History of Clayton Kershaw in Timeline

Clayton Kershaw, a former MLB pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is considered one of baseball's greatest pitchers. A left-handed starting pitcher, Kershaw was an 11-time National League All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2014 NL MVP. He is a member of the 3,000 strikeout club. He played for 18 seasons and is well-regarded in baseball history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1910: ERA Becomes An Official Statistic

In 1910, ERA became an official statistic.

1924: Triple Crown-Winning Pitchers in Both Leagues

The 2011 season marked the first major-league season since 1924 to feature Triple Crown-winning pitchers in both leagues.

1929: Lefty Grove Leads in ERA

In 1929, Lefty Grove began his streak of leading the major leagues in ERA, continuing through 1931.

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 achieved a rare feat against the Chicago White Sox: he threw a shutout and hit a home run on opening day.

1953: Carl Erskine's World Series Strikeouts

In 1953, Carl Erskine recorded 14 strikeouts in a World Series game.

June 1960: Ed Roebuck's Home Winning Streak

Ed Roebuck had a home winning streak from June 1960 to August 1962.

August 1962: Ed Roebuck's Home Winning Streak

Ed Roebuck had a home winning streak from June 1960 to August 1962.

1963: Sandy Koufax's World Series Strikeouts

In 1963, Sandy Koufax recorded 15 strikeouts 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.

1972: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

From 1972, Don Sutton achieved seven consecutive opening day starts.

1973: Andy Messersmith's Dodger Record

In 1973, Andy Messersmith held the Dodger record for striking out the first batters in a game.

1978: Don Sutton's Opening Day Starts

Through 1978, Don Sutton achieved seven consecutive opening day starts.

1981: Fernando Valenzuela in the 1981 NLDS

Fernando Valenzuela started in the 1981 NLDS.

September 1984: Orel Hershiser's Home Winning Streak

Orel Hershiser had a home winning streak from September 1984 to October 1985.

October 1985: Orel Hershiser's Home Winning Streak

Orel Hershiser had a home winning streak from September 1984 to October 1985.

1985: Dwight Gooden's Cy Young Award

In 1985, Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets won the Cy Young Award.

1985: Hershiser's 200+ Innings Seasons

Orel Hershiser had five 200+ innings seasons from 1985 to 1989.

March 19, 1988: Clayton Kershaw's Birth

On March 19, 1988, Clayton Edward Kershaw was born. He would later become a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Kirk Gibson's NL MVP Award

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

1988: Dodgers' World Series Win

In 2020, the Dodgers defeated the Rays in six games to win 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 for consecutive strikeouts.

1989: Hershiser's 200+ Innings Seasons

Orel Hershiser had five 200+ innings seasons from 1985 to 1989.

1993: Greg Maddux Leads in ERA

In 1993, Greg Maddux began his streak of leading the major leagues in ERA, continuing through 1995.

1995: Comparison to Hideo Nomo's Debut

In 1995, Hideo Nomo made his MLB debut.

1995: Hideo Nomo's Strikeout Season

In the 1995 season, Hideo Nomo reached 200 strikeouts in 156 innings.

1999: Randy Johnson's Sub-3.00 ERA Seasons

Randy Johnson had a sub-3.00 ERA from 1999 to 2002.

1999: MLB Visit to Cuba

The MLB expedition in December 2015, which included Kershaw, was the first visit by MLB to Cuba since 1999.

2000: Chan Ho Park's Strikeout Games

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

2000: Chan Ho Park's Consecutive Starts

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

2000: Pedro Martínez's Low ERA

In the 2000 season, Pedro Martínez recorded the lowest ERA since then.

2000: Rick Ankiel in the 2000 NLDS

Rick Ankiel started in the 2000 NLDS.

2001: Chan-Ho Park's Strikeout Seasons

Chan-Ho Park was the last Dodger pitcher to record back-to-back 200 strikeout seasons in 2001.

2001: Randy Johnson's Consecutive ERA Titles

In 2001 and 2002, Randy Johnson led the league in ERA in consecutive seasons.

2002: Randy Johnson's Strikeout Season

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

2003: Odalis Pérez's High Pitch Count

In the 2003 season, Odalis Pérez threw the most pitches by a Dodger pitcher with 130 pitches in a game.

2005: Derek Lowe's Last Opening Day Start

In 2005, Derek Lowe made an opening day start. He pitched for the Dodgers until 2007, achieving three opening day starts in a row.

2005: Jeff Weaver's Complete-Game Victories

In 2005, Jeff Weaver achieved back-to-back complete-game victories.

2005: U-18 Pan American Championships

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

2005: Roger Clemens' Sub-2.00 ERA

In the 2005 season, Roger Clemens achieved a sub-2.00 ERA.

2006: Professional Debut with GCL Dodgers

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

2006: Elite High School Prospect

In 2006, Kershaw established himself as an elite high school prospect, posting a 13–0 record with a 0.77 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 64 innings.

2006: Kershaw's High School Graduation

In 2006, Kershaw graduated from Highland Park High School with Matthew Stafford.

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: First Professional Save

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

2006: Dodgers Draft Pick and Signing

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

2007: Alex Rodriguez's Contract

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $275 million contract.

2007: Derek Lowe's Last Opening Day Start

In 2007, Derek Lowe made his last opening day start for the Dodgers.

2007: Jake Peavy Triple Crown

In 2007, Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres won the NL pitching Triple Crown.

2007: Promotion to Great Lakes Loons

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

May 24, 2008: Called Up to the Majors

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

2008: Top Prospect in Dodgers Organization

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

2008: Derek Lowe's Postseason Batting Performance

In the 2008 NLDS, Derek Lowe had a notable batting performance in a postseason game.

April 15, 2009: Kershaw's Impressive Start Against Giants

On April 15, 2009, Kershaw pitched seven innings, striking out 13 batters and allowing only one hit (a solo home run) against the San Francisco Giants.

May 2009: Youngest Player Title Held

Kershaw held the title of the youngest player in MLB until May 2009, when Fernando Martínez debuted.

2009: Kershaw's Playoff Start

In 2009 Kershaw started the first game of the playoffs for the dodgers, for the first time.

December 4, 2010: Kershaw's Marriage to Ellen Melson

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

2010: Kershaw Named Opening Day Starter

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

2010: Tim Lincecum's Contract

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

2010: Bonus Record Broken

In 2010, Zach Lee surpassed Kershaw's signing bonus record for the Dodgers, earning $5.25 million.

2010: Lowest Win Total and Highest ERA Since 2010

In 2018, Kershaw's win total and ERA were his lowest and highest since 2010, respectively.

2010: Cliff Lee's Low Walk Total

In the 2010 season, Cliff Lee walked seven batters while reaching 100 strikeouts.

2010: Challenging Start to the 2010 Season

Kershaw began the 2010 season with a 3.07 ERA in April but struggled with walks. On May 4, 2010, he had a very poor start against the Milwaukee Brewers, leading to being booed.

2011: Leads MLB in ERA

In 2011, Clayton Kershaw was the first pitcher to lead the MLB in earned run average (ERA) in four consecutive years.

2011: Kershaw Wins 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 since Dwight Gooden in 1985.

2011: Kershaw's Mission Trip to Zambia

In 2011, Kershaw and his wife visited Zambia as part of a Christian mission and he pledged a donation of $100 per strikeout recorded in 2011 towards building an orphanage called "Hope's Home" in Lusaka. This initiative was part of his Kershaw's Challenge organization.

2011: Wins NL Pitching Triple Crown

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: Complete-Game Shutout

On May 29, 2011, Kershaw pitched his second complete-game shutout, striking out 10 against the Florida Marlins. He also had two singles and an RBI.

January 10, 2012: Release of 'Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams'

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", which they co-authored about their Christian faith and humanitarian efforts. It was published by Regal Press.

February 7, 2012: Contract Agreement with Dodgers

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

2012: Kershaw's Continued Support for Zambia

In 2012, Kershaw and his wife returned to Zambia, and Kershaw donated $100 for every strikeout to Kershaw's Challenge. 70% of funds went to Arise Africa, with other portions allocated to the Peacock Foundation, Mercy Street, and I Am Second.

2012: Kershaw's Faith Story

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

2012: Leads League in ERA

Kershaw finished 2012 with a 14–9 record, a 2.53 ERA (leading the league), 229 strikeouts, and 227+2⁄3 innings pitched.

2013: Inauguration of "Ping Pong 4 Purpose"

Beginning in 2013, Kershaw and his wife started hosting “Ping Pong 4 Purpose,” a charity ping-pong tournament at Dodger Stadium to raise money for Kershaw's Challenge.

2013: Third Straight Opening Day Start and Complete Game Shutout

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw made his third consecutive opening day start for the Dodgers, a feat not achieved by a Dodger starter since Derek Lowe (2005-2007). Kershaw pitched a complete game, four-hit, 4-0 shutout against the Giants, hitting his first career home run and scoring the game's first run.

2013: Warren Spahn Award and Cy Young Award

In 2013, Kershaw won the Warren Spahn Award for the second time, honoring the best left-handed pitcher in the MLB. He also won the NL Cy Young Award for the second time in three seasons.

2013: Previous Postseason Start

In the Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS, Kershaw had a previous postseason start.

2013: Death of Kershaw's Father

Kershaw's father died in 2013.

June 18, 2014: Kershaw Pitches a No-Hitter

On June 18, 2014, Clayton Kershaw pitched a no-hitter game.

2014: Fourth Consecutive ERA Title

In 2014, Clayton Kershaw marked his fourth consecutive year leading the MLB in earned run average (ERA).

2014: Kershaw Wins NL MVP

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

2014: Partnership with CURE International

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

2014: Fourth Straight Opening Day Start and No-Hitter

In 2014, Kershaw made his fourth consecutive opening day start for the Dodgers, in a game played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. On June 18, he pitched a complete game no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies with 15 strikeouts. In June, he was awarded his third career Pitcher of the Month award.

December 2015: MLB Expedition to Cuba

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

2015: Kershaw's Pitching Style Described

During the 2015 National League Division Series, Kershaw's pitching motion was described as a "kickstand move," drawing a comparison with one setting a kickstand on a bicycle.

2015: Support for CURE International in the Dominican Republic

In 2015, Kershaw continued his partnership with CURE International, setting a goal of funding 100 surgeries for CURE's hospital in the Dominican Republic.

2015: Fifth Consecutive Opening Day Start

In 2015, Kershaw made his fifth consecutive opening day start, the first Dodgers pitcher to do so since Don Sutton (1972-1978). Kershaw also recorded his 1,500th career strikeout on May 10 and his 100th career win on May 15. He won his sixth career NL Player of the Week award for the week of June 1–7.

2016: Jon Lester's Postseason Batting Performance

During the 2016 NLCS, Jon Lester had a notable batting performance in a postseason game.

2016: Sixth Straight Opening Day Start and Complete Game Shutout

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 started by him. On May 12, he struck out 13 while pitching a three-hit complete-game shutout against the New York Mets.

2017: Highest Paid Players in Leagues

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

2018: Contract Extension

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: Playoff Performance

In 2018, Hyun-jin Ryu started the Dodgers' first playoff game instead of Kershaw. Kershaw started the second game, pitching eight scoreless innings. He started the opener of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers but had a short start. He had better results in Game 5.

2018: Eighth Opening Day Start and Injury

In 2018, Kershaw made his team-record eighth opening-day start but lost the game. He was later placed on the disabled list due to left biceps tendinitis. He experienced a recurrence of his chronic back pain.

2019: 2019 Regular Season

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

2019: Kershaw's 2019 Season

In 2019, Kershaw finished the regular season with his highest innings total since 2019.

2020: Kershaw's 2020 Season

In 2020, Kershaw started 10 games for the Dodgers, achieving a 6–2 record, a 2.16 ERA, and 62 strikeouts. On August 20, 2020, he surpassed Don Drysdale to claim the second-most strikeouts in franchise history. He also started games in the Wild Card Series and NLDS, contributing to the Dodgers' eventual World Series win. In the World Series, he started Games 1 and 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays and after the season, Kershaw was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2020: World Series Win

In 2020, Kershaw was on the roster of the World Series-winning team.

2021: Kershaw's 2021 Season and Injury

In 2021, Kershaw made his ninth opening day start for the Dodgers. On July 7, 2021, he was placed on the injured list with left forearm inflammation. He rejoined the rotation on September 13, but experienced more arm pain in an October 1 game. An MRI showed no ligament damage, but Kershaw was placed back on the injured list and ruled out for the 2021 post-season. He finished the season with a 10–8 record and 3.55 ERA.

March 13, 2022: Kershaw signs a one-year deal to return to Dodgers

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

May 2023: Death of Kershaw's Mother

In May 2023, Kershaw's mother died.

2023: Kershaw withdraws from the World Baseball Classic

Before the 2023 season, Kershaw committed to pitch for the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic but withdrew from the team in February, reportedly due to his inability to get insurance in case of injury.

2023: Kershaw's Shoulder Surgery and Postseason Struggles in 2023

In 2023, Kershaw opened the Dodgers' postseason with the worst start of his career in Game 1 of the NLDS, allowing six runs and recording only one out. Following the season, on November 3, 2023, he underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule.

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

In 2023, after the Dodgers invited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to Pride Night, Kershaw criticized the inclusion and urged the Dodgers to speed up plans for a "Christian Faith and Family Day", which resulted in criticism from the LGBT community.

February 9, 2024: Kershaw Re-signs with Dodgers

On February 9, 2024, despite his recovery from surgery keeping him out for the first half of the season, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $10 million contract with a player option for the 2025 season.

2024: Kershaw's 2024 Season and Injury

In 2024, Kershaw had seven starts, pitching 30 innings with a 2–2 record and 4.50 ERA. On August 31, 2024, Kershaw was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a bone spur in his left big toe, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

2024: Received Ring From the World Series-winning Team

In 2024, Kershaw received a World Series ring. He missed the postseason due to injury.

February 13, 2025: Kershaw Re-Signs with Dodgers

On February 13, 2025, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, including roster and game-started bonuses. This marked his 18th season with the Dodgers, matching the longest for any player in franchise history.

September 18, 2025: Kershaw Announces Retirement

On September 18, 2025, Kershaw announced his retirement, with his final MLB start on September 28, 2025, against the Seattle Mariners. In his final season, he had an 11–2 record, 3.36 ERA, and 84 strikeouts.

2025: Retirement from MLB

After the 2025 season, Kershaw retired from MLB.

2025: Kershaw's Bible Verse on Pride Cap

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

2025: Second World Series Win

In 2025, Kershaw was on the roster of his second World Series-winning team.

2025: Kershaw's contract with the Dodgers

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. On November 4, 2024, he declined the 2025 player option on his contract, making him a free agent.

2025: Dodgers Win World Series and Kershaw's Surgery

With Kershaw sidelined, the Dodgers won the World Series against the New York Yankees in 2024. Following the season, Kershaw revealed 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 in 2025. On November 4, 2024, he declined the 2025 player option on his contract, making him a free agent.