Why LA Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Gave His Life to God
By Movieguide® Contributor
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw strives to honor God on and off the field.
Kershaw was selected by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft, making his MLB debut with the team on May 25, 2008.
The Nation League MVP award winner, known for his dominant left-handed pitching, employs many pitches, including a fastball, curveball, slider and changeup. His curveball, in particular, has been regarded as one of the best in baseball history.
The pitcher’s postseason performances have been a major part of his legacy. He’s had his share of struggles in the playoffs, but he’s also experienced some standout moments.
Kershaw has posted an ERA of 4.22 with 213 strikeouts in postseason play. Many of those strikeouts helped him lead the Dodgers to their 2020 World Series win, their first championship in decades.
However, he doesn’t contribute his success on the field to just his skill. Kershaw’s faith plays a key role in all he does.
Kershaw described his relationship with God in an “I Am Second” white chair video.
“It’s just amazing the providence that God had in my life,” Kershaw expressed. “God was there the whole time I just didn’t bother to look. I never thought in a million years that I’d ever get to play professional baseball, get to play in the major leagues, get to live out my dream. Since I was a kid, it’s all I ever wanted to do.”
“Whether it be pitching on the baseball mound or living my life outside of the baseball mound, it’s giving my life up to God that really puts my life in control,” he added.
Movieguide® recently reported on Kershaw’s efforts to reinstate Christian Faith and Family Day in the Dodgers Organization:
Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times, “I think we were always going to do Christian Faith Day this year, but I think the timing of our announcement was sped up. Picking a date and doing those different things was part of it as well. Yes, it was in response to the highlighting of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence [by the Dodgers].”
Kershaw announced on his Twitter, “Excited to announce the relaunch of Christian Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium on July 30th. More details to come— but we are grateful for the opportunity to talk about Jesus and determined to make it bigger and better than it was before COVID. Hope to see you on July 30th!”
Following the game that Sunday afternoon, Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, joined a live panel Q&A to share their faith.
“We have a lot of guys in all different walks of their faith on the team. To be able to stand up for Jesus and talk about your testimony is pretty cool…Jesus helps us through tough times, with our family struggles, whatever it may be. And ultimately, our hope is in Jesus,” he stated, according to Religion Unplugged.
Kershaw then spoke about some of his teammates who are also Christians and how much that means to him.
“I think the great thing about playing baseball is that you get to interact with people from all different walks of life, all different countries, all different backgrounds of faith,” Kershaw said. “And you really get to see that there’s not one way to do it. You know, there’s not one way to follow Jesus.”
“Following Jesus is our first step, right? We all have to follow Jesus, and the Bible tells us how to do that. But it looks a lot different in different places, and it looks a lot different in a baseball stadium than when we go back home. That’s why I love having guys on the team that we can talk to about it,” he added.
As his career unfolds, Kershaw exemplifies excellence and reminds fans that sharing the gospel is the most important thing they could ever do.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
