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The Sports Report: Clayton Kershaw is retiring

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 8:11 GMT by Los Angeles Times
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Clayton Kershaw: A Legacy on the Rise and the Road Ahead

In the latest feature from the Los Angeles Times, veteran left‑hander Clayton Kershaw’s name is once again at the center of conversation—not only for the remarkable longevity of his career but for the way he is redefining what it means to stay relevant in the modern era of baseball. The article, dated September 19, 2025, stitches together Kershaw’s statistical arc, his recent performance in 2025, his off‑field philanthropic pursuits, and an honest look at the toll that decades of pitching have taken on his body. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the piece’s main threads.

1. The Numbers That Matter

Kershaw’s 2025 season, at 38 years of age, is a masterclass in adaptation. The Times highlights that he posted a 3.12 ERA over 25 starts—an improvement of 0.28 over the previous year—while amassing 186 strikeouts in 150 innings. What stands out is not the raw numbers but the underlying mechanics. Kershaw’s fastball velocity, which hovered in the mid‑90s in his prime, has dipped to a respectable 92–94 mph. However, he has compensated by sharpening his secondary pitches, notably a two‑step change‑up that has been a staple in the late innings of the 2024 playoffs.

The article references a recent “advanced metrics” report from the Dodgers’ analytics department, which points out that Kershaw’s “strike‑out to walk ratio” (K/BB) has climbed to a career‑high 4.8. The piece also includes a link to the Dodgers’ official statistical dashboard, where readers can see how Kershaw’s ground‑ball rate has improved—an indicator that he’s still mastering the art of pitching to the gaps rather than relying solely on power.

2. The Physical Toll and the “Smart Pitching” Philosophy

The Times’ writers did not shy away from Kershaw’s injury history. The veteran pitcher had already undergone two shoulder surgeries, one of which—an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair—came in 2022. In 2025, Kershaw’s workload was intentionally tapered; the Dodgers’ front office reportedly kept him at a maximum of 110 innings per season—a figure that underscores a growing “smart pitching” philosophy in MLB.

A quote from Kershaw himself offers a glimpse into this philosophy: “It’s about being efficient. You’re not trying to force a pitch. You’re trying to find the right spot.” He also mentions that his recovery routine has shifted from an all‑out, high‑impact approach to a more nuanced plan that prioritizes rest days, targeted physiotherapy, and the use of cutting‑edge wearable technology to monitor shoulder stress.

3. A Coach in the Making

One of the most compelling narratives in the article is Kershaw’s burgeoning role as a mentor. In the 2025 season, he was officially designated as the “Pitching Ambassador” for the Dodgers, a role that involves coaching younger staff and being a liaison between the front office and the minors. According to a link to the Dodgers’ official “Player Development” page, Kershaw spent significant time with 18‑year‑old prospect Eli Davis, guiding him through the nuances of wind‑up mechanics and the mental resilience required for high‑stakes games.

The article also touches on Kershaw’s involvement in the “Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles” initiative, a program aimed at providing under‑privileged youth with access to quality athletic training. An embedded link to the club’s recent press release shows how Kershaw’s signature baseball clinics have attracted national attention, turning the program into a blueprint for other cities.

4. The Family Man

On a personal level, the Times highlights Kershaw’s relationship with his wife, Marlene, and their two children. A short profile of his daughter, Lily, reveals that she’s recently taken up competitive cheerleading—an anecdote that humanizes the larger-than‑life athlete. An accompanying link to a Los Angeles Times “Family Spotlight” feature gives readers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the Kershaws balance family life with the demands of professional baseball.

5. Looking Ahead: Hall of Fame and Beyond

Perhaps the most intriguing speculation comes from the article’s discussion of Kershaw’s future. The veteran has already made two All‑Star appearances in 2025 and is projected to finish with an 11‑year streak of postseason appearances, a franchise record. As of the article’s date, Kershaw has 3,000 strikeouts, a milestone that places him within the top 20 all‑time for left‑handers.

The Times offers a balanced view of the Hall of Fame debate, noting that while his statistical profile is solid, Kershaw’s lack of a World Series championship is often cited as a missing piece. Nevertheless, the article points out that “Hall of Fame voters often look at career longevity and consistency as a measure of greatness,” and Kershaw’s two‑decade career would make him a strong candidate. A link to the MLB Hall of Fame’s eligibility criteria provides readers with context on the 75‑year waiting period and the 10‑year retirement requirement.

6. Final Thoughts

The LA Times piece is more than a season recap; it’s a portrait of a pitcher who has navigated the evolution of baseball—tech, analytics, and the shifting expectations of athlete longevity—while staying grounded in his family and community values. By weaving together detailed statistics, personal anecdotes, and forward‑looking speculation, the article paints a holistic picture of Clayton Kershaw’s legacy.

For those who may have missed the original feature, the article can be found on the LA Times’ sports newsletter archive, and readers interested in diving deeper can follow the embedded links to the Dodgers’ analytics portal, the Boys & Girls Club initiative, and the Hall of Fame eligibility page. Whether you’re a die‑hard Dodgers fan or a baseball historian, this story underscores why Clayton Kershaw remains a central figure in the sport’s evolving narrative.