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 decorated MLB pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his exceptional skill and longevity. A left-handed starting pitcher, he debuted in 2008 and has remained with the Dodgers throughout his career. Kershaw is a ten-time All-Star, a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, the 2014 NL MVP, and a 2020 World Series champion. Widely considered one of baseball's greatest pitchers, he has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1924: Dual Triple Crown Winners

In 1924, it was the first major-league season to feature Triple Crown-winning pitchers in both leagues.

June 1960: Roebuck Home Wins

From June 1960 to August 1962 Ed Roebuck achieved the longest home winning streak

August 1962: Roebuck Home Wins

From June 1960 to August 1962 Ed Roebuck achieved the longest home winning streak

1981: Valenzuela's NLDS Start

In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela started in the NLDS

September 1984: Hershiser Home Wins

From September 1984 to October 1985 Orel Hershiser achieved the longest home winning streak

October 1985: Hershiser Home Wins

From September 1984 to October 1985 Orel Hershiser achieved the longest home winning streak

1985: Hershiser's Innings

From 1985 to 1989, Orel Hershiser reached 200 or more innings pitched five times

1989: Hershiser's Innings

From 1985 to 1989, Orel Hershiser reached 200 or more innings pitched five times

1995: Compared to Nomo's Debut

In 1995, Hideo Nomo made his MLB debut.

1999: Randy Johnson's ERA

From 1999-2002 Randy Johnson had a sub-3.00 ERA

2000: Chan Ho Park's Strikeouts

In 2000, Chan Ho Park had double-digit strikeouts in consecutive starts.

2000: Ankiel's NLDS Start

In 2000, Rick Ankiel started in the NLDS.

2001: Randy Johnson's ERA

From 2001-2002 Randy Johnson led the league in ERA

2001: 200 Strikeout Seasons

In 2001, Chan-Ho Park had back-to-back 200 strikeout seasons.

2002: Randy Johnson's ERA

From 1999-2002 Randy Johnson led the league in ERA

2005: Jeff Weaver's Complete Games

In 2005, Jeff Weaver had back-to-back complete-game victories

2006: Drafted by Dodgers

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

2006: Kershaw's Save with Gulf Coast Dodgers

In 2006, during his first minor league season, Kershaw recorded a save with the Gulf Coast Dodgers, a feat he repeated professionally in 2016.

2006: Dodgers Draft Pick and Signing

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

2007: Promotion 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 participated in the Midwest League All-Star Game and the All-Star Futures Game.

2007: Peavy Wins Triple Crown

In 2007, Jake Peavy won the Triple Crown

May 24, 2008: 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: First MLB Win

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

2008: Top Prospect

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

April 15, 2009: High Strikeout Game

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

May 17, 2009: Near No-Hitter

On May 17, 2009, Clayton Kershaw did not allow a hit against the Florida Marlins through seven innings, before giving up a lead-off double.

2009: Playoff Starting Debut

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

September 14, 2010: First Complete Game Shutout

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

2010: Opening Day Starter

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

2010: Tim Lincecum Contract

In 2010, Tim Lincecum signed two year contract for 23 million.

2010: Bonus Record

In 2010, Zach Lee broke Clayton Kershaw's record for the largest bonus conferred on any Dodgers draft pick.

2011: NL Pitching Triple Crown

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

2011: Led MLB in ERA

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw was the first major league pitcher to lead MLB in ERA in four consecutive years (2011-2014)

2011: 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 feat since 1985.

2011: Second Complete-Game Shutout

On May 29, 2011, Clayton Kershaw pitched his second complete-game shutout, striking out 10 against the Florida Marlins.

January 10, 2012: Book Release

On January 10, 2012, Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, released their co-authored book, "Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself," which discusses their Christian faith and humanitarian efforts.

February 7, 2012: Contract Agreement

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

2012: Opening Day Start and All-Star Selection

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw was the Dodgers' Opening Day starter for the second consecutive year and was selected to appear in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

April 17, 2013: Kershaw Records 1,000th Career Strikeout

On April 17, 2013, Clayton Kershaw reached 1,000 career strikeouts by striking out Yonder Alonso of the Padres, becoming the second-youngest Dodger to achieve this milestone, following Fernando Valenzuela.

2013: Kershaw Strikes Out 12, Ties Postseason Record

During the first game of the 2013 National League Division Series, Clayton Kershaw struck out 12 batters in seven innings. He tied an MLB postseason record with six straight strikeouts, also securing his first career postseason victory.

2013: Kershaw Selected for All-Star Game and Wins Pitcher of the Month

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game for the third straight year. Additionally, in July of 2013, he was awarded his second National League Pitcher of the Month Award after compiling a 4-1 record with a 1.34 ERA in six starts.

June 18, 2014: Pitched a No-Hitter

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

2014: Kershaw Pitches No-Hitter and Receives Honors

In 2014, Kershaw made his fourth straight opening day start. On June 18, 2014, he pitched a complete game no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies, striking out a career-high 15 batters. He was also awarded his third career Pitcher of the Month award in June and selected to the National League All-Star team for the fourth straight year.

2015: Kershaw Reaches Milestones and Wins Player of the Week

In 2015, Kershaw made his fifth consecutive opening day start, recorded his 1,500th career strikeout on May 10, and achieved his 100th career win on May 15. He also won his sixth career NL Player of the Week award for the week of June 1–7, 2015.

2015: Kershaw Added to All-Star Roster as Replacement

In 2015, Kershaw was initially not selected for the NL All-Star Game roster but was later added to replace Max Scherzer.

2016: Kershaw Extends Opening Day Streak and Pitches Shutout

In 2016, Kershaw made his sixth straight opening day start, with the Dodgers winning 15-0. On May 12, 2016, he pitched a three-hit complete-game shutout against the New York Mets, striking out 13.

2016: Kershaw's 2016 Season Statistics

In 2016, Kershaw started 21 games, achieving a 12-4 record with a 1.69 ERA, and struck out 172 batters in 149 innings pitched.

2016: Kershaw's Postseason Performance in 2016

In 2016, Kershaw started games one and four of the National League Division Series and earned a save in the clinching game five. He pitched seven shutout innings in Game two of the National League Championship Series but struggled in Game Six, leading to the Dodgers' elimination.

2017: Kershaw's Performance in 2017 Postseason

In the 2017 NLDS opener, Kershaw allowed four solo home runs but still secured the win. He started two games in the 2017 NLCS, both Dodgers wins. He also started Game 1 of the 2017 World Series, striking out 11 and allowing only one run, although he struggled in Game 5. He pitched four scoreless innings in relief in Game 7, breaking Orel Hershiser's Dodgers post-season strikeout record, but the Dodgers lost the series.

2018: Kershaw's 2018 Season

In 2018, Kershaw made his team-record eighth opening-day start, though he lost the game. He was placed on the disabled list twice due to biceps tendinitis and back pain. He finished the 2018 season with a 9-5 record, a 2.73 ERA, and 155 strikeouts, marking his lowest win total and highest ERA since 2010.

2020: World Series Win

In 2020, Clayton Kershaw started 10 games for the Dodgers and helped the team win their first World Series championship since 1988, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games.