Clayton Kershaw to Retire after Friday’s Start

Los angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw announced Wednesday that he will retire after his final regular-season start on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. The announcement, made at a press conference at Dodger Stadium, was emotional for the three-time Cy Young Award winner and those around him.

Kershaw, 37, admitted he had contemplated retirement at the start of the season but didn’t want to preemptively declare it. He expressed a sense of peace wiht his decision, though visibly moved by the occasion. “I’m really not sad. I’m really at peace with this. It’s just emotional and I tried to hold it together,” he said.

Manager Dave Roberts lauded Kershaw as the greatest competitor he’s ever been around, emphasizing his accountability and consistency. “I’ve just never been around a greater competitor,” Roberts stated. “Very accountable, very consistent. He’s made me better and I think we’ve both grown together so I feel fortunate to have been able to manage him and be around him for 10 years.”

Despite a 2024 season cut short by a toe injury, limiting him to just seven starts and a 2-2 record with a 4.50 ERA – all career lows – Kershaw leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. He reached a significant milestone earlier this year, recording his 3,000th career strikeout in July.

Kershaw’s impact extends beyond statistics. He is tied with Zack Wheat and bill Russell for the moast years spent with the Dodgers in franchise history, and he has won World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. He expressed deep affection for the city and the association,noting that his family has grown up alongside the Dodgers.

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