When Clayton Kershaw led the Dodgers to an elusive 2020 World Series win, the NFL’s $150 million star Matthew Stafford was among the first to pour out the cheers for him. “Like ever since I won the World Series, [Stafford] sent a lot of great text messages.” Kershaw admitted it a few years ago. Since graduating from high school in Texas, Kershaw and Stafford have always rooted for one another. A day after announcing his retirement, Kershaw made his final regular-season start. Of course, Stafford wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
On Friday night, Clayton Kershaw was facing the Dodgers’ longtime rivals, the San Francisco Giants. He was pulled after a strikeout of Rafael Devers in the fifth inning when he let his emotions take over him. But then, he received a standing ovation from the home crowd for his last start. Stafford was right there.
When asked why it was vital for him to be here, Matthew replied, “I got to see this guy at the beginning and being able to see him do it now for so many years here in LA has been incredible. I didn’t want to miss this. I’m just so happy it fell on a night that I could be here.”
Matthew was there neither as a celebrity guest nor as a quarterback, but only as Kershaw’s childhood friend. Growing up, Stafford sometimes served as Kershaw’s catcher on the diamond. It was even brought up during his brief interview at Dodger Stadium.
Further, he was asked about his favorite memories with Clayton Kershaw, and he stated, “Oh man, too many to remember. But I’ll just always remember playing baseball and playing catch with this kid way back in the day in Dallas, Texas, growing up. And figuring out the sports world together. Those are my memories, man, the ones from when I was a kid.” The roles used to get reversed, too.
Back during a season of freshman football, the Dodgers star played center in front of Stafford on the gridiron. In fact, in 2022, when Kershaw was still a free agent, he showed up in Los Angeles to support the Rams and cheer for his friend.
Matthew could relate to the pressure Kershaw was feeling. It was indeed a big night for the 37-year-old. It was more of a farewell worthy of his 18 years at Dodger Stadium. After all, it’s the only professional home he’s ever known. Meanwhile, knowing this is his last season, his teammates are still trying to make peace with the news.
Clayton Kershaw’s teammates’ reaction to retirement
After spending nearly 20 years in Los Angeles, those who have known the 37-year-old veteran were visibly emotional after the retirement news.
Kenly Jensen, his former teammate and current reliever for the crosstown rivals, said, “It’s unbelievable to see how he works, man. How he works, and how he prepares and dedicates [himself]. His routine was his routine, and he never slipped from his routine.” He expressed admiration for Clayton Kershaw’s unmatched resilience. Kershaw was early in his career when he entered the big leagues. He was already firing a 97-mph fastball and a sharp 12-to-6 curveball.
All the work he has put into his game hasn’t gone unnoticed by his current and former teammates. Meanwhile, his teammate Max Muncy can’t help but admire his work ethic. “The culture in this clubhouse has been created over a long period of time. But in reality, it starts with him,” Muncy said.
On the other hand, Clayton Kershaw’s fellow left-handers will be missing spending most of the time around him. Rookie closer Jack Dreyer expressed, “Growing up, I would watch him. I had pictures of us [side-by-side] for mechanics when I was in high school.” It means one of the most incredible things for Dreyer. Further, he stated that he always used to look up to Kershaw. As he admitted, sharing his last season beside Kershaw has always been special for him.
The influence of Kershaw’s determination and consistency has impressed veterans and young phenoms alike.