Clayton Kershaw

American professional baseball pitcher widely regarded as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history with three Cy Young Awards and one MVP.

Born in Dallas, Texas, on March 19, 1988, Clayton Edward Kershaw developed his pitching skills at Highland Park High School, where he played alongside future NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him seventh overall in the 2006 MLB Draft, making him one of the highest-drafted pitchers of that year. Kershaw progressed rapidly through the minor leagues, making his major league debut in May 2008 at age 20. Kershaw established himself as baseball's premier left-handed pitcher during the 2010s, dominating National League hitters with his devastating curveball and pinpoint fastball command. His peak years from 2011 to 2017 produced unprecedented excellence, including three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014) and the 2014 National League MVP Award, making him the first pitcher to win MVP since 1992. During this stretch, he consistently posted sub-2.00 ERAs and led the league in strikeouts multiple times. The southpaw's defining achievements include pitching a no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014 and surpassing numerous franchise records. He became the Dodgers' all-time strikeout leader and posted one of the lowest career ERAs in modern baseball history. Kershaw helped lead Los Angeles to the 2020 World Series championship, finally capturing the elusive title that had defined much of his career narrative. His eight All-Star selections and multiple strikeout titles further cement his statistical dominance. Kershaw's legacy extends beyond individual accolades to his impact on pitching philosophy and the modern game. His combination of power and precision influenced a generation of young pitchers, while his consistent excellence redefined expectations for left-handed starters. Though postseason inconsistency occasionally overshadowed his regular-season brilliance, his sustained dominance over more than a decade places him among the greatest pitchers in baseball history. His community involvement through Kershaw's Challenge, supporting vulnerable children internationally, adds another dimension to his enduring influence on and off the field.

Elite fastball-curveball combination, exceptional control

One of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history

• 3x Cy Young Award (2011, 2013, 2014)
• NL MVP Award (2014)
• World Series Champion (2020)
• 8x All-Star
• Gold Glove Award (2011)
• 5x ERA Champion