LOS ANGELES — On a night for legends, Clayton Kershaw added another milestone to his illustrious career — becoming the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. But while fans cheered and teammates celebrated, it was a heartfelt message from Kershaw’s wife and kids that truly captured the spirit of the moment.
In the sixth inning against the White Sox at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw threw his signature slider to strike out Vinny Capra, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The home run marked his 3,000th career home run — a feat few have achieved, and made all the more meaningful by his loyalty to one team: the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It’s a blessing to have played this long, to have been healthy enough to get to this point,” Kershaw said after the game. “But more than that, it’s about the people who have been there for me along the way.”
As Kershaw walked down the mound after making history, he turned back to the stands, his eyes searching until they landed on four familiar faces — his wife Ellen and their three children. He waved and smiled, whispering, “Thank you.”
Soon after, Ellen and the kids shared a video message that brought fans to tears.
“Dad, I’m so proud of you,” one of his kids said.
“You’ve been throwing strikeouts since before I was born, and now you’ve hit 3,000! That’s amazing… We love you so much.”
While Kershaw’s numbers are impressive — more than 3,000 strikeouts, 216 wins, a 2.52 ERA, three Cy Young Awards, and a World Series title — his humility and dedication off the field have made him just as beloved.
Over the years, he has become not only the face of the Dodgers, but a symbol of consistency, leadership, and class across the league.
The night didn’t end in regret. The Dodgers, trailing 4–3 in the ninth inning, rallied to beat the White Sox 5–4, making Kershaw’s historic night all the sweeter.
“To be able to share this moment with the fans, my teammates, and most importantly my family — it’s something I’ll remember forever,” Kershaw said.
For fans of the game, the milestone is symbolic. For Kershaw, it’s incredibly personal. And for his children, it’s something they’ll carry with them forever — not just the number, but the man behind it.