Clayton Kershaw’s Emotional Farewell: A Dodger Stadium Legend Says Goodbye During the 2025 World Series

The Final Walk-Off: Kershaw’s Emotional Exit in the 2025 World Series

In a moment that transcended the high stakes of the postseason, legendary left-hander Clayton Kershaw took the mound at Dodger Stadium for what is widely believed to be his final appearance in Los Angeles. The emotional farewell occurred during Game 5 of the 2025 World Series, a pivotal matchup against the New York Yankees.

While the outcome of the game—a tough 3-1 loss that put the Los Angeles Dodgers down three games to two—was disappointing, the lasting memory of the night will be the five-minute standing ovation dedicated to the franchise icon.

Kershaw, who has spent his entire career with the Dodgers since his debut in 2008, was utilized in a crucial relief role by Manager Dave Roberts. His entrance in the top of the seventh inning stabilized a tense situation, demonstrating the competitive fire that has defined his career, even as he approached the final outs of his tenure in blue.

Game 5 Backdrop: High Stakes and Heartbreak

Game 5 was critical, with the series tied 2-2 before the Yankees pulled ahead. The tension was palpable, but it momentarily broke when Kershaw was called upon. He entered the game with runners on first and second and quickly recorded two outs, showcasing his veteran composure.

Manager Dave Roberts made the decision to pull Kershaw after the second out, a move clearly designed to give the future Hall of Famer a proper send-off. As Kershaw handed the ball to Roberts, the crowd of over 56,000 rose in unison, erupting into a sustained roar that lasted well after he reached the dugout.

“I tried to keep it together, but when you see the guys lining up and the fans just won’t stop, it hits you,” Kershaw said in the post-game press conference. “This place, these people—they’ve been my home for seventeen years. It’s hard to imagine walking away from this.”

Kershaw spent several minutes on the field, acknowledging the fans with waves and cap tips, visibly fighting back tears as he hugged teammates and coaches near the dugout steps. The moment solidified his status not just as a great player, but as the emotional heartbeat of the franchise for nearly two decades.

The Legacy of 22: Contextualizing Kershaw’s Dodgers Career

Kershaw’s potential departure marks the end of an era defined by unparalleled excellence and loyalty. Drafted seventh overall in 2006, he quickly became the cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, setting benchmarks that may never be surpassed in the organization.

His career achievements place him firmly among the pantheon of baseball greats. By the time of his 2025 World Series appearance, his resume included:

• Three National League Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014).
• The 2014 National League MVP Award.
• A World Series Championship (2020).
• Multiple ERA titles and numerous All-Star selections.
• Holding the franchise record for career strikeouts, surpassing Don Sutton.

Experts note that Kershaw’s longevity and consistent dominance, particularly his ability to maintain an elite level of performance well into his late 30s, are testaments to his rigorous preparation and competitive drive. His career earned run average (ERA) remains among the lowest of any starting pitcher in the modern era.

Unmatched Dominance and Longevity

Kershaw’s decision to return to the Dodgers on a series of one-year deals in recent seasons underscored his commitment to the organization and his desire to win another championship in Los Angeles. His willingness to transition into a high-leverage bullpen role during the 2025 playoffs further highlighted his team-first mentality.

His final home outing, though brief, was a masterclass in managing pressure. The fact that he was trusted in such a critical, late-game situation in the World Series, despite years of being a pure starter, speaks volumes about the trust Manager Roberts and the organization placed in him.

What Comes Next? Retirement and Future Implications

While the emotional goodbye strongly suggested this was his last game at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw refrained from making an official retirement announcement immediately following the loss.

“We still have a series to play,” he stated, emphasizing that his focus remained on the remaining games in New York. “We’ll figure out the rest later. Right now, it’s about getting two wins.”

However, the sentiment surrounding the event—from the team, the media, and the fans—indicates that the baseball world is preparing for his retirement. Should the Dodgers fail to win the World Series, or if the series extends to Game 6 or 7, Kershaw could still potentially pitch one last time on the road.

Impact on the Dodgers Franchise

Kershaw’s departure leaves a massive void, both in the rotation and in the clubhouse leadership. The Dodgers organization will face the challenge of replacing not only his production but also his veteran presence and institutional knowledge. The team has invested heavily in young pitching talent, but the intangible loss of a figure like Kershaw is irreplaceable.

His eventual induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is considered a certainty, likely on the first ballot. When that day comes, he will undoubtedly be enshrined wearing the Dodgers cap, cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved figures in Los Angeles sports history.

Key Takeaways

The farewell of Clayton Kershaw at Dodger Stadium during the 2025 World Series was a landmark moment in baseball history, blending high-stakes competition with profound emotion:

• The Event: Kershaw made his final home appearance for the Dodgers in Game 5 of the 2025 World Series against the New York Yankees.
• The Moment: He received a five-minute standing ovation after being pulled in the seventh inning, confirming the widespread belief that this was his last game in Los Angeles.
• The Result: The Dodgers lost the game 3-1, falling behind 3-2 in the series, but the focus remained on honoring Kershaw.
• The Context: Kershaw is a three-time Cy Young winner, former MVP, and the franchise’s all-time strikeout leader, having played his entire career (2008–2025) with the Dodgers.
• The Future: While he deferred an official retirement announcement until after the series, his emotional exit signaled the end of his legendary tenure in Los Angeles.