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Clayton Kershaw’s final game at Dodger Stadium wasn’t the way he wanted it to go, but he still had a good moment while saying goodbye to Southern California.
The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped 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 at Chavez Ravine helped extend the 18-inning marathon that was Game 3.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw waves after Game 5 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Despite the panic meter being cranked up a few notches in Los Angeles, however, Kershaw made it a point to take it all in 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 pictures on the mound with the pitching staff and his four children ran around catching balls he threw. He shared an embrace with his wife, Ellen, who wore his No. 22 jersey and is expecting their fifth child. He kissed her forehead.
Kershaw has pitched just 2.1 innings in October, appearing in one game during the National League Division Series, allowing five runs (four earned) in two innings.
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers leaves the game during the first inning during the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. (Jordan Godfree/Imagn Images)
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The Dodgers played a video of Kershaw’s career highlights, including his 3,000th. strikeout in July, on the video screens before Game 5. FOX Sports aired a tribute during its Game 4 telecast on Tuesday, with rapper-actor Ice Cube providing the narration.
Shortly after the game, several Dodgers fans were able to suppress their sadness about the game and give Kershaw the kudos he deserves for 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 game 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 both Games 6 and 7 in Toronto, Kershaw’s Hall of Fame plaque will read three-time “World Series champion.”
