Thu Sep 18 20:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ legendary left-handed pitcher, is retiring after 18 seasons. The three-time Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer made his mark on the franchise and the sport, racking up over 3,000 strikeouts, 222 wins, and a 2.54 ERA. Kershaw, known for his dominance and ability to adapt, has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers, leading them to the 2020 and 2024 World Series championships. Despite recent injuries and a changing role, he remained an effective pitcher this season. Kershaw’s impact extends beyond the field, as he’s become an iconic figure for the Dodgers and a role model for young players.

**News Article:**

**Dodger Legend Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement After 18 Seasons**

**Los Angeles, CA -** Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ iconic left-handed pitcher, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 18 seasons. The Dodgers made the announcement on September 18, 2025, a day before Kershaw’s scheduled final home start at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw, 37, has spent his entire career with the Dodgers, since being drafted in 2006. He leaves the game as one of the most decorated pitchers of his generation, with three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014) and an NL MVP award (2014). He reached the 3,000-strikeout milestone earlier this season, becoming the 20th player in MLB history to do so.

“On behalf of the Dodgers, I congratulate Clayton on a fabulous career and thank him for the many moments he gave to Dodger fans and baseball fans everywhere,” said Dodgers owner Mark Walter. “His is a truly legendary career, one that we know will lead to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Kershaw was instrumental in the Dodgers’ World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. His 2.54 career ERA is the lowest of any pitcher with at least 2,000 innings pitched since 1972. Kershaw’s 222 wins are second only to Don Sutton in Dodgers franchise history.

Kershaw said he always envisioned finishing his career with the Dodgers. “The Dodgers have stuck with me, too,” Kershaw said in July. “It hasn’t been all roses, I know that…I’m super grateful now, looking back, to get to say that I spent my whole career here and I will spend my whole career here.”

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