The National League defeated the American League in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday despite blowing a 6-0 lead and having to win in the first ever Home Run Derby swing-off in place of extra innings.
But before it got to that point, Clayton Kershaw made the eighth All-Star Game appearance of his career as one of five players representing the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was selected by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred as a “Legend Pick” for an overall 11th career All-Star selection.
Kershaw entered the game in the second inning and recorded two outs, including a strikeout, before being lifted for Jason Adam.
But what was most notable about Kershaw’s outing is that he was mic’d up for the game, talking to Joe Davis and John Smoltz, who were calling the game for the Fox broadcast.
Here's all of Kershaw mic'd up.
(🎥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/FJ94Fx28dt— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 16, 2025
That was unusual for Kershaw as someone who has avoided such things throughout his career and often follows a strict plan for how he attacks each game. The decision to be mic’d up surprised not just Kershaw, but almost everyone who knows him.
“No,” Kershaw answered when asked if he thought he’d ever be mic’d up during a game. “I’m getting blown up by former teammates saying, ‘Wow, you’ve changed so much.’ And they’re right.
“I mean, I don’t think I would have ever done that. It was actually kind of fun. Never could do it in a regular season game. But for a few batters, it was pretty fun.”
Although it was out of Kershaw’s usual comfort zone, he didn’t predetermine what he would say or how he would react to being part of the broadcast during his time pitching.
“I honestly didn’t know how I was going to feel,” Kershaw said. “I didn’t know if I was breathing too hard to talk. It’s a long run and all that. But, yeah, just kind of winged it.”
Kershaw is no stranger to in-game interviews on nationally broadcast games, but they’ve always come while he’s in the dugout, rather than on the field.
The moment did represent a pleasant treat for fans to watch the future Hall of Famer show more of his personality and a side they’ve rarely seen.
Clayton Kershaw felt pressure of talking while pitching
Kershaw had some pressure to be entertaining for fans while also making competitive pitches and doing his job on the mound. But he said that didn’t compare to pitching in the World Series.
“It’s different, not in the same stratosphere,” Kershaw said. “But it’s just weird. Yeah, it’s just weird having to kind of talk through it. But it was fun. I enjoyed it. It was fun.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
