On Sept. 18, Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement. The news deeply saddened the entire MLB community, not just Dodger fans, but baseball fans everywhere who witnessed his impact on the game. Selected seventh overall by the Dodgers in the 2006 MLB draft, Kershaw made his debut on May 25, 2008, at just 20 years old, pitching six innings in his first appearance. He finished his career with 223 wins, 96 losses, a 2.53 ERA, and more than 3,000 strikeouts.
Many described Kershaw as a role model and guiding force for the Dodgers. His dedication to the game inspired many players, even those who didn’t play with him. His strength and competitiveness have helped shape what the Dodgers are today.
“I think knowing Clayton, I thought he would just not even tell anybody and just retire,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “But I’m glad he did. … I mean, it’s just a heck of a career. Just in awe of him. When I first came into the league, getting to face him, and then obviously coming over here, it all just gets bigger and bigger. Watching him daily go about his business, what he does day in and day out, not only on the field, off the field, what he’s done in communities, he’s just a special person.”
SHHS history teacher Claudio Seanez expressed his initial reaction when he heard about Kershaw’s retirement.
“It was expected, but that’s because we’ve been waiting for a while, but also a little sad because he was the pitcher that I grew up watching as a young person. It’s almost like a bittersweet feeling,” Seanez said.
SHHS history teacher Spencer Fraker shared that he experienced a wide range of emotions upon learning about the retirement, including happiness and sadness. He reflected on how the two-time World Series champion would be remembered by most fans and emphasized how he will leave an enduring mark on the whole of MLB.
“You could argue [Kershaw was] the best Dodger pitcher in franchise history. It’s either him or Sandy Koufax. He is one of a kind, a 1A and a 1B. He is a legend who will get his number 22 retired very, very soon,” Fraker said. “I think his legacy is one of the best lefty pitchers ever, which is an unbelievable title. His work ethic and consistency over 18 seasons is pretty unbelievable. His legacy will be a combination of those things.”
Dodger fan, Sophia Guerrero (11), shared her initial reaction to the news of the iconic player’s retirement.
“I was pretty sad, but it’s not like I was really surprised because I knew that he’s been playing for so long, around 18 years, and his time was bound to come. It was nice to look back on everything he had done. It’s amazing,” Guerrero said.
SHHS psychology and government teacher Jason Surrell discussed Kershaw’s enduring influence, highlighting Kershaw’s outstanding regular-season statistics and strong reputation.
“People could argue he’s the greatest Dodger ever in terms of pitchers. I think if he had done a bit better in the playoffs, that would have gotten easier to sell,” Surrell said. “But I mean, he’s a good person too, I think that’s what I like about him. He’s just a good example for younger people to follow, and in terms of his ability on the field, there aren’t many in all of baseball.”
