Clayton Kershaw Joins Team USA for One Final Victory Lap

Just when Clayton Kershaw thought his storybook baseball career was complete, one more chapter appeared. The recently retired Dodgers ace announced Thursday he'll suit up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, marking his first time competing in the international tournament.

Kershaw's timing couldn't be more perfect. The 37-year-old walked away from Major League Baseball last year after helping the Dodgers win back-to-back World Series titles, capping 18 seasons with three championship rings. His final appearance on the mound was the stuff of legend: entering a tied World Series game with the bases loaded in the 12th inning, then getting the crucial groundout to end the threat at Dodger Stadium.

The numbers tell the story of greatness. Kershaw earned three Cy Young Awards, an MVP trophy, five ERA titles, and became just the fourth left-handed pitcher ever to record 3,000 strikeouts. But for a player who always valued team success over personal glory, those World Series rings meant everything.

Kershaw had planned to skip the 2023 Classic due to insurance complications, so this tournament represents unfinished business. Team USA fell short in that championship game against Japan, and now he gets to help finish what his teammates started.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has assembled a powerhouse roster featuring current stars like Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, and Aaron Judge. Kershaw likely won't start games like he did during his dominant years, but he proved during last year's playoffs he can still deliver when it counts. The team's first game is March 6 against Brazil in Houston.

Why This Inspires

Immediately after winning the World Series, Kershaw said he was looking forward to being a dad and spending more time with his family. But when his country called, the competitor in him couldn't resist one more opportunity to represent something bigger than himself. It's a reminder that true champions never really retire from their love of the game.

For fans who watched Kershaw dominate hitters for nearly two decades, this Classic offers an unexpected gift: one more chance to see a legend do what he does best.

The World Baseball Classic starts March 6, and one of baseball's greatest pitchers will be there to chase one more trophy.