Clayton Kershaw is, finally, a champion.
It took 20 postseason series, 13 years, over 2,500 innings and navigating a pandemic, but the longtime Dodgers ace and one of the greatest pitchers of this generation finally earned his championship ring after the 2020 World Series on Tuesday night following LA's 3-1 win over the Rays in Game 6.
Clayton Kershaw: World Champion pic.twitter.com/7Pjt9kxQ07
— MLB (@MLB) October 28, 2020
Worth the wait. pic.twitter.com/HNU9zYX6rp
— MLB (@MLB) October 28, 2020
Dave Roberts, pointing to Clayton Kershaw: "You want to talk about a narrative? How about being a champion? He's a champion forever."
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 28, 2020
Forever known for his greatness, Kershaw put together arguably the best postseason of his career this year: a 2.93 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings over five starts makes for a very Kershaw-esque line. By the way, Kershaw also set the MLB record for career postseason Ks with 207.
MORE: How Kershaw, Dodgers became champs with Game 6 win
Along with the expected well wishes from his manager and teammates, Kershaw's reach expanded across sport lines, with several big-name sports figures sending out their hurrahs to Kershaw after he finally secured a ring.
Oh and yeah Put some RESPECT ON @ClaytonKersh22 name!! Now and FOREVER!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 28, 2020
Happy for @ClaytonKersh22, an absolute legend. He deserves this.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) October 28, 2020
Great to see @ClaytonKersh22 so happy. Such a great talented human who deserves this moment and ring.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) October 28, 2020
I hope Clayton Kershaw drives home with the trophy tonight. He can keep it until it’s safe to have a parade.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) October 28, 2020
Happy for @ClaytonKersh22 🏆
— kuz (@kylekuzma) October 28, 2020
Tonight @ClaytonKersh22 silenced all of the critics by winning his first World Series!!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 28, 2020
Happy for Vin Scully.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 28, 2020
Happy for Dave Roberts.
Happy for Clayton Kershaw.
Happy for Los Angeles.
We are all happy for @ClaytonKersh22 at the Preston Road @Starbucks. Afraid to say hello to him & don’t want to bother him. Should I tell him I know @BoogSciambi? 👍🏻⚾️😉
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) October 28, 2020
Congratulations to Dave Roberts, Clayton Kershaw and the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization! #worldserieschampions
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) October 28, 2020
Congratulations to the @Dodgers, especially good guy @ClaytonKersh22 (we always knew you'd do it) and well-played @RaysBaseball - that was a fun #WorldSeries @MLB
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) October 28, 2020
