History of Clayton Kershaw in Timeline

Clayton Kershaw is a highly decorated left-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, having played his entire MLB career with the team since 2008. Renowned as one of baseball's greatest pitchers, Kershaw's accomplishments include ten All-Star selections, three National League Cy Young Awards, the 2014 NL MVP Award, and a World Series title in 2020. His consistent excellence and numerous accolades solidify his status as a legendary figure in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1929: Lefty Grove ERA lead

In 1929, Lefty Grove began a streak of leading the major leagues in ERA in three consecutive years, a feat Kershaw would later match.

1930: Dazzy Vance back-to-back games

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

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. Kershaw would be the first pitcher to do this since Lemon.

1953: Carl Erskine Strikeouts

In 1953, Carl Erskine had 14 strikeouts in a World Series game, the third most ever by a Dodgers pitcher, before Kershaw struck out 11 in 2017.

1963: Sandy Koufax Strikeouts

In 1963, Sandy Koufax had 15 strikeouts in a World Series game, a Dodger record Kershaw nearly approached in 2017.

1968: Bob Gibson NL MVP Award

In 1968, Bob Gibson was the first National League pitcher to win the NL MVP award since Kershaw won the award in 2014.

1972: Don Sutton opening day starts

In 1972, Don Sutton began a streak of consecutive opening day starts. Kershaw would be the first Dodgers pitcher to do so since Sutton.

1973: Breaking Dodger Record

On August 14, 2019, Kershaw struck out the first seven batters in the game, breaking a Dodger record previously held by Andy Messersmith in 1973.

1978: Don Sutton opening day starts

In 1978, Don Sutton finished a streak of consecutive opening day starts. Kershaw would be the first Dodgers pitcher to do so since Sutton.

1988: Kirk Gibson Dodgers Player Award

In 1988, Kirk Gibson was the first Dodgers player to win the award since Kershaw won the award in 2014.

1988: Tim Belcher's Strikeout Record

In 1988, Tim Belcher set a record for six straight strikeouts in a game 2 of the World Series, a record Kershaw would later tie.

1988: Dodgers Win First World Series Since 1988

In 2020, Kershaw led the Dodgers to their first World Series championship since 1988 and also passed Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.

1993: Greg Maddux ERA lead

In 1993, Greg Maddux began a streak of leading the major leagues in ERA in three consecutive years, a feat Kershaw would later match.

1995: Hideo Nomo's Dodgers Record

In 1995, Hideo Nomo set the record for the fastest to 200 strikeouts in Dodgers history at 156 innings, a mark Kershaw would tie in 2015.

1999: Randy Johnson's sub-3.00 ERA streak

From 1999, Randy Johnson began a streak of consecutive seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA. Kershaw would later be the first to do this since Johnson.

1999: MLB visit to Cuba

In 1999, prior to December 2015, there was no MLB visit to Cuba.

2000: Chan Ho Park back-to-back games

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

2000: Pedro Martínez ERA

In 2000, Pedro Martínez recorded an ERA that was the lowest since Kershaw's 2013 season.

2001: Randy Johnson's ERA lead

In 2001, Randy Johnson led the league in ERA, the first of two consecutive seasons. Kershaw would be the first to repeat this since Johnson.

2002: Randy Johnson's 300 Strikeout Season

In 2002, Randy Johnson became the last player before Kershaw in 2015 to strike out 300 batters in a season.

2002: Randy Johnson's ERA lead

In 2002, Randy Johnson led the league in ERA, the second of two consecutive seasons. Kershaw would be the first to repeat this since Johnson. Also, Johnson finished a streak of consecutive seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA.

2003: Odalis Pérez pitch count

In 2003, Odalis Pérez threw the most pitches for a Dodger pitcher since Kershaw threw 130 pitches on May 14, 2013.

2005: Derek Lowe opening day starts

In 2005, Derek Lowe began a streak of consecutive opening day starts. Kershaw would be the first Dodger starter to do so since Lowe.

2005: Roger Clemens sub-2.00 ERA

In 2005, Roger Clemens recorded a sub-2.00 ERA. Kershaw would be the first to record one since Clemens.

2006: Previous Save

In 2006, Kershaw recorded his previous save playing for the Gulf Coast Dodgers, his first minor league season, before recording another in 2016.

2007: Derek Lowe opening day starts

In 2007, Derek Lowe finished a streak of consecutive opening day starts. Kershaw would be the first Dodger starter to do so since Lowe.

2007: Roger Clemens contract

In 2007, Roger Clemens received a $28 million contract, less than Kershaw's average annual value of $30.7 million.

2008: Third Pitcher in 20 Years

During the 2018 NLCS, Kershaw walked twice as a batter, making him the third pitcher in the last 20 years after Jon Lester in the 2016 NLCS and Derek Lowe in the 2008 NLDS to achieve this in a postseason game.

2009: First Playoff Game Since 2009

In 2018, Dave Roberts chose Hyun-jin Ryu to pitch the Dodgers' first playoff game, marking the first time since 2009 that Kershaw did not start the first playoff game 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: Cliff Lee Walk Total

In 2010, Cliff Lee had the previous lowest walk total for a pitcher reaching 100 strikeouts in the modern era with seven walks.

2010: Lowest Win Total and Highest ERA Since 2010

In 2018, Clayton Kershaw's 9-5 record, 2.73 ERA, and 155 strikeouts marked his lowest win total and highest ERA since 2010, and the fewest strikeouts since his rookie season.

2011: Visit to Zambia and Hope's Home Initiative

In 2011, Kershaw and his wife visited Zambia, leading to his dream of building "Hope's Home" orphanage in Lusaka. He pledged $100 per strikeout in the 2011 season towards this goal.

January 10, 2012: Release of "Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself"

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," about their Christian faith and humanitarian efforts, published by Regal Press.

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

Check it on Amazon

2012: Kershaw finishes the season with impressive stats

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw concluded the season with a 14–9 record, a league-leading 2.53 ERA, 229 strikeouts, and 227+2⁄3 innings pitched, finishing second in both strikeouts and innings pitched. This marked his fourth consecutive season with a sub-3.00 ERA. He finished second for the NL Cy Young behind R. A. Dickey.

2012: Donation for Strikeouts

In 2012, Clayton Kershaw donated $100 for every strikeout of the season to Kershaw's Challenge, calling it "Strike Out To Serve." Seventy percent of the money raised that year 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: Featured in I Am Second Video

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

April 17, 2013: Kershaw reaches 1,000 career strikeouts

On April 17, 2013, Kershaw achieved his 1,000th career strikeout by striking out Yonder Alonso of the Padres, becoming the second youngest Dodger to reach this milestone, following Fernando Valenzuela.

2013: Father's Death

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw's father died.

2013: Postseason victory and strikeout record

In 2013, Kershaw struck out 12 batters in seven innings in the first game of the National League Division Series and tied an MLB postseason record with six straight strikeouts, earning his first career postseason victory.

2013: All-Star selection and Pitcher of the Month

In 2013, Kershaw was selected for his third consecutive All-Star Game. In July, he was awarded his second National League Pitcher of the Month after a 4–1 record and 1.34 ERA in six starts. He also recorded his fourth consecutive season with at least 200 strikeouts.

2013: 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, becoming the sixth pitcher in history to finish in the top two in voting in three consecutive seasons.

2013: Previous Postseason Start

Kershaw's first start of the playoffs in the Division Series against the Cardinals in 2014, he was the first pitcher in history to give up at least seven runs in back-to-back postseason starts, his previous one was Game 6 of the 2013 National League Championship Series.

2013: Ping Pong 4 Purpose Charity Tournament

Since the 2013 season, 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.

2014: Fourth Straight Opening Day Start and No-Hitter

In 2014, Kershaw made his fourth straight opening day start for the Dodgers. On June 18, he pitched a complete game no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies with a career-high 15 strikeouts. He was selected to the National League squad at the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his fourth straight selection.

2015: "Kickstand Move"

During the 2015 National League Division Series, Kershaw's pitching motion was described as a "kickstand move."

2015: Postseason loss and victory

In 2015, Kershaw had his fifth straight postseason loss in Game One of the National League Division Series and won in game four.

2015: 1,500th Career Strikeout and 100th Career Win

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

2015: All-Star Game selection

In 2015, Kershaw was added to the All-Star Game roster as a replacement for Max Scherzer.

June 30, 2016: Disabled List Placement

On June 30, 2016, 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: Third Pitcher in 20 Years

2016: 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 had won six straight opening-day games, all of which he started. On May 12, he struck out 13 while pitching a three-hit complete-game shutout against the New York Mets.

2016: Season Stats

In 2016, Kershaw started 21 games with a 12–4 record, a 1.69 ERA, and 172 strikeouts with 11 walks in 149 innings pitched.

2016: Postseason Save and Loss

In 2016, Kershaw started games one and four of the National League Division Series and earned his first professional save since 2006 in the clinching game five. He struggled in Game Six of the National League Championship Series, taking the loss as the Dodgers were eliminated.

2016: Injury and Return

In 2016, Kershaw was named to the All-Star team but could not pitch due to injury. After being shut down, he rejoined the Dodger rotation on September 9.

2017: Highest-Paid Players

In 2017, Clayton Kershaw and Matthew Stafford, both from the Highland Park High School class of 2006, were the highest-paid players in their respective leagues.

2017: World Series performance

In 2017, Kershaw won Game 1 of the World Series, striking out 11 against the Houston Astros. However, he struggled in Game 5, allowing six runs. He pitched four scoreless innings of relief in Game 7, but the Dodgers lost.

2018: Contract Extension

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

2018: Postseason Performance

In the 2018 NLDS, Kershaw started Game 2, pitching eight scoreless innings. In the NLCS, he had a short start in Game 1 but rebounded in Game 5 with seven innings and only one run allowed.

2018: World Series Appearances

In the 2018 World Series, Kershaw started two games for the Dodgers against the Boston Red Sox, where the Dodgers lost the series 4-1.

2019: 2019 Regular Season Stats

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

2019: All-Star Selection and Injury

In 2019, Kershaw was placed on the injured list to begin the season due to shoulder inflammation, ending his opening-day start streak, but he was selected to the MLB All-Star Game for the eighth time.

2019: Season since 2019

Kershaw finished the 2023 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.

2020: World Series Win

In 2020, Kershaw led the Dodgers to their first World Series championship since 1988 and also passed Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in postseason history.

2021: Injury and Season Performance

In 2021, Kershaw made his ninth opening day start but was later placed on the injured list with forearm inflammation, missing a significant part of the season and the postseason.

March 13, 2022: Signing a One-Year Deal

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

2022: All-Star Game Selection

In 2022, Kershaw was chosen to start the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, earning his ninth All-Star selection.

2022: NLDS Game 2

In the 2022 NLDS Game 2, Kershaw started against the San Diego Padres, allowing three runs in five innings, with the Dodgers eventually losing the series.

May 2023: Mother's Death

In May 2023, Clayton Kershaw's mother passed away.

2023: Worst Postseason Start and Shoulder Surgery

In 2023, Kershaw had the worst postseason start of his career in Game 1 of the NLDS and underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason.

2023: Selected to 2023 MLB All-Star Game

In 2023, Kershaw was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game for the tenth time and before the All-Star break, he was placed on the injured list due to a sore left shoulder. On September 23, 2023 he picked up his 210th win, passing Don Drysdale for second most in franchise history.

2023: Controversy over Dodgers Pride Night and Christian Faith and Family Day

In 2023, the Dodgers faced backlash for inviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night. Clayton Kershaw criticized the inclusion and urged the Dodgers to speed up plans for a "Christian Faith and Family Day", which faced criticism from the LGBT community.

February 9, 2024: Signing a New Contract

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.

2024: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2024, Kershaw had an injury-plagued season, marked by career lows in starts, innings pitched, record, and ERA. He was placed on the injured list in August due to a bone spur, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

2024: Surgery and Declining Player Option

In 2024, while sidelined, the Dodgers won the World Series. Afterward, Kershaw revealed upcoming surgeries and declined his 2025 player option, becoming a free agent.

February 13, 2025: Re-Signing with the Dodgers

On February 13, 2025, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers, marking his 18th season with the team and joining a select group of players with such longevity.

2025: Surgery and Declining Player Option

In 2024, while sidelined, the Dodgers won the World Series. Afterward, Kershaw revealed upcoming surgeries and declined his 2025 player option, becoming a free agent.