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Clayton Kershaw’s final game at Dodger Stadium didn’t go the way he wanted, but he still had a fond moment saying goodbye to Southern California.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lost Game 5 of the World Series, 6-1, to put the Toronto Blue Jays one win away from their first Fall Classic victory since 1993.
Kershaw did not appear in the game, but his final pitch to Chavez Ravine helped extend the 18-inning marathon that was Game 3.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw salutes after Game 5 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Despite the panic meter going up several notches in Los Angeles, Kershaw made it a point to figure everything out before heading to Toronto for the final game(s) of the season.
Kershaw, who announced last month that this would be his final MLB season, took photos on the mound with the grounds crew, and his four children ran around, catching the balls he threw. He shared an embrace with his wife, Ellen, who was wearing her No. 22 jersey and expecting their fifth child. He kissed her on the forehead.
Kershaw pitched just 2.1 innings last October, appearing in a National League Division Series game in which he allowed five runs (four earned) in two innings.
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers leaves the game during the first inning of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. (Jordan Godfree/Imagn Images)
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The Dodgers replayed video of Kershaw’s career highlights, including his 3,000th strikeout in July, on the video boards before Game 5. FOX Sports aired a tribute during Tuesday’s Game 4 broadcast with rapper-actor Ice Cube narrating.
Shortly after the game, several Dodgers fans were able to suppress their sadness about the game and give Kershaw the kudos he deserves, understanding the moment.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw waves his cap as he leaves during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners. The match took place in Seattle, Washington on September 28, 2025. (John Froschauer/AP)
The Dodgers are one loss away from Kershaw’s career ending on a very low note. But if the Dodgers can win Games 6 and 7 in Toronto, Kershaw’s Hall of Fame plaque will read “three-time World Series champion.”
