Merola Lewandowski

Written by Merola Lewandowski

Modified & Updated: 13 May 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

24-mind-blowing-facts-about-clayton-kershaw
Source: Usatoday.com

Clayton Kershaw is not just your ordinary baseball player. He is a legendary figure, a pitcher who has captivated audiences with his incredible skills and impressive achievements. With a career spanning over a decade, Kershaw has become a household name, known for his dominant performances on the mound and his philanthropic endeavors off the field. But there’s much more to this superstar athlete than meets the eye. In this article, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of Clayton Kershaw and uncover 24 mind-blowing facts about him that will leave you in awe. From his incredible pitching statistics to his remarkable charitable efforts, get ready to be amazed by the many facets of this talented player. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore the extraordinary life and career of Clayton Kershaw.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clayton Kershaw is a baseball legend with an impressive career, including multiple awards, records, and a World Series championship.
  • Kershaw’s dedication, philanthropy, and pitching prowess make him a role model both on and off the field, inspiring young athletes everywhere.
Table of Contents

Clayton Kershaw holds the record for the most Cy Young Awards won by a left-handed pitcher.

With an impressive three Cy Young Awards to his name, Kershaw has solidified his status as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball history. His combination of speed, control, and devastating breaking pitches has made him a force to be reckoned with on the mound.

Kershaw is a 9-time All-Star.

His consistent dominance in the pitching department has earned Kershaw a spot on the All-Star team for nine consecutive seasons. This is a testament to his skill, talent, and the respect he has garnered from his peers in the league.

Clayton Kershaw has the highest career strikeout-to-walk ratio in MLB history.

One of Kershaw’s defining qualities as a pitcher is his impeccable control. He has consistently displayed remarkable command of his pitches, leading to an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. This has allowed him to keep hitters off balance and maintain his dominance on the mound.

Kershaw has won five ERA titles.

Throughout his career, Kershaw has consistently showcased his ability to keep opposing teams from scoring runs. This has led to him being crowned the ERA champion five times, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.

Clayton Kershaw has thrown two no-hitters in his career.

On June 18, 2014, and September 9, 2015, Kershaw etched his name into the history books by throwing no-hitters in two separate games. These remarkable performances showcased Kershaw’s ability to completely stifle opposing hitters and cemented his status as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation.

Kershaw is involved in various charitable endeavors.

Off the field, Kershaw is known for his philanthropy and dedication to making a positive impact. Through his foundation, Kershaw’s Challenge, he has been involved in numerous charitable projects, including building an orphanage in Zambia and supporting children’s education initiatives.

Clayton Kershaw is known for his meticulous preparation.

Kershaw’s success on the mound can be attributed, in part, to his meticulous preparation and attention to detail. He is known for studying hitters, analyzing data, and meticulously crafting game plans to give himself the best chance of success on the field.

Kershaw is the youngest pitcher to reach 2,000 career strikeouts.

In 2015, at the age of 27, Kershaw became the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach the milestone of 2,000 career strikeouts. This accomplishment further solidified his status as a pitching prodigy and hinted at the remarkable career that lay ahead for him.

Kershaw has a career earned run average (ERA) of 2.43.

Over his years in the major leagues, Kershaw has maintained an outstanding career ERA of 2.This statistic speaks to his ability to consistently limit opposing teams’ scoring and highlights his incredible pitching prowess.

Clayton Kershaw has won the Roberto Clemente Award.

In 2012, Kershaw was honored with the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players who make a positive difference off the field through their philanthropic efforts. This award further exemplifies Kershaw’s commitment to giving back to his community.

Kershaw has pitched over 2,000 innings in his career.

Kershaw’s durability as a pitcher is evident in the fact that he has pitched over 2,000 innings throughout his career. This milestone speaks to his ability to stay healthy and consistently contribute to his team’s success.

Clayton Kershaw has a career WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.01.

Kershaw’s exceptional WHIP statistic further emphasizes his ability to limit the number of baserunners he allows. This low WHIP showcases his efficiency on the mound and his knack for getting hitters out.

Kershaw has been the Opening Day starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers eight times.

Being chosen as the Opening Day starter is considered an honor in baseball and is reserved for the team’s best pitcher. Kershaw’s eight Opening Day starts underscore his standing as the elite pitcher in the Dodgers‘ rotation.

Clayton Kershaw is a three-time National League Pitching Triple Crown winner.

Kershaw has accomplished the rare feat of leading the National League in strikeouts, wins, and ERA in a single season on three different occasions. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the most dominant pitchers in recent memory.

Kershaw’s curveball is one of the most devastating pitches in baseball.

Known for his devastating curveball, Kershaw has consistently baffled hitters with his ability to spin the ball and make it break sharply. His curveball is often regarded as one of the best pitches in the game and has contributed to his success on the mound.

Clayton Kershaw has won the Branch Rickey Award.

The Branch Rickey Award recognizes individuals in baseball who demonstrate exceptional community service. Kershaw was honored with this award in 2013, further highlighting his commitment to making a positive impact off the field.

Kershaw has led the MLB in strikeouts multiple times.

With his ability to generate swings and misses, Kershaw has led the MLB in strikeouts in multiple seasons. This dominance further cements his reputation as one of the premier strikeout pitchers of his era.

Clayton Kershaw has an exceptional postseason record.

Despite the narrative of struggling in the postseason, Kershaw has proven himself to be a reliable pitcher when it matters most. He has recorded numerous outstanding performances in the playoffs, dispelling any doubts about his abilities under pressure.

Kershaw is known for his strong work ethic.

Kershaw’s success is a reflection of his tireless work ethic and dedication to his craft. His commitment to continuous improvement and his relentless pursuit of perfection have made him one of the most respected players in the game.

Clayton Kershaw played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies.

Before entering the MLB, Kershaw played collegiate baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies. His dominance at the college level foreshadowed the illustrious career that awaited him in professional baseball.

Kershaw has recorded over 2,400 strikeouts in his career.

Kershaw’s ability to consistently generate strikeouts has resulted in an impressive career total of over 2,400 strikeouts. This places him among the elite strikeout pitchers in MLB history.

Clayton Kershaw has won the Warren Spahn Award multiple times.

Given annually to the best left-handed pitcher in MLB, Kershaw has been honored with the Warren Spahn Award multiple times, further demonstrating his dominance as a left-handed hurler.

Kershaw has a career winning percentage above .700.

Kershaw’s winning percentage, which is calculated by dividing the number of wins by the number of decisions, is an impressive testament to his ability to consistently deliver victories for his team. His winning mentality is a key factor in his success.

Clayton Kershaw is a World Series champion.

In 2020, Kershaw finally achieved the pinnacle of success in baseball by helping lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series championship. This crowning achievement solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the game.

Conclusion

Clayton Kershaw is undeniably one of the most talented and impressive athletes in the world of baseball. His exceptional skills, numerous awards, and philanthropic endeavors have solidified his status as a living legend. From his incredible fastball to his devastating curveball, Kershaw dominates on the pitcher’s mound like no other.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or simply appreciate the artistry of the game, learning about the remarkable achievements and fascinating facts about Clayton Kershaw is truly mind-blowing. From his impressive strikeout records to his humble personality off the field, Kershaw is a true inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike.

With each passing year, Clayton Kershaw continues to redefine greatness, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of baseball. As we eagerly await his next pitching masterpiece, let us revel in the awe-inspiring legacy that is Clayton Kershaw.

FAQs

Q: How many Cy Young Awards has Clayton Kershaw won?

A: Clayton Kershaw has won a total of three Cy Young Awards, in the years 2011, 2013, and 2014.

Q: Has Clayton Kershaw ever pitched a no-hitter?

A: Yes, Clayton Kershaw has thrown a no-hitter. On June 18, 2014, he achieved this incredible feat against the Colorado Rockies.

Q: What is Clayton Kershaw’s career ERA?

A: As of 2021, Clayton Kershaw boasts an impressive career ERA of 2.43.

Q: How does Clayton Kershaw contribute to charitable causes?

A: Clayton Kershaw and his wife founded the Kershaw’s Challenge charity, which aims to improve the lives of children in need through education and healthcare initiatives.

Q: What are some of Clayton Kershaw’s career highlights?

A: Some of Clayton Kershaw’s career highlights include being an eight-time All-Star, winning the Roberto Clemente Award for his off-field contributions, and leading the National League in strikeouts multiple times.

Clayton Kershaw's incredible accomplishments have solidified his place among baseball's elite. If you enjoyed learning about this legendary lefty, why not explore more fascinating facts? Discover how Dave Righetti etched his name in history with a memorable no-hitter. For a change of pace, check out the Cape Town All Stars and their meteoric rise in the world of football. And if you can't get enough of America's pastime, our collection of intriguing baseball facts is sure to satisfy your curiosity.

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