Clayton Kershaw was among the Los Angeles Dodgers representatives in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game after being selected to the National League team as a “Legend Pick” by commissioner Rob Manfred.
The extra roster spot is used to honor a player’s career, similar to how Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera were both selected to participate in the 2022 exhibition at Dodger Stadium.
Kershaw initially didn’t know how to feel about making the All-Star Game under such circumstances, but came around to accepting it and enjoyed the experience.
“I think, yeah, my initial response was just, you know, you don’t ever want to take somebody’s spot or you don’t ever want to be like a sideshow. You just want to be a part of it if you deserve it,” Kershaw began.
“And once I kind of understood that I wasn’t taking anybody’s spot and that it was just whatever they call, legend, whatever, it was a little uncomfortable. But now that I’m done with it, it was awesome. I’m so glad I got to come and share with family and kiddos and all the stuff. It was a great thing.
“And, you know, Doc even let me say a couple things during the team meeting, which was awesome. Things that I would never volunteer for, but I also realize that the opportunity is there, and so I don’t want to pass that stuff up. So I think all of it was pretty cool.”
Kershaw has now earned 11 All-Star Game selections in his illustrious career, which is a Dodgers franchise record. He recalled getting to be around some of his idols at his first Midsummer Classic in 2011 and finds it ironic to now have players looking up to him.
“Just standing in the outfield with Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay and all these guys that I looked up to and really respected and got to just kind of be a fly on the wall, listening to them talk,” Kershaw recalled. “So that was cool.
“And now to kind of be on the other end of it is weird. It happens fast. But at the same time, this clubhouse is awesome. There’s a lot of great veteran guys in there. Even the young guys too. Everybody was awesome. It was fun.”
Kershaw followed NL starting pitcher Paul Skenes in the second inning of this year’s All-Star Game and retired both batters faced. He was mic’d up during his outing and walked off the mound to a standing ovation from the fans at Truist Park.
Clayton Kershaw spoke to National League team
Kershaw shared some of what he told the NL team before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
“I don’t even know, honestly. I hope I didn’t sound too bad,” Kershaw quipped. “But just, I think, everything that everybody knows. The All-Star Game, it can be hard at times for the players. It’s a lot of travel, it’s a lot of stress, chaos, family, all the stuff. But it’s meaningful. It’s impactful for the game.
“It’s important for the game. We have the best All-Star Game of any sport. We do have the best product. So to be here, to realize your responsibility in the sport is important.
“And we have Shohei here, we have Aaron Judge here. We have all these guys that represent the game really, really well. So we get to showcase that and be part of that. It’s important. I just said I was super honored to be a part of it. Thanks for letting me be here, really.”
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