Clayton Kershaw’s Emotional Final Home Game With Dodgers

Baseball star Clayton Kershaw, one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, played the final home game of his 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. Fans packed the stadium to celebrate the legendary player, giving him standing ovations as he took the field for the last time at Dodger Stadium. This special moment came a day after Kershaw announced he would retire at the end of the season.

As the game started, Kershaw’s favorite warmup song, “We Are Young” by Fun, filled the stadium. Fans held up their phones to capture the historic moment as Kershaw walked to the mound by himself. The cheers turned to boos for a brief moment when San Francisco Giants player Heliot Ramos hit a long home run on Kershaw’s 86-mph slider.

“I was working hard, giving my all to get people out,” Kershaw said after the game.

Despite this early setback, the fans’ applause returned when Kershaw struck out Rafael Devers in the fifth inning. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hugged Kershaw on the mound, while teammates, coaches, and even fans in the 53,037-strong crowd joined in celebrating the 37-year-old pitcher. Kershaw got to keep the ball from his final home start, a special memento he will treasure forever.

Kershaw pitched 4 and 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on four hits, while striking out six batters and walking four, throwing 91 pitches in total. “It wasn’t his best game,” said Roberts, “but he always finds ways to compete and help the team.”

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Even though the Dodgers were trailing 2-1 when Kershaw left, they later rallied and won the game 6-3, securing their 13th straight playoff berth.

“It feels amazing to end on this note, clinching a playoff spot,” Kershaw said. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

As Kershaw walked off the field, he waved to the crowd, blew a kiss to his family, and hugged himself in appreciation of the fans. Star player Shohei Ohtani, one of Kershaw’s teammates, gave him a warm hug, along with several others from the dugout. Kershaw then returned for a curtain call, soaking in the cheers from fans who wore No. 22 jerseys in his honor.

Kershaw’s journey in baseball has been remarkable. He joined the Dodgers at age 20, coming through their farm system. Over his career, he has won three Cy Young Awards, two World Series championships, and threw a no-hitter in 2014. He also reached 3,000 career strikeouts earlier this year, a milestone that was celebrated with a special bobblehead giveaway for fans.

Kershaw’s family was also present to share the moment. His wife Ellen, who is pregnant, and their four children watched as he played the final home game of his career. Former teammates and friends, including Russell Martin, who caught Kershaw’s first major league game, and Matthew Stafford, his high school football teammate, joined in celebrating the milestone.

Roberts praised Kershaw’s loyalty and dedication. “In a world where many people chase money or short-term gains, Clayton has always stayed true to his team. That loyalty is rare and deeply respected.”

Even though Kershaw’s pitching speed has slowed in recent years, his competitive spirit remains strong. He has also faced injuries that made continuing his career more challenging, missing the entire postseason last year when the Dodgers won the World Series.

“Not many players get the chance to have such a career,” Kershaw said. “I am incredibly grateful for every moment.”

Kershaw will make one final start next week in Seattle before officially retiring from baseball. Fans, teammates, and sports enthusiasts alike will remember this day as a historic farewell for one of the sport’s most iconic players.