Clayton Kershaw

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kershaw was drafted by the Dodgers with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2006 MLB draft. He worked his way through the Dodgers' farm system and reached the major league level at age 20 after one season. In 2011, he won the pitching Triple Crown and the NL Cy Young Award, becoming the youngest pitcher to accomplish either of these feats since Dwight Gooden in 1985. Kershaw pitched a no-hitter on June 18, 2014. He was on the roster of the 2020 World Series-winning team. Kershaw was the first pitcher to lead MLB in earned run average (ERA) in four consecutive years (2011–2014) and also led the NL in ERA in 2017. He was also a three-time NL wins leader and strikeouts leader. His 2.53 career ERA is the lowest among starting pitchers with at least 60 starts in the live-ball era. Kershaw was less effective in the postseason than in the regular season, with a 4.62 earned run average in 196+2⁄3 postseason innings pitched. He continues to pitch for the Dodgers.

In Their Own Story

Kershaw's dominance peaked in 2011 when he won the pitching Triple Crown and the NL Cy Young Award, becoming the youngest to do so since Dwight Gooden in 1985. He was the first pitcher to lead MLB in earned run average for four consecutive years (2011–2014) and led the National League a fifth time. Despite regular season success with a career ERA of 2.53, his postseason record was less effective, posting a 4.62 ERA over 196 and two-thirds innings. He retired after the 2025 season having been on the roster for the 2020 and 2025 World Series-winning teams, and received a ring from the 2024 team despite missing the postseason due to injuries.

Reader's Guide

Off the field, Kershaw participates in volunteer work. He and his wife Ellen launched 'Kershaw's Challenge' and wrote the book Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself to raise money to build an orphanage in Zambia. He received the Roberto Clemente Award and Branch Rickey Award for his humanitarian work.

Did You Know?

• Kershaw was selected by USA Today as 'High School Baseball Player of the Year' and was also the Gatorade National Player of the Year for baseball.
• In a playoff game against Northwest High School of Justin, Texas, Kershaw pitched an all-strikeout perfect game; he struck out all 15 batters he faced in the game, which was shortened because of the mercy rule. He also h
• Kershaw was the first pitcher to lead MLB in ERA in four consecutive years (2011–2014).