Clayton Kershaw is closing in on what might be his last regular-season start at Dodger Stadium. It feels like the end of an era that’s shaped Dodgers baseball for more than a decade.
Teammates, opponents, and fans all hold Kershaw in high regard. This season, he’s mixed competitive grit with personal reflection and found ways to adapt, even as his velocity dipped.
He’s about to take the mound under the Chavez Ravine lights one last time in the regular season. The baseball world can’t help but watch, knowing they’re witnessing history in real time.
Kershaw’s Career Impact Reverberates Across the Game
Few pitchers have ever earned such universal respect. All year, opponents from around the league—guys like Joe Musgrove and Logan Webb—have come over asking for signed jerseys.
These aren’t just souvenirs. They’re a nod to his status as a fierce competitor and a pro who’s influenced a whole generation.
Lessons from a Living Legend
Younger pitchers, like the Reds’ Andrew Abbott, and even veterans like Blake Snell, talk about Kershaw’s influence. They point to his preparation, his knack for in-game adjustments, and his relentless will to compete.
He’s shown everyone what it takes to stick around and stay great through the grind of a long career.
Adapting to a New Chapter on the Mound
Kershaw’s fastball used to sit in the low-to-mid 90s, but now it’s in the mid-80s. Instead of fading away, he’s reinvented himself on the mound.
He mixes sliders, changeups, and even the occasional eephus pitch to keep hitters guessing. It’s become a new kind of artistry.
Results Speak for Themselves
The adjustments have paid off. Even with less velocity, Kershaw heads into his final home start with a 10-2 record and a 3.53 ERA.
In August, he put up a ridiculous 1.88 ERA—proof that smarts and command can still win out over raw power.
Postseason Role Still to Be Determined
The Dodgers have a loaded rotation for October, with Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell in the mix. With that much talent, Kershaw’s exact postseason role isn’t set in stone.
But one thing’s clear: Manager Dave Roberts isn’t leaving him out. Kershaw’s going to be a part of the plan.
The Value of Trust in October Baseball
Roberts keeps saying that trust matters most in big moments. And Kershaw, with all he’s done, has more than earned that trust.
Starter, opener, reliever—it doesn’t really matter. He’ll have a role when the games count most.
A Season of Milestones and Reflection
Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout stands out as a huge moment this year. That celebration just reminded everyone how much respect he commands, not only from teammates but from the whole sport.
This season, he’s shown a more reflective side. His family’s joined him for every start, and teammates have noticed how much he’s soaking in the little moments—pregame routines, fan interactions, all of it.
Finishing on His Terms
Even with all the nostalgia swirling around, Kershaw doesn’t spend much time looking back. He’s still locked in on competing at the highest level for his team.
If this really is his last regular-season start at Dodger Stadium, he’s set on making it count. That’s just who he is.
The Final Chapter of a Dodgers Icon
From his Cy Young Awards and MVP season to those unforgettable postseason moments, Clayton Kershaw’s time with the Dodgers has shaped an entire era. He’s adapted, inspired, and led in ways that stick with you—on the team and honestly, across all of baseball.
When he takes the mound for this final regular-season home start, every pitch feels heavy with history. There’s this sense that Dodger Stadium will rise to honor one of the greatest to ever wear the uniform, no matter how his Dodgers story ends.
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