Los Angeles, Calif. — Clayton Kershaw etched his name into baseball history on Wednesday, achieving a remarkable feat that many before him only dreamed of. The Los Angeles Dodgers ace became the 20th player in Major League Baseball to record 3,000 career strikeouts, accomplishing this milestone in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Dodger Stadium.
As Kershaw took the mound for the sixth inning, fans held their breath, eager for the moment to arrive. With two outs on the board, he delivered a masterful slider to Chicago White Sox third baseman Vinny Capra, freezing him at the plate and securing his 3,000th strikeout. The stadium erupted in applause as Kershaw acknowledged the crowd with a gracious wave of his cap. Teammates rushed to celebrate with him, and a tribute video played on the big screen, spotlighting the pitcher’s illustrious career.
Kershaw’s achievement places him among an elite group, with only Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia having also reached this milestone as left-handed pitchers. Moreover, he became one of just five players to reach 3,000 strikeouts while solely representing the Dodgers, joining other legends like Walter Johnson and Bob Gibson.
The game was charged with tension as Kershaw’s pursuit stretched across several innings. He tallied his first strikeout during the third inning, just after the White Sox seized a 3-2 lead, setting the tone for his dominant performance. His second strikeout, number 2,999, came with a pitch that turned out to be a curveball that fooled Lenyn Sosa to end the fifth inning.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts insisted on keeping Kershaw in the game, a decision that paid off splendidly. However, the atmosphere shifted temporarily when Max Muncy went down, requiring assistance after making a defensive play. Despite this somber moment, Kershaw quickly re-focused and captured the milestone that made the crowd roar with joy.
Reaching 3,000 strikeouts in 2,787⅓ innings, Kershaw now stands fourth on the list of the fastest players to hit this mark, trailing only legends like Johnson and Pedro Martinez. His talent has been underscored not only by his strikeouts but also by his impressive 2.51 ERA, the lowest recorded in the Live Ball era for pitchers with at least 1,500 innings.
In the days leading up to this historic outing, Roberts had characterized the 3,000-strikeout threshold as a capstone to a Hall of Fame career that has already been secured with three Cy Young Awards and multiple All-Star selections. Kershaw’s career has showcased an ability to battle through injuries and challenges, remaining a remarkable competitor even as he coped with physical limitations in recent years.
Despite multiple stints on the injured list from 2016 to 2024, Kershaw returned strong this season, having undergone knee surgery in the offseason. Following a rocky debut, he has since displayed his classic form, going 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his subsequent starts, illustrating his unyielding ability to anchor a Dodgers rotation that has faced adversity.
Since 2021, Kershaw has boasted one of the best ERAs among starters, further solidifying his legacy. As Dodgers fans bask in the glow of Kershaw’s historic achievement, the pitcher remains a living testament to perseverance and excellence in a sport that continually celebrates its greats.