LOS ANGELES — On a warm July evening at Chavez Ravine, just hours before the Los Angeles Dodgers took the field, manager Dave Roberts stood at the top step of the dugout and uttered nine words that carried the weight of history:
“Clayton Kershaw is the greatest Dodger of all time.”
With that statement, Roberts didn’t just fuel a headline — he ignited an emotional outpouring from fans, players, and analysts alike, all of whom have long admired Kershaw’s brilliance. For years, the conversation around the Dodgers’ modern-day ace has lingered between accolades and what-ifs. But now, as Kershaw nears the twilight of a once-in-a-century career, his own manager placed him squarely on the Mount Rushmore of baseball — and at the very top of Dodgers lore.
This wasn’t mere flattery. It was truth steeped in performance, leadership, and longevity. And in that moment, Kershaw’s greatness was once again crystallized for a new generation.
A Career Like No Other
Since debuting in 2008 at just 20 years old, Clayton Kershaw has worn Dodger Blue with a level of consistency and excellence rarely seen in the modern game. Over 16 seasons, he has accumulated:
- 210 career wins
- 2.48 ERA (career)
- 3,000+ strikeouts
- 10 All-Star selections
- 3 Cy Young Awards
- 1 National League MVP (2014)
- 1 World Series title (2020)
These are more than just numbers — they are milestones that define an era.
“Kersh has been the soul of this team for over a decade,” Roberts said during his press conference. “Every fifth day, we had a chance to win. Every season, he gave us a shot at October. He’s not just a Hall of Famer — he’s the heartbeat.”
And it’s hard to disagree. In the age of load management and innings restrictions, Kershaw redefined durability, passion, and relentless competitiveness. His steely glare over the glove, the iconic leg kick, and that devastating 12–6 curveball became the stuff of legend.
More Than Just a Pitcher
While Kershaw’s dominance on the mound is well-documented, his impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
Whether it’s mentoring young pitchers like Bobby Miller or Dustin May, supporting his teammates in the clubhouse, or partnering with his wife Ellen in charitable work across the globe, Kershaw’s leadership is undeniable.
In 2011, he and Ellen founded Kershaw’s Challenge, a faith-based, non-profit that focuses on serving vulnerable children and communities in Los Angeles, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. Over the years, the initiative has raised millions to support orphanages, provide clean water, and offer education for those in need.
“He pitches with his heart, but he lives with it, too,” said Roberts. “He’s the kind of person you want your kids to look up to.”
Roberts’ Praise in Context
Dave Roberts is no stranger to legendary company. As a former teammate of David Ortiz and a manager of stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, he understands what greatness looks like.
Still, his comments about Kershaw raised eyebrows, especially among fans who revere Dodger legends like Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, and Don Drysdale. But Roberts doubled down.
“I love Koufax. He’s an icon. But what Kersh has done — and for how long — it’s unmatched. He carried this franchise during some of its toughest and most competitive years. He never wanted the spotlight, but he earned it every time he took the ball.”
To some, comparing Kershaw to Koufax — who had a career ERA of 2.76 and four no-hitters — might feel premature. But even Koufax himself has heaped praise on the left-hander, once saying: “Clayton is everything you want in a pitcher — and a person. He’s better than I was.”
The Injuries, the Comebacks, the Grit
Kershaw’s greatness is even more impressive when considering his battles with injuries.
From back tightness to shoulder inflammation, he’s dealt with his fair share of physical setbacks. Yet, each time, he returned with the same fire. In 2023, he posted a 2.46 ERA over 24 starts despite missing a month with a shoulder issue — a performance that defied age and pain.
This season, after undergoing shoulder surgery in November 2023, many doubted he’d return to form. But Kershaw began a rehab assignment in June 2025 and could make his season debut after the All-Star break.
“I don’t want to go out there and be average,” Kershaw said. “If I can help this team win — and be the guy they need — then I’ll give everything I’ve got.”
It’s that mindset that defines him. Not just the velocity or the strikeouts, but the refusal to quit.
From Texas to the Top
Born and raised in Highland Park, Texas, Kershaw was a high school phenom, drawing attention for his 94 mph fastball and poise beyond his years. The Dodgers took him 7th overall in the 2006 MLB Draft, and by 2008, he was making batters look silly in the big leagues.
By 2011, he was the best pitcher in baseball, winning his first Cy Young Award. From 2011 to 2017, he posted a mind-boggling 2.10 ERA while striking out nearly 10 batters per nine innings. No one was more feared — or more respected.
And despite early postseason struggles, Kershaw eventually silenced critics with strong playoff performances, including the 2020 World Series run where he went 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA. He finally earned his ring, and with it, a sense of poetic justice.
The GOAT Debate: Dodgers Edition
So where does Kershaw stand in the pantheon of Dodgers legends?
Here are some of the names he’s now compared to:
- Jackie Robinson – Broke baseball’s color barrier and redefined courage.
- Sandy Koufax – Dominated in the 1960s with four no-hitters and an MVP.
- Duke Snider – The Duke of Flatbush, beloved in Brooklyn and LA.
- Fernando Valenzuela – Sparked “Fernandomania” and inspired generations.
- Don Drysdale & Orel Hershiser – Postseason icons and Cy Young winners.
Kershaw now leads the franchise in strikeouts and is closing in on several other records. But his case goes beyond stats — it’s about legacy.
He stayed. He endured. He inspired.
Teammates Weigh In
After Roberts’ comments went viral, several Dodgers players voiced their support.
Mookie Betts: “There’s no doubt. Kersh is the GOAT. The way he prepares, the way he competes — it’s different. He leads with quiet intensity. You feel his presence.”
Will Smith, who’s caught Kershaw in recent years, added: “His stuff still moves like crazy. But what gets me is his brain — how he reads swings, how he sequences. It’s a masterclass every time.”
Freddie Freeman, himself a future Hall of Famer, said: “I’ve faced him and played behind him — and trust me, both are terrifying. He demands perfection from himself. That’s greatness.”
What’s Next for Kershaw?
Now 37 and coming off shoulder surgery, Clayton Kershaw is at a career crossroads. He signed a one-year deal to stay with the Dodgers in 2025, fully intending to return mid-season.
Whether this is his final year or not, the city is bracing for a farewell tour, should it happen.
“It’s crossed my mind,” Kershaw admitted earlier this season. “But I want to enjoy this — the rehab, the comeback, the chase. I still love pitching.”
And the fans still love him.
Final Word: A Legend Solidified
When Dave Roberts called Clayton Kershaw the greatest Dodger of all time, he wasn’t just hyping a player — he was honoring a legacy.
Kershaw is the rare combination of dominance and humility. Of fire and grace. He carried a franchise on his back, repped the city with class, and inspired the next generation of pitchers.
Whether he throws another pitch or not, his place in history is secure.
In the end, greatness is not just measured by wins or strikeouts, but by how deeply one’s presence is felt.
And in Los Angeles, there may never be a deeper impact than the one left by Clayton Kershaw — the ultimate Dodger, the GOAT, and the heart of an era.
Author’s Note:
Clayton Kershaw’s story is still unfolding. But if 2025 is his final season, it promises to be one of reflection, appreciation, and celebration. One more run with the only franchise he’s ever known — a fitting chapter for a pitcher who turned every start into an event and every season into a masterpiece.
