By Mallory Mattingly
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivered an emotional farewell speech at his final regular season home game.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for being here, for being here today,” he said. “I wish I had more to say other than it’s just been incredible and I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s been the most impactful 18 years of my life. I’ve raised four kids in LA.”
“And to get to be here with you today and just get to say thank you one more time is just the most amazing thing in the world. So thank you guys so much,” he continued. “Thank you for everything. And remember, we got another month left, so we’ll see you at the end of October.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W7dMy3aVNw
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Kershaw was drafted by the Dodgers out of high school in 2006, opting to skip playing baseball for Texas A&M. He made his MLB debut in 2008.
“…the left-hander boasts a 222-96 record, 2.54 ERA and has amassed 3,039 strikeouts. He’s both one of the greatest and most accomplished pitchers of all time, and will now wrap up his career,” Sports Illustrated reported.
After the game earlier this week, Kershaw sat down with the press and further explained his decision to retire.
“I’m going to call it. I’m going to retire. Ellen and I have talked about a lot. Kiddos talked about it a lot, and I’m at peace with it. I think it’s the right time, and it’s been such a fun year,” he said. “I’ve had such a blast with this group. I can’t think of a better season to go out.”
“We still have a lot to accomplish, obviously this month, and the last thing I want to do is be a distraction to anybody for accomplishing our ultimate goal: to win the last game of the season. So, we’re going to get through this today, and then we’re going to go win the rest of the games and be good,” he continued.
He left the media with his favorite Bible verse, which is Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
“That’s what I’ve tried to do. Just work at it. Just work at it and love it,” Kershaw emphasized. “And so, I’m really not sad. I’m really not. I’m really at peace with this. It’s just emotional, and I’ve tried to hold it together.”
Though fans are sad to see Kershaw go, he certainly had an amazing run with the Dodgers.
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