LOS ANGELES (KABC) — After 18 incredible years, Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw has announced he will call it a career following this season. Before Sunday’s game against the Giants, the future Hall of Famer took a heartfelt moment to speak to the Dodger faithful.
Kershaw is leaving the game as one of the most decorated pitchers in MLB history, having cemented his place at the pinnacle of baseball as a champion, three-time Cy Young Award winner, MVP, and much more.
Prior to Sunday’s final regular-season home game, Kershaw was greeted with a well-deserved standing ovation. This game also marked a milestone for Dodger Stadium, as it surpassed 4 million in attendance for the season — a first in franchise history.
Emotional and reflective, the 37-year-old pitcher shared how much the city means to him. “It’s been an amazing 18 years. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here today. I wish I had more to say other than it’s just been incredible, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Kershaw said.
“It’s been the most impactful 18 years of my life. I’ve raised four kids in L.A. To get to be here with you today and just say thank you one more time is the most amazing thing in the world. So thank you guys so much. Thank you for everything. And remember, we got another month left, so I’ll see you at the end of October.”
From All-Star games to countless strikeouts, and through all the highs and lows, the kid from Dallas is leaving knowing that the City of Angels raised him.
Throughout his career, Kershaw has also been a dedicated humanitarian, supporting communities in need and representing Dodger Blue with pride far beyond the baseball field.
And hopefully, for Kershaw, he will have the chance to address the crowd once again in a month and a half — if a storybook ending is still in the cards.
https://abc7.com/post/dodgers-pitcher-clayton-kershaw-gives-emotional-speech-to-fans-final-regular-season-home-game/17863433/