History of Clayton Kershaw in Timeline

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 is an 11-time All-Star, three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, the 2014 NL MVP, and a 2020 World Series champion. Kershaw is a member of the 3,000 strikeout club, being one of only four left-handed pitchers to achieve this feat. Widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, his career is marked by consistent excellence and numerous accolades.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1910: ERA as an Official Statistic

In 1910, ERA became an official statistic, and Clayton Kershaw was the first 23-year-old pitcher since then to amass 32 career victories, a low ERA, and an average of more than one strikeout per inning by June of 2011.

1924: Triple Crown winning pitchers

In 1924, both leagues had Triple Crown winning pitchers. Justin Verlander also won the American League Triple Crown the same season as Kershaw in 2011, marking the first major-league season since 1924 to feature Triple Crown-winning pitchers in both leagues.

1929: Lefty Grove's ERA Leadership

Lefty Grove led the major leagues in ERA for three consecutive years (1929–31).

1930: Dazzy Vance's Strikeout Games

In 1930, Dazzy Vance had back-to-back games of double-digit strikeouts and no walks.

April 14, 1953: Bob Lemon's Opening Day Feat

On April 14, 1953, Bob Lemon of the Cleveland Indians threw a shutout and hit a home run on opening day against the Chicago White Sox.

1953: Carl Erskine's World Series Performance

In 1953, Carl Erskine had 14 strikeouts in a World Series game, which was the second-most ever by a Dodgers pitcher in a World Series game.

1963: Sandy Koufax's World Series Record

In 1963, Sandy Koufax set a Dodgers record with 15 strikeouts in a World Series game, the most ever by a Dodgers pitcher in a World Series game.

1968: Bob Gibson's NL MVP Award

In 1968, Bob Gibson was the last National League pitcher to win the MVP award before Kershaw in 2014.

1972: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

From 1972 through 1978, Don Sutton had seven consecutive opening day starts for the Dodgers.

1973: Andy Messersmith's Dodger Record

In 1973, Andy Messersmith set a Dodgers record that Kershaw later broke by striking out the first seven batters in a game.

1978: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

From 1972 through 1978, Don Sutton had seven consecutive opening day starts for the Dodgers.

1985: Dwight Gooden's Cy Young Award

In 1985, Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets won the Cy Young Award. Kershaw became the youngest Cy Young winner since then in 2011.

March 19, 1988: Clayton Kershaw Born

On March 19, 1988, Clayton Edward Kershaw was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Kirk Gibson's Dodgers MVP Award

In 1988, Kirk Gibson was the last Dodgers player to win the MVP award before Kershaw in 2014.

1988: Dodgers Win World Series

In 2020, the Dodgers won their first World Series championship since 1988.

1988: Tim Belcher's Postseason Strikeout Record

In the second game of the 1988 World Series, Tim Belcher set an MLB postseason record with six straight strikeouts, which Kershaw later tied.

1993: Greg Maddux's ERA Leadership

Greg Maddux led the major leagues in ERA for three consecutive years (1993–95).

1995: Hideo Nomo's 200-Strikeout Season

In 1995, Hideo Nomo had his fastest 200-strikeout season in Dodgers history at 156 innings.

1999: Last MLB visit to Cuba

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

2000: Chan Ho Park's Strikeout Games

In 2000, Chan Ho Park had back-to-back games of at least 13 strikeouts.

2000: Pedro Martínez's ERA

Pedro Martínez had the lowest ERA since the 2000 season. Kershaw finished the 2013 season with a major league-best 1.83 ERA.

2001: Chan-Ho Park's 200 strikeout seasons

In 2001, Chan-Ho Park recorded back-to-back 200 strikeout seasons, something Kershaw emulated in 2011.

2002: Randy Johnson's 300-Strikeout Season

In 2002, Randy Johnson was the last player to strike out 300 batters in a season before Kershaw.

2003: Odalis Pérez's Pitch Count

In 2003, Odalis Pérez pitched 130 pitches in a game, which was the most by a Dodger pitcher since then, until Kershaw matched it in 2013.

2005: Derek Lowe's Opening Day Starts

From 2005-2007, Derek Lowe was the Dodgers starter. The opening day start in 2013 was the first Dodger starter to do so since Derek Lowe (2005–2007).

2005: Played in U-18 Pan American Championship

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

2005: Jeff Weaver's complete-game victories

In 2005, Jeff Weaver was the last Dodger starter to have back-to-back complete-game victories until Kershaw in 2011.

2005: Roger Clemens's Sub-2.00 ERA

Roger Clemens had a sub-2.00 ERA in the 2005 season.

2006: Professional Debut with GCL Dodgers

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

2006: Graduation from High School

In 2006, Clayton Kershaw graduated from Highland Park High School in Texas with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

2006: Kershaw's Save with Gulf Coast Dodgers

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

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: Dodgers Select Kershaw in Draft

In 2006, The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Kershaw with the seventh overall pick in the MLB draft. He signed with the Dodgers, with a bonus estimated at $2.3 million.

2006: High School Baseball Success

In 2006, while at Highland Park High School, Clayton Kershaw posted a 13-0 record with a 0.77 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 64 innings, solidifying himself as an elite prospect. He was also named USA Today's "High School Baseball Player of the Year".

2007: Derek Lowe's Opening Day Starts

From 2005-2007, Derek Lowe was the Dodgers starter. The opening day start in 2013 was the first Dodger starter to do so since Derek Lowe (2005–2007).

2007: Jake Peavy's Triple Crown

In 2007, Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres won the Triple Crown. Clayton Kershaw was the first Triple Crown winner since then in 2011.

2007: Promotion to Great Lakes Loons

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

2007: Roger Clemens's Contract

In 2007, Roger Clemens received a $28 million contract, which was surpassed by Kershaw's contract in 2014.

May 24, 2008: Called up to the Majors

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

May 24, 2008: Dodgers Buy Kershaw's Contract

On May 24, 2008, the Dodgers bought Clayton Kershaw's minor-league contract, adding him to the active roster.

2008: Top Prospect

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

2008: Derek Lowe's Postseason Batting

In the 2008 NLDS, Derek Lowe walked twice in a postseason game, a feat Kershaw matched in 2018.

April 15, 2009: Near No-Hitter Against Giants

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

2009: Kershaw's Playoff Starts Before 2018

In 2009, it was the last time before 2018 that Kershaw had not started the first game of the playoffs for the Dodgers.

December 4, 2010: Marriage to Ellen Melson

On December 4, 2010, Clayton Kershaw married his girlfriend of seven years, Ellen Melson.

2010: Named Opening Day Starter

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

2010: Struggles Early in the Season

In 2010, Clayton Kershaw posted a 3.07 ERA in April but struggled with walks. On May 4, he had the worst start of his career against the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing just 57 pitches in 1+1⁄3 innings.

2010: Tim Lincecum's contract

In 2010, Tim Lincecum had a $23 million 2-year contract.

2010: Zach Lee's bonus

In 2010, Zach Lee, another Texas high school pitcher, earned a $5.25 million bonus which topped Kershaw's signing bonus.

2010: Kershaw's Lowest Win Total and Highest ERA Since 2010

In 2018, Kershaw recorded his lowest win total and highest ERA since 2010.

2010: Cliff Lee's Walk Total

In the 2010 season, Cliff Lee had seven walks when reaching 100 strikeouts.

2011: Wins NL pitching Triple Crown

Clayton 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: Kershaw's Challenge Begins

In 2011, after a mission trip to Zambia with his wife, Clayton Kershaw launched "Kershaw's Challenge" and pledged $100 per strikeout to build an orphanage called "Hope's Home" in Lusaka. He surpassed his initial goal, raising over $70,000, and donated $260,000 to Hope's Home after winning the 2011 Players Choice Award.

2011: Complete-Game Shutout Against Marlins

On May 29, 2011, Kershaw pitched a complete-game shutout against the Florida Marlins, striking out 10 while also contributing offensively with two singles, an RBI, and two runs scored.

January 10, 2012: Book Release: Arise

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. It was published by Regal Press.

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

Check it on Amazon

February 7, 2012: Kershaw signs contract with Dodgers

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

2012: "Strike Out To Serve" Campaign

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw and his wife returned to Zambia. Kershaw donated $100 for every strikeout in the 2012 season to Kershaw's Challenge, calling that season's incarnation of the project "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.

2012: I Am Second Video

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw, who is a Methodist with strong religious faith, shared his faith story in a video for the I Am Second series.

2013: Inaugural Ping Pong 4 Purpose Tournament

Beginning in 2013, Clayton 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, featuring Dodgers members, celebrities, and team sponsors.

2013: Death of his Father

Clayton Kershaw's father died in 2013.

2013: Kershaw's Warren Spahn and Cy Young Awards

In 2013, Kershaw won the Warren Spahn Award for the second time and the NL Cy Young Award for the second time in three seasons.

2013: Kershaw's Opening Day Performance

In the 2013 season, Kershaw made his third straight opening day start for the Dodgers, pitching a complete game, four-hit, 4-0 shutout over the Giants, scoring the first run with a solo home run.

2013: Kershaw's Previous Postseason Start

Kershaw had a previous postseason start that was Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS.

June 18, 2014: Kershaw Pitches No-Hitter

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

2014: Partnership with CURE International

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

2014: Kershaw's Fourth Straight Opening Day Start

In 2014, Kershaw made his fourth straight opening day start for the Dodgers, which took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia.

December 2015: MLB Expedition to Cuba

In December 2015, Clayton Kershaw participated in an MLB expedition to Cuba with other players and officials, including former Dodgers manager Joe Torre, marking the first visit by MLB since 1999 and a step toward normalizing relations with the United States.

2015: Kickstand move

During the 2015 National League Division Series Kershaw was described as having a “kickstand move,” drawing a comparison with one setting a kickstand on a bicycle.

2015: Supporting CURE in the Dominican Republic

In 2015, Clayton Kershaw partnered with CURE International to fund 100 surgeries for CURE's hospital in the Dominican Republic.

2015: Kershaw's Fifth Consecutive Opening Day Start

In 2015, Kershaw made his fifth consecutive opening day start for the Dodgers.

2016: Kershaw's Sixth Straight Opening Day Start

In 2016, Kershaw made his sixth straight opening day start as the Dodgers won 15-0, marking the first time the Dodgers won six straight opening-day games, all of which he started.

2016: Jon Lester's Postseason Batting

In the 2016 NLCS, Jon Lester walked twice in a postseason game, a feat Kershaw matched in 2018.

2017: Highest Paid Players in Their Leagues

In 2017, Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw were the highest-paid players in their respective leagues.

2018: Kershaw's New Contract

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: Kershaw's Eighth Opening Day Start

In 2018, Kershaw made his team-record eighth opening-day start, losing the game 1-0.

2018: Kershaw's Playoff Performance in 2018

In 2018, Kershaw started the second game of the NLDS and pitched eight scoreless innings. He had the shortest postseason start of his career in Game 1 of the NLCS.

2019: Highest Innings Since 2019 Season

In 2019 Clayton Kershaw finished the regular season with a 13–5 record, 2.46 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 131+2⁄3 innings, his highest total since the 2019 season.

2019: Kershaw's 2019 Regular Season

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

2020: Kershaw's 2020 Season

In 2020, Clayton Kershaw was initially scheduled to start on opening day but suffered a back injury, leading to rookie Dustin May taking the nod. On August 20, 2020, he surpassed Don Drysdale for second-most strikeouts in franchise history. He finished the season with a 6-2 record, a 2.16 ERA, and 62 strikeouts in 10 games. In the postseason, he helped the Dodgers win their first World Series since 1988 and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2021: Injury and Post-Season Exclusion

In 2021, Clayton Kershaw made his ninth opening day start for the Dodgers and remained in the rotation until July 7, when he went on the injured list due to left forearm inflammation. After setbacks in rehab, he rejoined the rotation on September 13, but more arm pain on October 1 led to him being placed back on the injured list and ruled out for the 2021 post-season. He finished the season with a 10–8 record and a 3.55 ERA in 22 starts.

March 13, 2022: Kershaw Signs One-Year Deal

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

May 2023: Death of his Mother

Clayton Kershaw's mother died in May 2023.

2023: Withdrawal from World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Clayton Kershaw committed to pitch for the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic but withdrew in February due to insurance concerns related to potential injury.

2023: Shoulder Surgery

In 2023, Clayton Kershaw had the worst start of his career in Game 1 of the NLDS, allowing six runs and recording one out. The Dodgers were swept. On November 3, 2023, he underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule.

2023: Controversy Over Dodgers' Pride Night and "Christian Faith and Family Day"

In 2023, after the Dodgers received backlash for inviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to Pride Night, Clayton Kershaw criticized the inclusion, citing their parodies as offensive to Christians. Subsequently, he urged the Dodgers to expedite and promote "Christian Faith and Family Day", which drew criticism from the LGBT community.

February 9, 2024: Kershaw Re-Signs with Dodgers

On February 9, 2024, despite being sidelined due to recovery from surgery, Clayton Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $10 million contract with a player option for the 2025 season.

2024: Injury-Shortened Season

In 2024, Clayton Kershaw had an injury-shortened season, making only seven starts. On August 31, 2024, he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a bone spur in his left big toe. He finished the season with a 2–2 record and a 4.50 ERA, career lows in several categories.

February 13, 2025: Re-Signs with Dodgers for 18th Season

On February 13, 2025, Clayton Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, that also included roster and game-started bonuses. This marked his 18th season with the Dodgers, matching the longest tenure in franchise history, and made him the 59th player in MLB history to spend 18 seasons with one team.

September 18, 2025: Kershaw Announces Retirement

On September 18, 2025, Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement at the end of the season. His final MLB start was on September 28, 2025, against the Seattle Mariners, where he pitched 5+1⁄3 scoreless innings and struck out seven, ending his career with 3,052 strikeouts. He finished his last season with an 11–2 record, a 3.36 ERA, and 84 strikeouts in 23 games.

2025: Bible Verse on Pride-Themed Cap

During the Dodgers' Pride Night game in 2025, Clayton Kershaw wrote the Bible verse "Gen 9:12–16" on his Pride-themed cap, attracting attention.

2025: Declined Player Option

In 2025, the Dodgers won the World Series against the New York Yankees. After the season, Kershaw revealed that 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. On November 4, 2025, he declined the 2025 player option on his contract, making him a free agent.