When Clayton Kershaw took the mound in the first game of a doubleheader between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, he did so in a custom pair of Skechers cleats that were designed to honor his mother-in-law.
Kershaw’s start at Wrigley Field came the day before Mother’s Day. His exclusive pair of cleats celebrated the woman Kershaw, his wife Ellen, and others called ‘Peach.’ The custom Skechers design featured peaches and leaves down both sides of the cleats.
On the heel remained four Cs embossed to represent Kershaw’s children: Cali Ann, Charley, Chance and Cooper.
“A weekend to celebrate all of the Moms who raised us,” Kershaw wrote in an Instagram post. “My game day cleats on Saturday were in honor and joyful memory of my mother-in-law, Ellen’s mom, who we called Peach. One of my biggest cheerleaders. To all the Moms: your role matters and we are grateful!”
In the start against the Cubs, Kershaw threw seven scoreless innings in a performance that was in stark contrast to the last time he had pitched at Wrigley Field and only logged a career-worst one inning.
Though, the three-time Cy Young Award winner attributed his success in the Dodgers’ 7-0 win to having some luck on his side due to the Cubs making hard contact on some occasions.
Kershaw on injured list
On the morning of his next scheduled start, the Dodgers placed Kershaw on the 15-day injured list due to right SI joint inflammation. He received an epidural and is hopeful to return once eligible to be activated or shortly after.
Kershaw previously dealt with various back injuries during the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 seasons. Last year he twice suffered from left forearm/elbow inflammation, with the second bout preventing him from pitching in the postseason.
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