Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Clayton Kershaw returned to Dodger Stadium on Friday night for the first time as a spectator to cheer on his former Los Angeles Dodgers teammates.
The future Hall of Famer was there with lifelong Dodgers fan Brad Paisley, and the two sat in the first row right next to the Dodgers dugout.
Kershaw previously returned to Dodger Stadium earlier this season to begin his broadcasting career on Opening Day. Then he was back the next day for the 2025 World Series champions ring ceremony, when he also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
There’s an old friend and legend here tonight. pic.twitter.com/8gvompmaSK
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) May 30, 2026
Max Muncy gets a cheers from his old pal Clayton Kershaw
https://t.co/kyAYm4giJA pic.twitter.com/NuDD95xj7a — MLB (@MLB) May 30, 2026
Kersh in the house.
pic.twitter.com/gS5tCKh3aB — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 30, 2026
Kershaw retired following the conclusion of the 2025 season, but has remained involved in baseball since. He joined Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, accepted a part-time broadcasting job with NBC, and joined the Dodgers as a special assistant.
Kershaw spent his entire 18-year MLB career with the Dodgers, posting a 2.53 ERA over 2,855.1 innings, with 3,052 strikeouts.
Kershaw was an 11-time All-Star, five-time ERA title winner, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and also won an MVP Award, pitching triple crown, Gold Glove and Roberto Clemente Award.
Kershaw was on the Dodgers’ postseason roster for two World Series championships and was injured during a third, giving him three rings in his illustrious career.
The 38-year-old dealt with injuries near the end of his career, but remained effective when on the mound. Although he likely could have continued pitching if he wished, Kershaw is at peace with his retirement.
Justin Wrobleski pitches in front of Clayton Kershaw
Justin Wrobleski was on the mound with Kershaw in attendance, which is fitting because the young southpaw has modeled his game after the franchise icon.
Wrobleski learned to “keep it simple” from Kershaw, focusing on utilizing his fastball and slider. Wrobleski has also drawn comparisons to Kershaw from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“He’s prepared, he goes after guys, he wears Skechers like Clayton does,” Roberts said. “He does his side work with his full jersey like Clayton did. He’s got a great mentor in Clayton, and I think a lot of times he’s channeling that kind of, ‘Go at guys and make them put the ball in play.’”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!