Klayton Kershaw’s Emotional Farewell at Dodger Stadium

LOS ANGELES, CA — Klayton Kershaw pitches the last regular-season game of his 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

This emotional night follows Kershaw’s announcement of his retirement at season’s end. The 37-year-old pitcher will have his teammates, wife, and four children by his side as he takes the mound one last time.

Kershaw worked his way through the Dodgers’ farm system, debuting at age 20 and winning two World Series championships. Teammate Freddie Freeman expressed his admiration, saying, “Everybody who is just a fan is going to wrap their arms around Clayton Kershaw. He deserves everything he’s going to get from the fans.”

Despite the sentimentality of the occasion, Kershaw remains focused on business. The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot is six, making this game crucial. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants are in pursuit of a wild-card spot.

<pKershaw acknowledged the importance of the game: “This game matters for both teams. Everybody’s still in it. I got a job to do, so I’m going to go out and do my job.”

Although his velocity has decreased in recent years due to injuries, Kershaw’s competitive spirit remains intact. “Winning is always my favorite thing,” he stated.

Having missed the entire postseason last year when the Dodgers claimed the championship, Kershaw expressed gratitude for his opportunity to pitch in this moment. “Not a lot of people get this opportunity, so I’m just super grateful for it,” he said.