When the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to capture their first World Series championship in over three decades, much of the focus shifted to Clayton Kershaw, who is widely considered the best pitcher of his generation.
Since making his MLB debut in 2008, the left-hander has accomplished virtually everything from an individual standpoint, earning numerous All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards and National League MVP honors.
Up until this past season, the one thing missing from Kershaw’s Hall of Fame resumé was a World Series title. He and the Dodgers had come close over the years, but continuously fell short in heartbreaking fashion.
Now that he can himself a champion, Kershaw is enjoying the achievement and said he will continue to bask in the glory until Spring Training or perhaps even Opening Day, via SportsNet LA:
“I can’t get enough. It’s been awesome. Ned and J. Hair were there at the very beginning, and to be able to finally say that we won one, I’m going to bask in at least until the beginning of Spring Training and maybe all the way up until Opening Day. And then obviously we’ve got a job to do after that. Not being able to celebrate yet with the fans and not being able to do a parade and things like that, I’m going to bask in it as long as I can.”
Like most players, Kershaw’s ultimate goal was winning a World Series title, and now that he has one, he does not want to take it for granted.
The 32-year-old played a major role in the Dodgers’ championship run this past season, accumulating a 4-1 record with a 2.93 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 30.2 innings (five starts).
Kershaw, who is entering the final year of a three-year contract, will now look to help the Dodgers become the first team to win consecutive World Series since the 1998-00 New York Yankees.
Kershaw looking forward to ‘normal expectations’ after World Series win
After ending the franchise’s championship drought, the Dodgers will enter the 2021 season without the pressure that accompanied them for most of the past decade.
Kershaw is relieved to have finally delivered and looks forward to more reasonable expectations being placed on the team going forward.
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