Clayton Kershaw is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball, recognized as one of the sport's most exceptional pitchers. As a left-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his career began in 2008, marked by a multitude of achievements including ten All-Star selections, three National League Cy Young Awards, and the 2014 NL Most Valuable Player title. Kershaw's success reached its peak with a World Series championship in 2020. His consistent performance and numerous accolades solidify his place as a remarkable athlete in baseball history.
1924: Dual Triple Crown Winners
1924 marked the last time before 2011 that both the American and National Leagues had Triple Crown-winning pitchers.
1929: Lefty Grove's ERA Title Streak Begins
Lefty Grove started a run of ERA titles in 1929.
1930: Dazzy Vance's Strikeout Performances
In 1930, Dazzy Vance had consecutive games with double-digit strikeouts and no walks for the Dodgers.
April 14, 1953: Bob Lemon's Opening Day Feat
On April 14, 1953, Bob Lemon achieved the rare feat of pitching a shutout and hitting a home run on Opening Day, a feat Kershaw repeated in 2013.
1953: Carl Erskine's 14 strikeouts
In 1953, Carl Erskine achieved 14 strikeouts in a World Series game, setting a Dodgers record at the time.
June 1960: Ed Roebuck's Home Winning Streak
Ed Roebuck had a home winning streak starting in June 1960, a record later tied by Kershaw.
August 1962: End of Roebuck's Streak
Ed Roebuck's home winning streak ended in August 1962.
1963: Sandy Koufax's 15 strikeouts
In 1963, Sandy Koufax set a Dodgers World Series record with 15 strikeouts in a game.
1968: Bob Gibson's NL MVP Award
Bob Gibson was the last National League pitcher to win the MVP award before Clayton Kershaw in 1968.
1972: Don Sutton's Opening Day Streak Begins
Don Sutton began his streak of seven consecutive opening day starts for the Dodgers in 1972.
1973: Andy Messersmith's record
In 1973, Andy Messersmith set the Dodger record for most consecutive strikeouts to start a game, which Kershaw broke in 2019.
1978: Don Sutton's Opening Day Streak Ends
Don Sutton's run of seven straight opening day starts for the Dodgers ended in 1978.
September 1984: Start of Hershiser's Home Winning Streak
Orel Hershiser began his home winning streak in September 1984.
October 1985: End of Hershiser's Streak
Orel Hershiser's home winning streak concluded in October 1985.
1985: Hershiser's 200-Inning Seasons
Orel Hershiser began a streak of five consecutive 200+ inning seasons in 1985, a feat later matched by Kershaw.
1985: Dwight Gooden's Cy Young Win
Dwight Gooden won the Cy Young Award in 1985, becoming the youngest winner before Kershaw in 2011.
March 19, 1988: Birth of Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Edward Kershaw was born on March 19, 1988.
1988: Kirk Gibson's NL MVP Award
Kirk Gibson won the NL MVP award in 1988, the last Dodger to do so before Clayton Kershaw.
1988: Dodgers' World Series Win
The Dodgers won their first World Series since 1988 when they won in 2020.
1988: Belcher Sets Postseason Strikeout Record
Tim Belcher set the MLB postseason record with six straight strikeouts in the second game of the 1988 World Series, a record that Kershaw would later tie.
1989: End of Hershiser's 200-Inning Streak
Orel Hershiser's streak of 200+ inning seasons concluded in 1989.
1993: Greg Maddux's ERA Title Streak Begins
Greg Maddux began his streak of consecutive ERA titles in 1993.
1995: Hideo Nomo's 200 Strikeout Season
Hideo Nomo reached 200 strikeouts in 156 innings in 1995, the fastest to reach the milestone in Dodger's history until Clayton Kershaw tied it in 2015.
1999: Start of Johnson's Sub-3.00 ERA Streak
Randy Johnson started a streak of sub-3.00 ERA seasons in 1999.
1999: Previous MLB visit to Cuba
The last time MLB visited Cuba before Kershaw's trip in December 2015 was in 1999.
2000: Chan Ho Park's Back-to-Back Strikeout Performances
Chan Ho Park had back-to-back games with at least 13 strikeouts for the Dodgers in 2000.
2000: Pedro Martinez's Low ERA
Pedro Martinez achieved a remarkably low ERA in 2000, the lowest before Kershaw's in 2013.
2001: Chan-Ho Park's 200 Strikeout Season
In 2001, Chan-Ho Park achieved a 200-strikeout season, a feat Kershaw replicated in 2011.
2001: Randy Johnson's Consecutive ERA Titles
Randy Johnson led the league in ERA in 2001 and 2002, a feat Kershaw repeated in 2011 and 2012.
2002: Randy Johnson's 300 Strikeout Season
Randy Johnson struck out 300 batters during the 2002 MLB season.
2002: End of Johnson's Streaks
Randy Johnson's streaks of consecutive ERA titles and sub-3.00 ERA seasons ended in 2002, achievements Kershaw mirrored later in his career.
2003: Odalis Perez's High Pitch Count
In 2003, Odalis Perez threw a high number of pitches in a game, a mark surpassed by Kershaw in a 2013 game.
2005: Derek Lowe's Opening Day Starts
Derek Lowe started on Opening Day for the Dodgers from 2005 to 2007, a streak matched by Kershaw starting in 2011.
2005: Roger Clemens' Sub-2.00 ERA
Roger Clemens achieved a sub-2.00 ERA in 2005, a feat matched by Kershaw in 2013.
2006: High School Graduation
Kershaw graduated from Highland Park High School in 2006 alongside Matthew Stafford.
2006: High School Success
Kershaw had a standout year in high school baseball in 2006, culminating in being named Gatorade National Player of the Year.
2006: Signing with the Dodgers
Kershaw signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being drafted in 2006.
2006: MLB Draft
Kershaw was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2006 MLB draft.
2006: First professional save
Kershaw's first professional save was recorded in 2006 during his time with the Gulf Coast Dodgers in the minor leagues.
2007: End of Lowe's Opening Day Streak
Derek Lowe's run of consecutive Opening Day starts ended in 2007.
2007: Jake Peavy's Triple Crown
In 2007, Jake Peavy won the NL pitching Triple Crown, a feat Kershaw repeated in 2011.
2007: Record-Breaking Contracts Set by Clemens and Rodriguez
In 2007, Roger Clemens set a record for the highest average annual value of a baseball player's contract at $28 million. The same year, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $275 million contract.
2007: Minor League Progression
Kershaw progressed through the Dodgers' minor league system in 2007, playing for the Great Lakes Loons and Jacksonville Suns.
May 24, 2008: Call-Up to Majors
Kershaw was called up to the Dodgers' major league roster on May 24, 2008.
July 27, 2008: First MLB Win
Kershaw earned his first MLB win against the Washington Nationals on July 27, 2008.
2008: Top Prospect
Kershaw was named the top prospect in the Dodgers organization heading into the 2008 season.
2008: MLB Debut
Clayton Kershaw made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.
2008: Derek Lowe's two walks
In the 2008 NLDS, Derek Lowe walked twice in a postseason game.
April 15, 2009: 13 Strikeouts vs. Giants
Kershaw struck out 13 batters against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2009.
May 17, 2009: Near No-Hitter
Kershaw took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Florida Marlins on May 17, 2009.
2009: Playoff Debut
Kershaw made his playoff debut in the 2009 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals.
2009: Kershaw's Playoff Starts
Prior to 2018, Kershaw had started the first game of the Dodgers' playoffs each year since 2009.
September 14, 2010: First Career Complete Game Shutout
On September 14, 2010, Clayton Kershaw pitched his first career complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants. This was a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his developing dominance on the mound.
December 4, 2010: Marriage to Ellen Melson
On December 4, 2010, Kershaw married his long-time girlfriend, Ellen Melson.
2010: Zach Lee's Bonus
Zach Lee received a larger signing bonus than Kershaw from the Dodgers in 2010.
2010: Comparison to 2010 performance
In 2010, Kershaw had a better performance based on wins and ERA compared to his 2018 stats.
2010: Lincecum's Contract
Tim Lincecum signed a two-year contract in 2010, setting a benchmark for Kershaw's contract in 2012.
2010: Rough Start vs. Brewers
Kershaw had a poor outing against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010, giving up several runs in a short outing.
2010: Cliff Lee's Low Walk Total
Cliff Lee set a record for the lowest walk total while reaching 100 strikeouts in the modern era with seven walks in 2010.
2010: Strong Finish to 2010 Season
Clayton Kershaw finished the 2010 season with impressive performances, leading to his selection as the Dodgers' Opening Day starter for 2011.
2011: Zambia Visit and "Hope's Home" Initiative
In 2011, after a trip to Zambia, Kershaw pledged to build an orphanage called "Hope's Home." He donated $100 per strikeout and exceeded his fundraising goal.
2011: Pitching Triple Crown and Cy Young Award
Kershaw won the pitching Triple Crown and the NL Cy Young Award in 2011.
2011: ERA Leader
Kershaw began a four-year streak of leading MLB in ERA in 2011.
2011: Cy Young Award and Other Accolades
Following his stellar 2011 season, Kershaw won the National League Cy Young Award, the Warren Spahn Award, the Players Choice Award for Most Outstanding National League Pitcher, the Gold Glove Award, and the Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year.
2011: NL Pitching Triple Crown
In 2011, Kershaw won the National League pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
2011: All-Star Selection and Pitcher of the Month
In 2011, Kershaw was selected for his first All-Star game and won the National League Pitcher of the Month award in July. On August 23rd, he reached 200 strikeouts for the season.
2011: Opening Day Starter and Shutout Performances
In 2011, Kershaw started on Opening Day for the Dodgers. He also achieved two complete-game shutouts, one against the Florida Marlins on May 29th and another against the Detroit Tigers on June 20th.
January 10, 2012: Book Release: "Arise"
On January 10, 2012, Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, published "Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself," sharing their faith and humanitarian work.
February 7, 2012: Two-Year Contract with Dodgers
On February 7, 2012, Kershaw signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Dodgers.
2012: League-Leading ERA and Cy Young Runner-Up
In 2012, Kershaw led the league in ERA and finished second in Cy Young voting.
2012: Opening Day Start, Home Win Streak, and All-Star Selection
In 2012, Kershaw made his second consecutive Opening Day start. He also tied a Dodgers record for consecutive home wins and was selected to the All-Star game.
2012: I Am Second Video
In 2012, Kershaw shared his religious faith story in a video for the I Am Second series.
2012: Continued Charity Work and "Strike Out To Serve"
Kershaw's charity work continued in 2012 with "Strike Out To Serve," donating for each strikeout to various organizations.
April 17, 2013: 1000th Career Strikeout
Kershaw reached his 1000th career strikeout on April 17, 2013.
2013: All-Star Selection, Pitcher of the Month, and 200 Strikeouts
In 2013, Kershaw was selected to the All-Star game, won the NL Pitcher of the Month award, and reached 200 strikeouts for the season.
2013: Kershaw Wins Warren Spahn and NL Cy Young Awards
Clayton Kershaw won his second Warren Spahn Award, recognizing him as the best left-handed pitcher in MLB, and his second NL Cy Young Award in three seasons in 2013. He became the sixth pitcher to finish in the top two in Cy Young voting for three consecutive seasons.
2013: Kershaw's Postseason Struggles
In the 2013 postseason, Clayton Kershaw struggled. In Game 1 of the Division Series against the Cardinals, he struck out 10 batters but gave up eight runs, becoming the first pitcher to achieve this in a postseason game. He also set a record by giving up at least seven runs in consecutive postseason starts, including Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS.
2013: Ping Pong 4 Purpose Begins
Starting in 2013, Kershaw and his wife began hosting "Ping Pong 4 Purpose," a charity ping-pong tournament at Dodger Stadium, raising money for Kershaw's Challenge.
2013: Father's Death
Kershaw's father, Christopher George Kershaw, a musician and Clio Award winner, died in 2013.
2013: Kershaw's Postseason Dominance Begins
In the first game of the 2013 National League Division Series, Clayton Kershaw had a strong performance, striking out 12 batters in seven innings. His six consecutive strikeouts tied an MLB postseason record. This game also marked his first postseason victory.
June 18, 2014: No-Hitter
Kershaw pitched a no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies on June 18, 2014.
2014: End of ERA Dominance
2014 marked the end of Kershaw's four-year reign as the MLB ERA leader.
2014: Kershaw's Historic No-Hitter and All-Star Selection
In 2014, Clayton Kershaw made his fourth consecutive opening day start for the Dodgers. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career due to back pain but returned in May. On June 18, 2014, he pitched a no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies, striking out a career-high 15 batters. He was named NL Pitcher of the Month for June and selected to his fourth All-Star Game.
2014: Support for Zambian Children
In 2014, Kershaw partnered with CURE International to fund surgeries and medical equipment for children in Zambia.
2014: NL MVP and Cy Young Award
Kershaw won the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) and his third Cy Young Award in 2014.
December 2015: Trip to Cuba
In December 2015, Kershaw joined MLB officials and players, including Joe Torre, on a trip to Cuba, marking MLB's first visit since 1999 and a step towards normalizing relations with the United States.
2015: Kershaw Added to All-Star Game Roster
Despite not making the initial NL roster, Clayton Kershaw was added to the 2015 All-Star Game as a replacement for Max Scherzer.
2015: Kershaw's Milestones and All-Star Selection
In 2015, Clayton Kershaw reached several career milestones: his fifth consecutive opening day start, 1,500th strikeout, and 100th career win. He was also named NL Player of the Week.
2015: Partnership with CURE International
In 2015, Kershaw continued his work with CURE International, supporting surgeries in the Dominican Republic.
2015: Pitching Style Analysis
In 2015, analysis of Kershaw's pitching style highlighted his deception, movement, velocity changes, and a distinctive "kickstand" move in his windup.
2015: Kershaw's Postseason Performance and Cy Young Voting
In the 2015 NLDS, Clayton Kershaw struck out 11 batters in Game 1 but took the loss. He and Jacob deGrom made history as the first pair of starters with 11+ strikeouts each in the same postseason game. Kershaw bounced back with a win in Game 4. He finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting.
June 30, 2016: Kershaw Placed on Disabled List
On June 30, 2016, Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a mild herniated disc in his back.
2016: Jon Lester's two walks
In the 2016 NLCS, Jon Lester walked twice in a postseason game.
2016: Kershaw's All-Star Selection and Continued Back Issues
Clayton Kershaw was selected for the 2016 All-Star team but couldn't participate due to a back injury. He was shut down indefinitely and placed on the 60-day disabled list, eventually returning to the rotation in September.
2016: 2016 NLDS and NLCS
In 2016, Kershaw started games one and four of the NLDS, earning a save in the final game. This was his first professional save since 2006 with the Gulf Coast Dodgers. He pitched seven shutout innings in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Cubs but struggled in Game 6, giving up five runs and taking the loss as the Dodgers were eliminated.
2016: Kershaw's 2016 Season Stats
Despite his back injury, Clayton Kershaw finished the 2016 season with a 12-4 record, a 1.69 ERA, and 172 strikeouts in 149 innings pitched.
2016: Kershaw's Opening Day Success and Strikeout Streak
Clayton Kershaw made his sixth consecutive opening day start in 2016, leading the Dodgers to a 15-0 victory and extending their opening day winning streak to six. He later struck out 13 in a complete-game shutout against the Mets on May 12, 2016.
2017: Highest-Paid Players
In 2017, Kershaw and Matthew Stafford, both from Highland Park High School's class of 2006, became the highest-paid players in their respective leagues.
2017: 2017 NLDS, NLCS, and World Series
In 2017, Kershaw won Game 1 of the NLDS despite giving up four home runs. He had two wins in the NLCS against the Cubs. In the World Series, he won Game 1 with 11 strikeouts but struggled in Game 5, giving up six runs. He also broke the Dodgers' postseason strikeout record in Game 7.
2018: 2018 Season and Injuries
In 2018, Kershaw made his eighth opening day start, a record for the Dodgers, but experienced his first opening day loss. He dealt with injuries including biceps tendinitis and back pain throughout the season, leading to his lowest win total and highest ERA since 2010.
2018: 2018 NLDS and NLCS
In the 2018 NLDS, Kershaw pitched eight scoreless innings in Game 2. However, in the NLCS, he had his shortest postseason start, giving up five runs in less than four innings in Game 1 but recovered in Game 5 with seven innings, allowing only one run and striking out nine, also walking twice.
2018: 2018 World Series
In the 2018 World Series, Kershaw started Games 1 and 5 for the Dodgers but gave up multiple runs in both games, resulting in losses. The Dodgers lost the Series to the Red Sox, marking their second straight World Series defeat.
2018: Contract Extension
On November 2, 2018, Kershaw signed a three-year, $93 million contract extension with the Dodgers.
2019: Strikeout Milestone
In 2019, Kershaw achieved his highest strikeout total since 2019.
2019: Shoulder Injury and All-Star Selection
In 2019, Kershaw started the season on the injured list due to a shoulder injury, ending his streak of opening day starts. He was selected for his eighth All-Star game.
2019: 2019 Season Performance
Kershaw ended the 2019 regular season with a 16-5 record, a 3.03 ERA, 189 strikeouts, and led the MLB with 15 sacrifice hits.
2020: World Series Champion
Kershaw and the Dodgers won the World Series in 2020.
2020: 2020 Season, World Series, and Records
In 2020, Kershaw missed opening day due to a back injury. He passed Don Drysdale for second-most strikeouts in Dodger history, won his first World Series, tied Greg Maddux for second all-time with 11 Game 1 starts in the postseason, passed John Smoltz and later Justin Verlander for most postseason strikeouts, and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.
2021: Season of Injuries and Return
In 2021, Clayton Kershaw made his ninth opening day start for the Dodgers. He spent time on the injured list due to left forearm inflammation, his first arm injury, and returned later in the season before experiencing more arm pain in October, ending his postseason. He finished with a 10-8 record and a 3.55 ERA.
March 13, 2022: Return to the Dodgers
On March 13, 2022, Clayton Kershaw signed a one-year, $17 million contract to rejoin the Dodgers.
2022: All-Star Selection and Injury Battles
In 2022, Kershaw started the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, his ninth selection and first start. He finished the season with a 12-3 record and a 2.28 ERA, but had two stints on the injured list for pelvic joint inflammation and a back issue.
2022: Postseason Loss and Re-Signing
In the 2022 NLDS, Kershaw started Game 2 against the Padres but the Dodgers lost the game and the series. He then re-signed with the Dodgers for one year and $15 million, plus a $5 million signing bonus.
May 2023: Mother's Death
Kershaw's mother, Marianne Tombaugh, passed away in May 2023.
2023: Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Controversy
In 2023, Kershaw criticized the Dodgers' decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBT charity, prompting him to promote "Christian Faith and Family Day," leading to criticism from the LGBT community.
2023: 10th All-Star Selection and Franchise Wins Record
In 2023, Kershaw struggled in May but rebounded in June, earning his tenth All-Star selection. He was placed on the injured list with a shoulder injury, but later surpassed Don Drysdale for second-most wins in Dodgers' history. He finished the season 13–5 with a 2.46 ERA.
2023: Postseason Disappointment and Shoulder Surgery
Kershaw had a rough start in the 2023 NLDS, giving up six runs in Game 1 against the Diamondbacks, who eventually swept the Dodgers. He underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason.
February 9, 2024: Re-signing and Season Debut
On February 9, 2024, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers despite his ongoing recovery. He returned from the injured list on July 25 against the Giants.
2024: Shortened Season and Injuries
Kershaw's 2024 season was marked by a slow start, his first win coming in August. A bone spur in his left big toe sidelined him for the rest of the season, limiting him to just seven starts.
2024: Dodgers' World Series Win and Kershaw's Surgeries
While Kershaw was injured, the Dodgers won the 2024 World Series. He later revealed he needed surgery for a torn meniscus and other issues in his left foot.
2025: Free Agency
Kershaw declined his player option for 2025, becoming a free agent.
2025: Player Option
Kershaw had a player option for the 2025 season.