A lasting image from the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the 2020 World Series was Clayton Kershaw running out of the bullpen with his palms toward the sky and being surrounded by teammates and family upon reaching the infield.
Kershaw’s facial expressions suggested both joy and relief with the Dodgers ending their World Series drought during a season that was unlike any other in the sport’s history. That his wife Ellen and their three children were able to take part in the celebration made it all the more memorable.
Family members were unable to attend games throughout the regular season but accompanied players into the Texas bubble for the playoffs. However, they were sectioned off down the first-base line in a field level suite-like setting.
With a limited number of fans permitted to attend Spring Training games, the Kershaw family took their seat to watch Clayton throw two scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. He flashed a big smile and waved to them when walking off the field for the end of the start.
“It was the first time they’ve actually been able to sit in the stands for a while,” he said. “It was fun to see my kiddos actually get to sit in a seat and watch the game. I got to wave to them, so that was fun.”
Kershaw has regularly discussed how important his family understandably is, and that was most apparent in recent comments about the future. Kershaw is entering the final year of a contract extension and when discussing possibly becoming a free agent, said he and his wife Ellen would take into consideration what is best for their children.
Kershaw carrying new lightness
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged there has been a bit of a change for Kershaw and team as a whole, as they no longer face the daunting reality of a World Series drought that spanned more than 30 years.
“I must just have a better personality this year,” Kershaw joked when told Roberts saw a lighter mood about him. “I don’t know. Maybe I was kind of a bum the last 10 years. Yeah, maybe. I don’t know. I think you don’t really realize what you’re carrying while you’re carrying it.
“Now that we’ve won … I think maybe the burden might be off. But that doesn’t mean I’m not any less motivated to win this year.”
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