Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Clayton Kershaw

Discover the career path of Clayton Kershaw, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Clayton Kershaw is a highly decorated left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, having played his entire MLB career with the team since 2008. He's a ten-time All-Star, three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, the 2014 NL MVP, and a 2020 World Series champion. Kershaw is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history due to his exceptional skill and numerous accolades.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Comparison to Andy Messersmith's Record

On August 14, 2019, Kershaw struck out the first seven batters in the game, breaking a Dodger record previously held by Andy Messersmith since 1973. The event in 1973 itself is not described in the text.

2006: Kershaw's Elite High School Performance

In 2006, Clayton Kershaw established himself as an elite high school prospect, posting a 13–0 record with a 0.77 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 64 innings. He was also named "High School Baseball Player of the Year" by USA Today and Gatorade National Player of the Year for baseball.

2006: Dodgers Draft Kershaw

In 2006, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Clayton Kershaw in the first round of the MLB draft as the seventh overall pick.

2006: Dodgers Select Kershaw in MLB Draft

In 2006, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Clayton Kershaw with the seventh overall pick in the MLB draft. He signed with the Dodgers for an estimated bonus of $2.3 million, turning down a scholarship offer from Texas A&M University.

2007: Kershaw Promoted to Great Lakes Loons

In 2007, Clayton Kershaw was promoted to the Great Lakes Loons, where he recorded a 7–5 record with a 2.77 ERA. He also played in the Midwest League All-Star Game and the All-Star Futures Game.

May 24, 2008: Kershaw Called Up to Majors

On May 24, 2008, Clayton Kershaw was called up to the majors but was later optioned back to Jacksonville on July 2.

July 27, 2008: Kershaw Wins First MLB Game

On July 27, 2008, Clayton Kershaw won his first MLB game against the Washington Nationals, pitching six-plus shutout innings.

2008: Comparison to Derek Lowe in 2008 NLDS

During the 2018 NLCS, Kershaw walked twice as a batter, becoming the third pitcher in the last 20 years to do so in a postseason game, after Derek Lowe did so in the 2008 NLDS.

2008: Kershaw Debuts with the Dodgers

In 2008, Clayton Kershaw debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB), marking the beginning of his MLB career.

2008: Kershaw Named Top Dodgers Prospect

In 2008, Clayton Kershaw was selected as the top prospect in the Dodgers organization.

April 15, 2009: Kershaw Strikes Out 13 Giants

On April 15, 2009, Clayton Kershaw struck out 13 batters in seven innings, allowing only one hit against the San Francisco Giants.

2009: Kershaw's Playoff Debut

In 2009, Clayton Kershaw made his playoff starting debut against the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

2009: End of Playoff Start Streak

In 2018, Dave Roberts chose Hyun-jin Ryu to pitch the Dodgers' first playoff game, marking the first time since 2009 that Kershaw did not start the first game of the playoffs for the Dodgers.

September 14, 2010: Kershaw's First Career Shutout

On September 14, 2010, Clayton Kershaw threw his first career complete game shutout against San Francisco.

2010: Kershaw Named Opening Day Starter

After a strong finish to the season, the Dodgers named Clayton Kershaw as the Opening Day Starter for the 2011 season.

2010: Lowest Win Total and Highest ERA Since 2010

In 2018, Kershaw's performance dipped, resulting in his lowest win total and highest ERA since 2010. The statistics for 2010 itself are not mentioned in the text.

2011: Kershaw Wins Multiple Awards

After the 2011 season, Clayton Kershaw received the Warren Spahn Award, Players Choice Award, Gold Glove Award, and Sporting News National League Pitcher of the Year Award. He was also named the starting pitcher for the TSN NL All-Star Team and won the National League Cy Young Award.

2011: Kershaw Leads MLB in ERA

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw began his streak of leading MLB in ERA for four consecutive years.

2011: Kershaw Wins Pitching Triple Crown

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw led the NL in wins, strikeouts, and ERA, winning the NL pitching Triple Crown.

2011: Second Complete-Game Shutout

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw pitched the second complete-game shutout of his career, striking out 10 against the Florida Marlins. He also contributed with two singles and an RBI.

2011: Kershaw Selected to All-Star Game and Wins Pitcher of the Month

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw was selected to the National League team for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection. He also earned the National League Pitcher of the Month Award for July.

2011: Kershaw Wins Pitching Triple Crown and Cy Young Award

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw won the pitching Triple Crown and the National League Cy Young Award, making him the youngest pitcher to achieve either feat since Dwight Gooden in 1985.

2011: Zambia Trip and Hope's Home

In 2011, Kershaw visited Zambia and announced his dream of building an orphanage called "Hope's Home". He pledged $100 per strikeout, raising over $70,000 for the project.

January 10, 2012: Book Release

On January 10, 2012, Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, released their book, Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself.

Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself

Check it on Amazon

February 7, 2012: Kershaw's Contract Agreement

On February 7, 2012, Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers agreed on a two-year, $19 million contract.

2012: Kershaw's Second Opening Day Start

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw was the Dodgers' Opening Day starter for a second consecutive year.

2012: Strike Out To Serve

In 2012, Kershaw donated $100 for every strikeout to Kershaw's Challenge, calling it "Strike Out To Serve." Seventy percent of the money raised in 2012 went to Arise Africa, with 10 percent each going to the Peacock Foundation in Los Angeles, Mercy Street in Dallas, and I Am Second.

April 17, 2013: Kershaw reaches 1,000th career strikeout

On April 17, 2013, Clayton Kershaw recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, becoming the second youngest Dodger to reach this milestone, trailing only Fernando Valenzuela. He achieved this by striking out Yonder Alonso of the Padres.

2013: Ping Pong 4 Purpose Charity Tournament

Since the 2013 season, Kershaw and his wife have hosted “Ping Pong 4 Purpose,” a charity ping-pong tournament at Dodger Stadium to raise money for Kershaw's Challenge.

June 18, 2014: Kershaw Pitches No-Hitter

On June 18, 2014, Clayton Kershaw pitched a no-hitter, becoming the 22nd Dodger to accomplish this milestone.

2014: Kershaw's Fourth Consecutive ERA Lead

In 2014, Clayton Kershaw concluded his fourth consecutive year leading MLB in ERA.

2014: Supporting Children of Zambia

In 2014, Kershaw continued to support the children of Zambia in partnership with CURE International. He raised funds to pay for 170 children's surgeries and new medical equipment for CURE hospital in Lusaka in 2014.

2015: "Kickstand Move" Description

During the 2015 National League Division Series, Kershaw's pitching motion was described as a "kickstand move".

2015: Partnership with CURE International

In 2015, Kershaw continued his partnership with CURE International, setting a goal of funding 100 surgeries for CURE's hospital in the Dominican Republic.

2016: Comparison to Jon Lester in 2016 NLCS

During the 2018 NLCS, Kershaw walked twice as a batter, becoming the third pitcher in the last 20 years to do so in a postseason game, after Jon Lester did so in the 2016 NLCS.

2017: Highest-Paid Players

In 2017, Matthew Stafford and Kershaw, members of the Highland Park High School class of 2006, were the highest-paid players in their leagues.

2018: Contract Extension

After the 2018 season, Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers agreed to a new three-year, $93 million contract, extending his previous contract by one year and $28 million.

2018: Opening Day Loss and Injury

In 2018, Clayton Kershaw made his eighth opening-day start, allowing one run in six innings against the Giants but lost the game 1-0. This marked his first opening-day loss. Later, on May 6, he was placed on the disabled list due to left biceps tendinitis and chronic back pain, limiting his appearances and affecting his performance, resulting in his lowest win total and highest ERA since 2010.

2018: Postseason Performance in 2018 NLDS and NLCS

In the 2018 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, Hyun-jin Ryu started the first game instead of Kershaw, a first since 2009. Kershaw pitched eight scoreless innings in the second game. In the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, he had a short start in Game 1 but performed better in Game 5.

2018: World Series Performance and Defeat

In the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox, Kershaw started two games for the Dodgers. The Red Sox won the series 4-1, marking the Dodgers' second consecutive World Series defeat.

2019: Injury and All-Star Selection

In 2019, Clayton Kershaw experienced left shoulder inflammation during spring training, leading to placement on the injured list and ending his streak of opening-day starts. Despite the injury, he was selected to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, marking his eighth all-star appearance.

2019: 2019 Regular Season Performance

Kershaw finished the 2019 regular season with a 16-5 record, a 3.03 ERA, and 189 strikeouts. He also led the major leagues with 15 sacrifice hits.

2019: Highest Innings Total Since 2019

Kershaw finished the 2023 regular season with 131+2⁄3 innings, his highest total since the 2019 season.

2020: COVID-19 Shortened Season and World Series Championship

In the 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kershaw started 10 games with a 6-2 record and a 2.16 ERA. He started in the playoffs, contributing significantly to the Dodgers' first World Series championship since 1988, earning an All-MLB Second Team selection after the season.

2021: Injuries and Season Performance

In 2021, Clayton Kershaw made his ninth opening day start but later went on the injured list with left forearm inflammation. Despite rejoining the rotation in September, he experienced more arm pain, leading to him being ruled out for the postseason. He finished the season with a 10-8 record and a 3.55 ERA.

March 13, 2022: One-Year Deal with the Dodgers

On March 13, 2022, Clayton Kershaw signed a one-year deal worth $17 million to return to the Dodgers.

2022: NLDS Performance and Re-Signing

In 2022, Clayton Kershaw started Game 2 against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS. After the season, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers for one year and $15 million, with a $5 million signing bonus.

2022: All-Star Game Start and Season Performance

In 2022, Kershaw started the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium and had two stints on the injured list, finishing the season with a 12-3 record and a 2.28 ERA.

2023: Worst Postseason Start and Shoulder Surgery

In 2023, Kershaw had the worst postseason start of his career and underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule.

2023: All-Star Selection and Milestone Win

In 2023, Kershaw was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and achieved his 210th win, surpassing Don Drysdale. He finished the regular season with a 13-5 record and a 2.46 ERA.

February 9, 2024: Re-Signing with the Dodgers

On February 9, 2024, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $10 million contract with a player option for the 2025 season.

2024: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2024, Clayton Kershaw's season was plagued by injuries, including a bone spur in his left big toe, resulting in career lows with a 2-2 record and 4.50 ERA in just seven starts.

2024: World Series Win and Surgery Plans

In 2024, the Dodgers won the World Series, and Kershaw, sidelined, planned to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus and foot issues. He declined the 2025 player option, becoming a free agent.

February 13, 2025: Re-Signing with the Dodgers for an 18th Season

On February 13, 2025, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, marking his 18th season with the team and matching a franchise record.