Clayton Kershaw Savors Perfect Dodger Stadium Farewell

In what was probably his last regular-season game at Dodger Stadium, Clayton Kershaw got a hero’s send-off after 18 unforgettable seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Fans, teammates, and family surrounded him, making the night a celebration of his greatness and deep bond with Los Angeles.

The game was thick with nostalgia and emotion—a real tribute to one of baseball’s most iconic pitchers.

A Farewell Under the Lights

The crowd of 53,037 stood and roared as Kershaw, the Dodgers’ longest-tenured pitcher, walked alone to the mound.

He didn’t plan this—classic Kershaw—but his teammates wanted the fans to have one last chance to show their love. The ovation was deafening, echoing through Dodger Stadium.

One Last Outing at Chavez Ravine

Kershaw worked through 4.1 gritty innings, giving up two runs and stranding a handful of runners.

He reached a milestone with his 3,044th career strikeout, which really cements his spot among the game’s best. When Dave Roberts pulled him mid-inning, fans got another chance to salute their ace as he tipped his cap heading into the dugout.

Power Surge Propels Dodgers to Victory

The night wasn’t just about goodbyes—it was also about locking in postseason baseball for the Dodgers.

The bats woke up late, with Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts launching back-to-back home runs to spark a comeback.

That surge pushed Los Angeles to a 6-3 win and officially clinched a playoff spot.

Stars Shine on a Historic Night

The energy in the ballpark was off the charts, with sports royalty and old friends in attendance.

Magic Johnson, part-owner of the Dodgers, showed up, along with several of Kershaw’s former teammates. In the stands, his wife Ellen and their four kids watched, adding a personal touch to the whole thing.

From 2008 to Now – A Career of Adaptation

It was hard not to think back to Kershaw’s debut in 2008, when he was just 20 and struck out his first batter with a 95-mph fastball.

He doesn’t throw as hard now, but his ability to adapt has been impressive. These days, he wins with control, smart sequencing, and a mental edge—true pro stuff, honestly.

Lessons in Leadership and Resilience

Manager Dave Roberts pointed out Kershaw’s willingness to take the ball even when he wasn’t 100 percent.

That’s the kind of thing that defines a legacy, more than any stat sheet ever could.

A Rookie’s Accidental Role in History

There was even some humor mixed in with all the emotion.

Rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, still figuring out the big leagues, ended up next to Kershaw during pregame introductions by mistake. Fate’s funny—he wound up catching Kershaw’s final Dodger Stadium strikeout and kept the ball as a keepsake.

A Toast to the Face of the Franchise

After the final out, the Dodgers gathered in the clubhouse and popped champagne to celebrate both the win and their ace.

Teammates and staff toasted Kershaw, honoring the man who’s collected three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and two World Series championships over almost two decades.

What’s Next for Kershaw

This was probably his last regular-season game at home. Kershaw still has one more start lined up in Seattle before he shifts his focus to the playoffs.

He called the night “perfect.” That word feels right for a player whose career has always balanced excellence and humility, with a drive to compete that just doesn’t quit.

The Dodgers are gearing up for another October run. Their veteran ace is still at the center of it—maybe not throwing as hard as he once did, but leading with the same passion that’s made him a legend in Los Angeles sports.

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