The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series title with a championship parade on Friday, and no one was happier than a pitcher who wasn’t able to pitch an inning in the playoffs.
After sitting out the entire 2024 postseason due to a bone spur in his left big toe, Clayton Kershaw and his teammates enjoyed a parade through downtown Los Angeles. It was a moment a long time coming, as the 17-year MLB veteran didn’t get to enjoy such a celebration following his first title with the team in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kershaw made the most of the moment after the team arrived for an event at Dodger Stadium. Once he took the mic, it wasn’t long before he was loudly showing his happiness.
Kershaw’s full speech:
“I’ve waited for this day for a long time. I’ve waited to celebrate for a long time. I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now, and I can’t imagine doing it with a better group of guys than this group right here. I’m at a loss for words, but I didn’t have anything to do with this championship, but it feels like the best feeling in the world that I get to celebrate with you guys. Two-time champs and a lot more coming. Let’s go!
“I love you guys, thank you! Dodger for life!”
Those last words are mighty interesting, considering that Kershaw has a player option on his contract for next season. Kershaw has never played for any organization other than the Dodgers, who drafted him seventh overall in 2006, but his recent forays into free agency have presented the possibility of an exit. His hometown Texas Rangers long loomed as a possibility, especially after they started spending big on veteran starting pitching.
Yet it now looks like Kershaw has no intention of playing anywhere else. He said as much to reporters after the event, confirming that he plans to pick up his option for 2025. He also revealed that he will undergo surgeries on both his left toe and his left knee in the offseason, with his timeline to return unclear.
While Kershaw said he didn’t have anything to do with this championship, he did make seven starts with a 4.50 ERA in 2024 after beginning the season late due to a shoulder surgery in 2023. More than half of the earned runs Kershaw allowed came in his final two starts, as the pain in his toe was getting worse.
There were plenty of other fun moments Friday, from Shohei Ohtani addressing the Dodger Stadium crowd in English to Walker Buehler chugging beer in Orel Hershiser’s game-worn jersey from the 1988 Fall Classic.
