Clayton Kershaw Returns To Dodger Stadium As Spectator

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Clayton Kershaw returned to Dodger Stadium on Friday night for the first time as a spectator to cheer on his former Los Angeles Dodgers teammates.

The future Hall of Famer was there with lifelong Dodgers fan Brad Paisley, and the two sat in the first row right next to the Dodgers dugout.

Kershaw previously returned to Dodger Stadium earlier this season to begin his broadcasting career on Opening Day. Then he was back the next day for the 2025 World Series champions ring ceremony, when he also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Kershaw retired following the conclusion of the 2025 season, but has remained involved in baseball since. He joined Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, accepted a part-time broadcasting job with NBC, and joined the Dodgers as a special assistant.

Kershaw spent his entire 18-year MLB career with the Dodgers, posting a 2.53 ERA over 2,855.1 innings, with 3,052 strikeouts.

Kershaw was an 11-time All-Star, five-time ERA title winner, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and also won an MVP Award, pitching triple crown, Gold Glove and Roberto Clemente Award.

Kershaw was on the Dodgers’ postseason roster for two World Series championships and was injured during a third, giving him three rings in his illustrious career.

The 38-year-old dealt with injuries near the end of his career, but remained effective when on the mound. Although he likely could have continued pitching if he wished, Kershaw is at peace with his retirement.

Justin Wrobleski pitches in front of Clayton Kershaw

Justin Wrobleski was on the mound with Kershaw in attendance, which is fitting because the young southpaw has modeled his game after the franchise icon.

Wrobleski learned to “keep it simple” from Kershaw, focusing on utilizing his fastball and slider. Wrobleski has also drawn comparisons to Kershaw from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

“He’s prepared, he goes after guys, he wears Skechers like Clayton does,” Roberts said. “He does his side work with his full jersey like Clayton did. He’s got a great mentor in Clayton, and I think a lot of times he’s channeling that kind of, ‘Go at guys and make them put the ball in play.’”

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Blake Williams is a journalist from Reseda, Calif., who is the Managing Editor for Dodger Blue. He formerly worked as the Managing Editor for Angels Nation, a staff writer at Dodgers Nation, the Managing Editor and Sports Editor for the Roundup News at L.A. Pierce College, and the Opinion Editor for the Daily Sundial at California State University, Northridge, while also serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Scene Magazine. Blake graduated Cum Laude from CSUN with a major in journalism and a minor in photography/video. Blake is always open to talking about Star Wars, Pokémon and Disneyland with you, and he is also rooting for the Patriots to win another Super Bowl. Contact: Blake@mediumlargela.com
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