Empire State Review Contributor 
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw etched his name into Major League Baseball history on July 2, 2025, becoming the 20th pitcher to achieve 3,000 career strikeouts. The milestone was reached during a home game at Dodger Stadium against the Chicago White Sox, where Kershaw struck out Vinny Capra in the sixth inning. This achievement places Kershaw among an exclusive group of pitchers and underscores his enduring excellence over an 18-year career spent entirely with the Dodgers.
At 37, Kershaw is only the fourth left-handed pitcher to reach this milestone, joining the ranks of Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia. Notably, he becomes just the third pitcher in MLB history to record all 3,000 strikeouts with a single franchise, following legends Walter Johnson and Bob Gibson. This feat highlights not only his skill but also his loyalty and consistency with the Dodgers.
Kershaw entered the game needing three strikeouts to reach the 3,000 mark. He achieved this by striking out Miguel Vargas in the third inning, Lenyn Sosa in the fifth, and finally Capra to conclude the sixth. After the pivotal strikeout, Kershaw received a standing ovation from the crowd of 53,536 fans. He acknowledged the fans, tipped his cap, and shared a heartfelt moment with his family in the stands. The game paused for nearly six minutes to honor the occasion with a tribute video, allowing teammates and fans alike to celebrate this significant achievement.
Despite allowing four runs over six innings and leaving the game with the Dodgers trailing 4-2, Kershaw’s milestone set the stage for a dramatic comeback. In the ninth inning, the Dodgers rallied with a three-run surge, culminating in Freddie Freeman’s walk-off single that secured a 5-4 victory. This win not only celebrated Kershaw’s personal achievement but also demonstrated the team’s resilience and determination.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kershaw has amassed numerous accolades, including three Cy Young Awards, an MVP title in 2014, and a World Series championship in 2020. His career statistics are a testament to his dominance: a 216-94 win-loss record, a 2.52 ERA, and now 3,000 strikeouts. These accomplishments solidify his status as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Kershaw’s journey to this milestone has not been without challenges. In 2024, he underwent surgeries for a torn meniscus and a ruptured plantar plate, causing him to miss the postseason. However, his successful return in 2025 and subsequent performances have demonstrated his resilience and commitment to the game.
In the current era of baseball, where starting pitchers often face pitch count limitations and increased reliance on bullpens, reaching 3,000 strikeouts is an increasingly rare feat. Kershaw’s accomplishment not only reflects his personal excellence but also highlights a shift in the game’s dynamics, making such milestones more elusive for future pitchers.
As Kershaw continues his career, his legacy as a dominant and enduring pitcher is firmly established. His 3,000th strikeout is not just a personal milestone but a moment that resonates with fans and the baseball community, celebrating the dedication and skill required to reach such heights.
