Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw ‘At Peace’ with Retirement Decision, ‘It’s the Right Time’

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw announced Thursday during a press conference that he will retire at the end of this season.

Kershaw spoke a bit about his decision, saying he was at peace with the move and that he thought it was the right time to make the call.

The southpaw did admit that he, understandably, was emotional about it all.

Kershaw will ultimately spend his nearly two-decade career with one team, something he values and cherishes as well.

As far as what’s next, Kershaw said he’s looking forward to being more available to make his four kids’ games and activities.

Ultimately, Kershaw expressed his sincere gratitude for his career as well as his teammates, who were present at the press conference.

Kershaw is destined to be a first ballot Hall of Famer to cap his sensational 18-year Dodger career. The 2014 National League MVP won three Cy Young awards, made 11 All-Star Games and earned five ERA titles. He also won the National League’s pitching triple crown in 2011, leading the senior circuit with 21 wins, a 2.28 ERA and 248 strikeouts.

In addition, Kershaw won MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award in 2012. ESPN’s Mark Saxon wrote more after he earned the honor.

“Much of Kershaw’s charitable work has been around issues in Africa. He and his wife, Ellen, visited the continent each of the past two years and started ‘Kershaw’s Challenge,’ an organization that seeks to assist at-risk children and communities in need,” Saxon began.

“The Kershaws helped build and sustain an orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia called, ‘Hope’s Home.’ Many of the children there suffer from diseases and infections related to HIV and AIDS.”

Kershaw, who made his MLB debut as a 20-year-old during the 2008 season, has gone 222-96 with a 2.58 ERA. That ERA mark leads all active starting pitchers. He’s also struck out 3,039 batters for a 9.6 K/9 rate over 452 games.

In addition, Kershaw arguably authored the best pitched game in MLB history when he struck out 15 batters in a no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Colorado’s only baserunner occurred in the top of the seventh inning after an error put Corey Dickerson on base.

Kershaw has a spot reserved in Cooperstown, a formality considering his place as one of the best (if not the best) MLB pitchers in the 21st century.

In the meantime, Kershaw still has a season to complete. He’s faring well in his swan song, going 10-2 with a 3.53 ERA over 20 starts. The Dodgers are also in the driver’s seat to win the NL West, entering Thursday evening with a 2.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres.

They’re a mortal lock to make the playoffs regardless, but L.A.’s goal in the meantime is to win the division. Kershaw’s next chance to help the Dodgers do so will be Friday at home against the rival San Francisco Giants.