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, a former MLB pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is considered one of baseball's greatest pitchers. A left-handed starting pitcher, Kershaw was an 11-time National League All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2014 NL MVP. He is a member of the 3,000 strikeout club. He played for 18 seasons and is well-regarded in baseball history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1972: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

From 1972, Don Sutton achieved seven consecutive opening day starts.

1978: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

Through 1978, Don Sutton achieved seven consecutive opening day starts.

2005: Derek Lowe's Last Opening Day Start

In 2005, Derek Lowe made an opening day start. He pitched for the Dodgers until 2007, achieving three opening day starts in a row.

2005: U-18 Pan American Championships

In 2005, Kershaw pitched for the United States national under-18 team in the U-18 Pan American Championships.

2006: Professional Debut with GCL Dodgers

In 2006, Kershaw began his professional career with the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Dodgers, pitching 37 innings with a 1.95 ERA and 54 strikeouts.

2006: Elite High School Prospect

In 2006, 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.

2006: Drafted by the Dodgers

In 2006, Kershaw was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the seventh overall pick in the MLB draft.

2006: First Professional Save

In 2006, during his first minor league season with the Gulf Coast Dodgers, Kershaw recorded his first professional save.

2006: Dodgers Draft Pick and Signing

In 2006, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Kershaw with the seventh overall pick in the MLB draft, and he signed with them for an estimated bonus of $2.3 million.

2007: Derek Lowe's Last Opening Day Start

In 2007, Derek Lowe made his last opening day start for the Dodgers.

2007: Promotion to Great Lakes Loons

In 2007, Kershaw was promoted to the Great Lakes Loons, recording a 7-5 record with a 2.77 ERA and was selected for the Midwest League All-Star Game and the All-Star Futures Game.

May 24, 2008: Called Up to the Majors

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

2008: Top Prospect in Dodgers Organization

Heading into the 2008 season, Kershaw was selected as the top prospect in the Dodgers organization.

April 15, 2009: Kershaw's Impressive Start Against Giants

On April 15, 2009, Kershaw pitched seven innings, striking out 13 batters and allowing only one hit (a solo home run) against the San Francisco Giants.

2010: Kershaw Named Opening Day Starter

After a strong finish to the 2010 season, the Dodgers named Kershaw as the Opening Day Starter for the 2011 season.

2010: Lowest Win Total and Highest ERA Since 2010

In 2018, Kershaw's win total and ERA were his lowest and highest since 2010, respectively.

2011: Leads MLB in ERA

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw was the first pitcher to lead the MLB in earned run average (ERA) in four consecutive years.

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, becoming the youngest pitcher to achieve either since Dwight Gooden in 1985.

2011: Kershaw's Mission Trip to Zambia

In 2011, Kershaw and his wife visited Zambia as part of a Christian mission and he pledged a donation of $100 per strikeout recorded in 2011 towards building an orphanage called "Hope's Home" in Lusaka. This initiative was part of his Kershaw's Challenge organization.

2011: Wins NL Pitching Triple Crown

Kershaw finished the 2011 season by leading the NL with 21 wins, 248 strikeouts, and a 2.28 ERA, winning the NL pitching Triple Crown.

2011: Complete-Game Shutout

On May 29, 2011, Kershaw pitched his second complete-game shutout, striking out 10 against the Florida Marlins. He also had two singles and an RBI.

January 10, 2012: Release of 'Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams'

On January 10, 2012, Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, released their book, "Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself", which they co-authored about their Christian faith and humanitarian efforts. It was published by Regal Press.

February 7, 2012: Contract Agreement with Dodgers

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

2012: Kershaw's Continued Support for Zambia

In 2012, Kershaw and his wife returned to Zambia, and Kershaw donated $100 for every strikeout to Kershaw's Challenge. 70% of funds went to Arise Africa, with other portions allocated to the Peacock Foundation, Mercy Street, and I Am Second.

2012: Leads League in ERA

Kershaw finished 2012 with a 14–9 record, a 2.53 ERA (leading the league), 229 strikeouts, and 227+2⁄3 innings pitched.

2013: Inauguration of "Ping Pong 4 Purpose"

Beginning in 2013, Kershaw and his wife started hosting “Ping Pong 4 Purpose,” a charity ping-pong tournament at Dodger Stadium to raise money for Kershaw's Challenge.

2013: Third Straight Opening Day Start and Complete Game Shutout

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw made his third consecutive opening day start for the Dodgers, a feat not achieved by a Dodger starter since Derek Lowe (2005-2007). Kershaw pitched a complete game, four-hit, 4-0 shutout against the Giants, hitting his first career home run and scoring the game's first run.

June 18, 2014: Kershaw Pitches a No-Hitter

On June 18, 2014, Clayton Kershaw pitched a no-hitter game.

2014: Fourth Consecutive ERA Title

In 2014, Clayton Kershaw marked his fourth consecutive year leading the MLB in earned run average (ERA).

2014: Kershaw Wins NL MVP

In 2014, Clayton Kershaw was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2014: Partnership with CURE International

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

2014: Fourth Straight Opening Day Start and No-Hitter

In 2014, Kershaw made his fourth consecutive opening day start for the Dodgers, in a game played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. On June 18, he pitched a complete game no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies with 15 strikeouts. In June, he was awarded his third career Pitcher of the Month award.

December 2015: MLB Expedition to Cuba

In December 2015, Kershaw participated in an expedition to Cuba with MLB players and officials, including former Dodgers manager Joe Torre. It was the first visit by MLB since 1999.

2015: Kershaw's Pitching Style Described

During the 2015 National League Division Series, Kershaw's pitching motion was described as a "kickstand move," drawing a comparison with one setting a kickstand on a bicycle.

2015: Support for CURE International in the Dominican Republic

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

2015: Fifth Consecutive Opening Day Start

In 2015, Kershaw made his fifth consecutive opening day start, the first Dodgers pitcher to do so since Don Sutton (1972-1978). Kershaw also recorded his 1,500th career strikeout on May 10 and his 100th career win on May 15. He won his sixth career NL Player of the Week award for the week of June 1–7.

2016: Sixth Straight Opening Day Start and Complete Game Shutout

In 2016, Kershaw made his sixth straight opening day start as the Dodgers won 15-0, marking the first time the Dodgers had won six straight opening-day games, all started by him. On May 12, he struck out 13 while pitching a three-hit complete-game shutout against the New York Mets.

2018: Contract Extension

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

2018: Eighth Opening Day Start and Injury

In 2018, Kershaw made his team-record eighth opening-day start but lost the game. He was later placed on the disabled list due to left biceps tendinitis. He experienced a recurrence of his chronic back pain.

2019: 2019 Regular Season

During the 2019 regular season, Kershaw had a record of 16–5 with a 3.03 ERA and 189 strikeouts. He led the major leagues with 15 sacrifice hits.

2019: Kershaw's 2019 Season

In 2019, Kershaw finished the regular season with his highest innings total since 2019.

2020: Kershaw's 2020 Season

In 2020, Kershaw started 10 games for the Dodgers, achieving a 6–2 record, a 2.16 ERA, and 62 strikeouts. On August 20, 2020, he surpassed Don Drysdale to claim the second-most strikeouts in franchise history. He also started games in the Wild Card Series and NLDS, contributing to the Dodgers' eventual World Series win. In the World Series, he started Games 1 and 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays and after the season, Kershaw was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2020: World Series Win

In 2020, Kershaw was on the roster of the World Series-winning team.

2021: Kershaw's 2021 Season and Injury

In 2021, Kershaw made his ninth opening day start for the Dodgers. On July 7, 2021, he was placed on the injured list with left forearm inflammation. He rejoined the rotation on September 13, but experienced more arm pain in an October 1 game. An MRI showed no ligament damage, but Kershaw was placed back on the injured list and ruled out for the 2021 post-season. He finished the season with a 10–8 record and 3.55 ERA.

March 13, 2022: Kershaw signs a one-year deal to return to Dodgers

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

2023: Kershaw withdraws from the World Baseball Classic

Before the 2023 season, Kershaw committed to pitch for the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic but withdrew from the team in February, reportedly due to his inability to get insurance in case of injury.

2023: Kershaw's Shoulder Surgery and Postseason Struggles in 2023

In 2023, Kershaw opened the Dodgers' postseason with the worst start of his career in Game 1 of the NLDS, allowing six runs and recording only one out. Following the season, on November 3, 2023, he underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule.

February 9, 2024: Kershaw Re-signs with Dodgers

On February 9, 2024, despite his recovery from surgery keeping him out for the first half of the season, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $10 million contract with a player option for the 2025 season.

2024: Kershaw's 2024 Season and Injury

In 2024, Kershaw had seven starts, pitching 30 innings with a 2–2 record and 4.50 ERA. On August 31, 2024, Kershaw was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a bone spur in his left big toe, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

2024: Received Ring From the World Series-winning Team

In 2024, Kershaw received a World Series ring. He missed the postseason due to injury.

February 13, 2025: Kershaw Re-Signs with Dodgers

On February 13, 2025, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, including roster and game-started bonuses. This marked his 18th season with the Dodgers, matching the longest for any player in franchise history.

September 18, 2025: Kershaw Announces Retirement

On September 18, 2025, Kershaw announced his retirement, with his final MLB start on September 28, 2025, against the Seattle Mariners. In his final season, he had an 11–2 record, 3.36 ERA, and 84 strikeouts.

2025: Retirement from MLB

After the 2025 season, Kershaw retired from MLB.

2025: Second World Series Win

In 2025, Kershaw was on the roster of his second World Series-winning team.

2025: Kershaw's contract 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. On November 4, 2024, he declined the 2025 player option on his contract, making him a free agent.

2025: Dodgers Win World Series and Kershaw's Surgery

With Kershaw sidelined, the Dodgers won the World Series against the New York Yankees in 2024. Following the season, Kershaw revealed he would undergo surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee as well as for a ruptured plantar plate and bone spurs in his left big toe in 2025. On November 4, 2024, he declined the 2025 player option on his contract, making him a free agent.