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].