Clayton Kershaw is making his SportsNet LA analyst debut on Tuesday for the series opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. Kershaw is going to join Joe Davis in the booth, and Kirsten Watson in her usual role as reporter.
Orel Hershiser is expected to resume his analyst duties alongside Davis and Watson for the next two games at Truist Park. Hershiser stepping aside for Kershaw to be part of the SportsNet LA booth is hardly a surprise. The two developed a friendship throughout Kershaw’s playing career, and the left-hander was among the speakers at Hershiser’s ceremony for his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“He’s really been a mentor for me,” Kershaw said. “I’ve really got to see from afar what he’s been able to do. He’s always been so kind and so helpful. And one of the best things about Orel is sometimes you get around older ballplayers — no offense to the guys that are here — but they always tell you how much better it was back in the day.
“He was always there just to be a helpful guy, somebody that was never negative, never told you what you did wrong even when it wasn’t going good. Orel, thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk about you today. It’s such a special time for Orel and his family, but for me too, to get to say something nice about Orel.
“So Orel, thank you for letting me be here today. This is special.”
As part of his speech, Hershiser said, “Clayton, Hall of Famer on and off the field. It was amazing to watch you grow as a person, as a pitcher. To continue to win with 84 (mph) and a slider, are you serious? I mean, he retires and he’s still getting people out. He could’ve still pitched. Fantastic.
“And you know what? When you want to do this broadcasting thing, you can borrow my seat next to Joe anytime you want. You want to get ready for that national job.”
Clayton Kershaw on SportsNet LA
Although Tuesday’s broadcast is going to mark Kershaw’s first time joining the SportsNet LA crew, he was part of the network’s coverage through entertaining in-game interviews multiple times during his career.
Moreover, it’s also not Kershaw’s first foray as a game analyst. He was hired during the offseason as an analyst for NBC Sports’ return to broadcasting MLB games.
Kershaw was part of their Opening Day coverage — along with Hershiser — when the Dodgers hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks, and again on Aug. 2 when they faced the Boston Red Sox.
In addition to his role as an analyst, Kershaw was hired by the Dodgers as a special assistant in the front office.
SportsNet LA’s pregame coverage on Tuesday begins at 3 p.m. PT with “Leadoff LA.” That’s going to be followed by “Access SportsNet: Dodgers” before first pitch at 4:15 p.m.
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