LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw made history on Wednesday night by becoming the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball to record 3,000 strikeouts. The milestone strike occurred when Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox took a slider for a called third strike, marking the final out of the sixth inning. This achievement was celebrated by a sellout crowd of 53,536 fans at Dodger Stadium.
Before the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted the significance of this milestone in Kershaw's illustrious career, stating, “It’s the last box for Clayton to check in his tremendous career.” He acknowledged that while Kershaw generally shuns the spotlight, he has more than earned recognition. As Kershaw walked off the mound to the crowd’s roaring applause, he took a moment to acknowledge his family in the stands, waving to his wife and four children, while expressing gratitude by mouthing, “Thank you.”
The game witnessed a nearly six-minute delay as a tribute video was played to honor Kershaw, who has dedicated his entire 18-year career to the Los Angeles Dodgers. With this achievement, Kershaw joins fellow active pitchers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, who have 3,468 and 3,412 strikeouts respectively. He is only the fourth left-handed pitcher to reach this milestone.
In a remarkable sequence, Kershaw recorded his 2,999th strikeout against Lenyn Sosa on just three pitches in the fifth inning, and then achieved his historic 3,000th strikeout during his 100th pitch. Capra was retired after a four-pitch at-bat, with plate umpire Jim Wolf calling the third strike. Notably, Wolf is the brother of former player Randy Wolf, who was once Kershaw’s teammate.
Despite his personal triumph, Kershaw’s night was mixed as the White Sox led 4-2 after six innings, with Kershaw giving up a two-run homer to Austin Slater. His performance has been a critical component in a pitching staff marred by injuries this season, and Roberts expressed confidence in Kershaw's competitive spirit, emphasizing that despite any health concerns, he continuously rises to the occasion.
This season has not been without challenges for Kershaw, as he faced struggles earlier in the year after undergoing surgeries for knee and foot issues. However, he has since adapted and has maintained a .222 batting average against him from opposing hitters. Kershaw’s evolving style reflects the adjustments that come with age and the realities of pitching; he no longer relies on overpowering hitters but instead leans on craftiness and experience.
Roberts noted that Kershaw has grown significantly as a player over the years, with his perspective having shifted since his prime days between 2010 to 2015, when he dominated with five ERA titles and three strikeout crowns in the National League. Kershaw's 2014 season stands out as remarkable, featuring a 21-3 record, a 1.77 ERA, and 233 strikeouts, making him both the Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player winner.
With this achievement, Kershaw also ties the franchise record for most seasons spent in Dodger blue, matching legendary figures Zack Wheat and Bill Russell. The milestone event not only strengthens Kershaw’s legacy but also signals a notable moment in the history of baseball, celebrating his resilience and talent through nearly two decades of professional play.
