The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night to unfortunately put a damper on Clayton Kershaw making franchise history in the fourth inning.
Kershaw passed Don Sutton for first place on the Dodgers’ all-time strikeouts list, a moment that was celebrated with a long standing ovation. Kershaw becoming the new Dodgers strikeout king was also recognized with a video released by the team moments after the left-hander reached 2,697 career strikeouts.
Daron Sutton, Skip Schumaker, A.J. Ellis, Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, Jaime Jarrín and Vin Scully each recorded congratulatory messages for Kershaw. Ellis, who shares a close relationship with his former Dodgers teammate, also joked about never striking out against Kershaw.
Scully drew a parallel between the future Hall of Famer and fellow beloved Dodgers lefty Sandy Koufax.
Special messages for 22. pic.twitter.com/uKnQeoxzzQ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 1, 2022
Kershaw finished his night at 2,700 strikeouts, becoming just the 26th pitcher in MLB history to reach that benchmark.
Although he is usually pitching with a laser-like focus, the 34-year-old allowed himself to soak in the moment as Dodgers fans remained on their feet. Kershaw twice stepped off the mound and tipped his cap to the sold-out crowd.
“It’s special. I didn’t expect it,” he said of the fans’ adoration. “I understand the Dodgers are a historical franchise and been around a long time, so guys that are on that list that I was fortunate enough to pass, it’s a big deal.
“But I didn’t know fans would know or honestly care that much. So it was special for me. It really was. It was cool to see. I tried to kind of brush it off and keep going, but they wouldn’t let me. It definitely meant a lot, for sure.”
Roberts’ message to Kershaw
After Kershaw received another standing ovation as he walked off the field after completing six innings, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sat with the three-time Cy Young Award winner for a brief conversation.
It was to inform Kershaw that his night had come to an end, but more importantly, Roberts wanted him to appreciate the accomplishment.
“It was a very special night for him and his family. These great moments don’t happen very often,” Roberts said. “We’re in the middle of a big league ballgame, but I just felt to let him know, you’re out of the game, exhale and enjoy this great moment.”
인스타그램에서 다저 블루를 팔로우하고 있나요? 경기와 이벤트의 독점 보도를 보고, 궁금한 점에 대한 답변을 얻는 등 다양한 정보를 얻을 수 있는 최고의 방법입니다!
