In a shocking moment, 37-year-old Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw announced on Sep. 18, 2025 that he is retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 season after being in the league for 18 years.
Kershaw played his last regular season home game at Dodgers Stadium on Sep. 19, 2025 against the San Francisco Giants.
According to ESPN, Kershaw started his career in 2008 on the Dodgers and will end it in 2025. Kershaw has won two World Series titles since his time with the team. Clayton has also won one National League Most Valuable Player in 2014, is an 11 time all-star player and three time Cy Young winner which is an award to the best pitcher in the National or American league.
“I would definitely put him in the conversation with the all-time greats,” Buena campus supervisor and Dodger fan David Cano said.
Sophomore and Dodger fan Nathan Cirrincione also reflects on Kershaw’s legacy.
“I really think he could [be one of the best pitchers of all time]. He has two world series wins and over 3,000 career strikeouts,” Cirrincione said.
Kershaw spent his whole career with the Dodgers through wins and losses. He has always stayed loyal to the Dodgers and their fans. The Dodgers fans appreciate Kershaw for everything he has done for the team, and he will very much be missed by the team and the fans.
“I know his presence will be missed as a leader, but I hope that his uniqueness as a player and his determination [with] his style will leave an impact on the players,” Cano said.
Kershaw hasn’t just affected the MLB, he has also affected people in many different ways. Kershaw has been seen as a loyal, hard working player which has inspired people to strive to be as hard working as he is and to never give up.
“I feel he has set an example for our youth of always giving 100% no matter what happens,” Cano said.
Cirrincione agrees with Cano’s sentiment of Kershaw and explains the impact that the bittersweet farewell has on the Dodger community.
“It’s sad [because] he’s a good player. He’s a big part of the team, and he’s been with the Dodgers for 18 years. I am upset to see him leave, but his time has come, and it’s okay,” Cirrincione said.
Since Kershaw has been with the Dodgers his whole career it’s hard for him, the team and the fans to let go, but he made a huge impact on the Dodgers.
Kershaw’s retirement may be hard on Dodger fans, but he’s leaving knowing that he made an impact on the team.
“I think we all play this game for the respect of our teammates,” he said, choked up. “So having these guys here is pretty special. I’m proud of that,” said Kershaw in an interview with the MLB.
