Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers: A Rivalry Renewed

Clayton Edward Kershaw, born March 19, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, is an American professional baseball pitcher who has played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Los Angeles Dodgers since his debut in 2008[1][5]. Known for his left-handed pitching, Kershaw quickly established himself as one of the sport’s premier pitchers, earning a reputation as arguably the greatest left-handed pitcher of his generation[4]. Over his 18-season career, Kershaw has compiled a 222-96 win-loss record with a remarkable 2.53 career ERA and over 3,000 strikeouts, reflecting sustained dominance on the mound[1][4][5]. His pitching style features a high leg kick and a distinctive delivery, contributing to his effectiveness and popularity. Kershaw has won three National League Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014) and an NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2014, further solidifying his status among baseball’s elite[1][2][6]. Despite regular-season success, Kershaw experienced some postseason challenges early in his career, including a record number of home runs allowed in playoff appearances. However, he played a crucial role in helping the Dodgers capture two World Series titles in 2020 and 2023, with a particularly strong performance in the 2020 championship series, where he posted a 2.31 ERA and won both of his starts[2][3]. Kershaw has been widely recognized not only for his on-field achievements but also for his leadership and charitable contributions. In 2025, he announced his retirement effective at the end of the season, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career with the Dodgers and leaving a lasting legacy in the franchise’s history[1][4][6]. Currently active in the 2025 season, Kershaw continues to contribute to the Dodgers’ success, maintaining solid performance metrics despite recent surgeries and advancing age[4][5].

Mookie Betts is an American professional baseball player, renowned for his exceptional all-around skills. Born Markus Lynn Betts on October 7, 1992, in Nashville, Tennessee, he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB draft. Betts began his professional career in the minor leagues, initially playing shortstop and second base before transitioning to the outfield. Betts made his major league debut on June 29, 2014, with the Red Sox, where he played until 2019. During his time with the Red Sox, he achieved significant success, including winning the American League MVP award in 2018. That year, he also led the league in batting average (.346), runs (129), and slugging percentage (.640), helping the Red Sox win the World Series. Betts is the first player in MLB history to win the MVP, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, batting title, and World Series in the same year. In 2020, Betts joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he has continued to excel. He has been a key player for the Dodgers, contributing to their success, including multiple World Series appearances. Betts is an eight-time MLB All-Star and has won numerous awards, including six Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers. His versatility and consistent performance have made him a prominent figure in the baseball world. Currently, Betts remains an active and influential player in the league, known for his impressive skills on the field. In recent years, he has been recognized for his contributions to the Dodgers, helping them near repeat World Series trips. Off the field, Betts is also noted for his personal achievements, including being a devoted father and a skilled bowler, having achieved a USBC-certified perfect game in bowling.