Dodgers Interview: Clayton’s “super thankful” after joining the elite 3,000 club

LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw has thrown no-hitters. He’s won Cy Youngs and an MVP. He’s hoisted a World Series trophy. But on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, the left-hander added another historic milestone to his Hall of Fame résumé: career strikeout number 3,000.

The achievement—reached on a called third strike to Vinny Capra in the top of the sixth inning—wasn’t easy. But for Kershaw, that only added to the meaning.

“I made it interesting for sure,” Kershaw said with a wry smile after the game. “Honestly, I didn’t pitch that great tonight. My slider was so bad. But this was such a special night all the way around. Couldn’t have asked for anything more, really.”

A Night That Didn’t Go According to Script—But Ended Perfectly

Kershaw came into the night needing just three strikeouts to reach 3,000, and for five innings, it looked like he might fall just short. Time and again, he reached two strikes but couldn’t finish the hitter.

“It’s a little bit harder when you’re actually trying to strike people out,” he admitted. “I’ve never really had to do that before. It was hard.”

Despite that, he got one in the fifth, setting up the dramatic sixth inning. “Thankfully, I got one strikeout in the fifth, so it was only one that I needed left,” Kershaw said. “It was a tough night all the way around. But what a way to end it—with Freddie coming up clutch there in the ninth and getting the win.”

Fan Energy, Family Presence, and a Lasting Embrace

Kershaw, never one to seek the spotlight, admitted that the crowd’s energy throughout the night was impossible to ignore.

“I try not to acknowledge stuff before the game, just trying to lock it in a little bit,” he said. “But it was too hard not to tonight. It was overwhelming, to feel that… It really meant a lot.”

The ovation as he took the mound for the sixth was one he said he’ll never forget. “That crowd roar was up there for me in special moments,” he said. “Just super thankful for tonight.”

Also watching from the Loge level were his wife Ellen and their four children. “Charlie was super fired up. I think him and Freddie (Freeman) reminded me the most of how many strikeouts I had left,” Kershaw said with a laugh. “Cali was excited, and the two little boys—I’m not sure if they knew exactly what was going on, but they were super excited too.”

He added, “I feel bad for Ellen. I know she was nervous. I made her sit through six innings just stressed out that I wasn’t going to get it and would have to go to Milwaukee.”

A Milestone That Hits Different

Kershaw said reaching 3,000 strikeouts meant more now that he’s had to grind through injuries and surgeries in recent seasons. “This was my first 100-pitch game in two years,” he said. “I’m pretty tired—but feel all right.”

Asked where this achievement ranks among his many, Kershaw stayed humble. “Other than being part of a World Series team, individual stuff is only as important as the people around you,” he said. “Getting to celebrate with your teammates—whatever it is—is really cool. That’s what I’ll take away from this for sure.”

He saved special praise for his teammates and the clubhouse atmosphere.

“I told them, individual awards are great, but if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with, it doesn’t matter. That room full of guys—coaches, strength staff, training staff, front office—just being happy for me, that’s just awesome.”

Freddie Freeman, Peer Pressure, and a Reminder That He Belongs

Kershaw shared that Freddie Freeman had been quietly (and not-so-quietly) reminding him of the countdown to 3,000 from the start of the season.

“Freddie does a good job of making me uncomfortable,” Kershaw said. “But it shows that he cares. And that’s the biggest thing—your peers, they get it the most. When something special happens, they know. To have them care about what you’re doing is really cool.”

Being part of a club that includes Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and CC Sabathia was something Kershaw didn’t take lightly.

“CC is probably who I remember the most,” he said. “Watching him pitch on three days rest with the Brewers, putting the team on his back—it just resonated with me. What a starting pitcher can be. Just a lot of respect for him.”

On Max Muncy‘s Injury and a Bittersweet Night

The night wasn’t without its heartbreak. Max Muncy, playing third base, was injured when Michael A. Taylor’s helmet collided with his knee during a tag play. Kershaw saw it unfold from the mound.

“I feel bad that it happened,” he said. “I don’t really know why Taylor stole there—it just seemed unnecessary. We’re all holding our breath that Muncy’s going to be okay. He’s been unbelievable for us the last two months. Huge part of our team.”

One Team, One Legacy

Only three pitchers in MLB history have reached 3,000 strikeouts with one team. Kershaw is now one of them.

“It wasn’t something I really thought about early on,” he admitted. “But over time, as you get older, you appreciate it more. The Dodgers have stuck with me—it hasn’t all been roses—and I’m super grateful to get to say I spent my whole career here. I have a lot more appreciation for it now.”

And Finally, a Sense of Completion

When asked if, now, after everything, he could embrace the personal accomplishment, Kershaw didn’t hesitate.

“I understand the list—the 3,000 strikeout club. I’m super grateful to be part of it,” he said. “But individual stuff comes and goes. It’s the people around you that make it special. I’m just thankful.”

And what will he remember most?

“The fans,” Kershaw said. “Their reaction. That ovation in the sixth. Seeing my family in their usual spot. The guys in the dugout cheering. The toast after the game. That’s what will stick with me.”

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!