History of Clayton Kershaw in Timeline

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

1910: ERA as official statistic

In 1910, ERA became an official statistic

1924: Dual Triple Crown Winners

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

1929: Lefty Grove Leads MLB in ERA

In 1929, Lefty Grove led the major leagues in ERA, beginning a three-year streak, which Kershaw later equaled.

April 14, 1953: Bob Lemon Throws Shutout and Hits Home Run on Opening Day

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, a feat Kershaw later matched.

1953: Carl Erskine's High Strikeout Game

In 1953, Carl Erskine recorded 14 strikeouts in a World Series game, a feat Kershaw approached in the 2017 World Series.

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

1963: Sandy Koufax's World Series Strikeout Record

Sandy Koufax set a Dodgers World Series strikeout record with 15 strikeouts in 1963, a mark that Kershaw approached in 2017.

1968: Bob Gibson Wins NL MVP

In 1968, Bob Gibson was the National League pitcher to win the MVP award, a feat Kershaw later replicated.

1972: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

From 1972, Don Sutton had seven consecutive opening day starts for the Dodgers, a record Kershaw later approached.

1973: Dodger Record Broken

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

1978: Don Sutton's Final Opening Day Start

In 1978, Don Sutton made his final of seven consecutive opening day starts for the Dodgers, a record Kershaw later approached.

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

1985: Dwight Gooden Cy Young Winner

In 1985, Dwight Gooden won Cy Young Award

March 19, 1988: Clayton Kershaw Born

On March 19, 1988, Clayton Edward Kershaw, who would become a celebrated MLB pitcher, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Kirk Gibson Wins NL MVP

In 1988, Kirk Gibson was the Dodgers player to win the NL MVP award, preceding Kershaw's later win.

1988: Dodgers Last World Series win

In 1988, the Dodgers won their first World Series championship, a feat they would not repeat until 2020.

1988: Tim Belcher Sets Postseason Strikeout Record

In the second game of the 1988 World Series, Tim Belcher set an MLB postseason record for consecutive strikeouts, a feat Kershaw later tied in 2013.

1989: Hershiser's Innings

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

1993: Greg Maddux Leads MLB in ERA

In 1993, Greg Maddux led the major leagues in ERA, starting a three-year streak, which Kershaw later emulated.

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.

2000: Pedro Martinez's Historic ERA

In the 2000 season, Pedro Martínez recorded the lowest ERA in MLB, setting a high bar for pitchers like Kershaw.

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

2005: Roger Clemens Achieves Sub-2.00 ERA

In the 2005 season, Roger Clemens achieved a sub-2.00 ERA, a feat Kershaw later matched.

2006: High School Baseball Success

In 2006, Clayton Kershaw posted a 13–0 record with an ERA of 0.77 and 139 strikeouts in 64 innings, establishing himself as an elite high school prospect. He also pitched a perfect game with all strikeouts in a playoff game.

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

2007: Roger Clemens Receives High Contract Value

In 2007, Roger Clemens received a significant contract value, which was later surpassed by Kershaw's contract extension.

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.

2008: Derek Lowe's Postseason Batting

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

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).

2009: Kershaw's Playoff Start Streak Ends

In 2009, Kershaw had previously started the first game of the playoffs for the Dodgers, making 2018 a notable change.

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.

December 4, 2010: Marriage to Ellen Melson

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

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: Kershaw's Performance in 2010

In 2010, Kershaw's performance was notable, serving as a reference point for comparison with his 2018 statistics.

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.

2010: Cliff Lee's Low Walk Total

In the 2010 season, Cliff Lee had a low walk total while reaching 100 strikeouts, a record later broken by Kershaw.

2011: NL Pitching Triple Crown

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

2011: Awards and Honors in 2011

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw was awarded the Warren Spahn Award, Players Choice Award, Gold Glove Award, Sporting News National League Pitcher of the Year, and was selected as the starting pitcher for the TSN NL All-Star Team.

2011: All-Star Selection and Pitcher of the Month

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw was selected to the National League team for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and was named National League Pitcher of the Month for July.

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: Second in Cy Young Voting

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw finished the season with a 14–9 record, a 2.53 ERA, and 229 strikeouts, leading the league in ERA. He finished second in the NL Cy Young voting.

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.

2012: Shared Faith Story

In 2012, Kershaw, a Methodist, shared his faith story in a video for the I Am Second series.

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's Game 6 Loss in the NL Championship Series

Clayton Kershaw's previous postseason start, Game 6 of the 2013 National League Championship Series, saw him allow at least seven runs, contributing to a negative record.

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.

2013: Kershaw Wins Warren Spahn and Cy Young Awards

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw won the Warren Spahn Award for the second time, honoring the best left-handed pitcher in MLB. On November 13, 2013, he won the NL Cy Young Award for the second time in three seasons, becoming the sixth pitcher to finish in the top two in voting in three consecutive seasons.

2013: Father's Death

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw's father, Christopher George Kershaw, died after remarrying following his divorce.

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: NL MVP Award

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

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.

June 30, 2016: Kershaw Placed on Disabled List with Herniated Disc

On June 30, 2016, Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to back pain. An MRI revealed a mild herniated disc, and he received an epidural injection.

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.

2016: Kershaw's Injury and Return to Rotation

In 2016, Kershaw was named to the All-Star team but couldn't pitch due to injury. After being shut down in July, he was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on August 3, 2016, and rejoined the Dodger rotation on September 9, 2016.

2016: Jon Lester's Postseason Batting

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

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.

2018: Kershaw's 2018 Postseason Performance

In the 2018 NLDS, Hyun-jin Ryu started the first playoff game instead of Kershaw. Kershaw started Game 2 and pitched eight scoreless innings. In the 2018 NLCS opener, he had the shortest postseason start of his career. He performed better in Game 5.

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.