, he posted a 2.79 ERA through 31 appearances and led the majors with just 6.3 hits allowed per nine innings – an early indication of the dominance to come. By his fourth season, Kershaw had taken his performance to another level with a league-leading 2.28 ERA and 248 strikeouts, earning his first All-Star selection, Gold Glove, and Cy Young Award. What followed was one of the most dominant stretches by any pitcher in modern baseball history. For the next three seasons, Kershaw led MLB in ERA and bWAR for pitchers, winning Cy Young Awards in 2013 and 2014, and finishing in the top five in Cy Young voting from 2015-17. His 2014 campaign stands as perhaps his most spectacular achievement – a 1.77 ERA, 0.857 WHIP, and 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings, all of which led MLB. This extraordinary performance earned him not only his third Cy Young Award but also National League MVP honors – a rare feat for a pitcher.

Despite his regular season dominance, championship glory proved elusive for much of Kershaw’s career. The Dodgers lost in consecutive World Series in 2017 and 2018, leading to unfair criticism about Kershaw’s postseason performances. However, perseverance eventually led to redemption. In 2020, Kershaw and the Dodgers finally reached the mountaintop, winning their first championship since 1988. Kershaw was brilliant in that World Series, pitching 11.2 innings with a stellar 2.31 ERA. The 2024 season presented challenges for the aging ace, as injuries delayed the start of his campaign and ended it prematurely before September. Nevertheless, he managed seven regular season starts, contributing to the Dodgers’ championship run. In his final full season in 2025, Kershaw demonstrated his enduring value, posting a 3.36 ERA across 23 appearances while providing stability to a pitching staff plagued by injuries.

Fittingly, Kershaw’s final career appearance came in dramatic fashion during the 12th inning of an epic 18-inning World Series Game 3. With the bases loaded and the game hanging in the balance, the veteran pitcher summoned his legendary composure to escape the jam, helping secure an unforgettable victory on the path to his third championship. This final act of brilliance encapsulated everything that made Kershaw special – the competitive fire, the clutch performance, and the ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most. Though his velocity may have diminished over time, his baseball intelligence, pinpoint control, and devastating breaking ball remained weapons until the very end.

As Clayton Kershaw exits the game, he leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics and accolades. His consistent excellence, sportsmanship, and loyalty to one organization make him a throwback to an earlier era of baseball, yet his impact on the modern game is undeniable. From his signature pre-pitch stance – eyes fixed on the target from behind his glove – to his devastating curveball that buckled the knees of countless hitters, Kershaw’s presence on the mound defined an era of Dodgers baseball. Now, with three World Series rings and a career worthy of first-ballot Hall of Fame induction, Clayton Kershaw concludes his journey as he lived it: with dignity, excellence, and a champion’s heart. Baseball will miss its most dominant left-handed pitcher of a generation, but the memories he created will endure for as long as the game is played.