Clayton Kershaw, a cornerstone of Los Angeles baseball for 18 seasons, took the mound at Dodger Stadium for his final regular-season start on September 20, 2025. The game, a 6-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants, not only marked a poignant farewell to his home crowd but also officially clinched a postseason berth for the Dodgers, extending their remarkable playoff streak to 13 consecutive seasons.
A Farewell to Chavez Ravine
The air at Dodger Stadium was electric as Kershaw, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season on September 18th, emerged for his final home start. The crowd rose to their feet, a wave of camera phones illuminating the stadium, as his longtime warmup song, “We Are Young” by Fun, played. Despite a leadoff home run by the Giants’ Heliot Ramos on the third pitch, Kershaw battled, striking out six batters over 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks. His departure from the mound in the fifth inning was met with a thunderous standing ovation, a heartfelt acknowledgment of his immense contributions to the Dodgers and Los Angeles.
“I can’t adequately express how thankful I am for tonight, this whole season, my whole career,” Kershaw said after the game. “I’m just so thankful that I’ve gotten to be a Dodger this long”. Rookie catcher Dalton Rushing emphasized Kershaw’s unparalleled importance, stating, “He’s the best left-handed pitcher of all time. It means the world to me to catch a guy like that”.
Dodgers Clinch Postseason Berth
While the focus was on Kershaw’s send-off, the game also had significant implications for the Dodgers’ season. The victory over the Giants secured their 13th straight trip to the MLB postseason, tying them with the 1995-2007 New York Yankees for the second-longest playoff streak in league history. This accomplishment, achieved amidst a strong offensive performance featuring back-to-back home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in the fifth inning, underscores the team’s consistent dominance. The Dodgers now hold a comfortable lead in the NL West and are poised for another deep postseason run.
A Legacy Forged in Los Angeles
Clayton Kershaw’s career with the Dodgers, spanning 18 seasons, is etched into the annals of baseball history. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP has amassed 222 wins, 3,045 strikeouts, and a 2.54 ERA, solidifying his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. His legacy extends beyond individual accolades; he is credited with embodying the team’s unselfishness, accountability, and resilience.
Beyond the diamond, Kershaw has been a dedicated philanthropist in Los Angeles, significantly investing in youth and community programs through Kershaw’s Challenge and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. His connection to the city and its fans is profound, with many viewing him not just as a player, but as a beloved figure and champion for Los Angeles. The roar of the crowd on his final Dodger Stadium start is a testament to the deep admiration and love he has earned over nearly two decades.
While this marked his last regular-season appearance at Dodger Stadium, there remains a possibility that Kershaw could pitch again for the Dodgers in the upcoming postseason, potentially offering fans one more glimpse of the legendary left-hander on the mound. Regardless of what the future holds, Clayton Kershaw’s indelible mark on the Los Angeles Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles is undeniable.
