The 2025 All-Star Game will be held at Atlanta’s Truist Park on July 15. And you can sense the excitement. And in the middle of all that excitement, there came a surprise pitch from the Commissioner’s office—a legendary one. A veteran Dodger’s name suddenly appeared on the NL roster. No one saw it coming, and he himself couldn’t believe it.

It came from Commissioner Rob Manfred’s secret “Legend Pick.” This honor is rarely given out, but it can bring careers back to life in a heartbeat. And this time, it went to a 37-year-old Dodgers pitcher, Clayton Kershaw.  

Kershaw will be in his 11th career All-Star game. When asked about this surprise, he sounded grateful. “I’m super honored to get to go… You never take for granted getting to go to an All-Star Game.” Kershaw even pointed out that he hasn’t “pitched very much,” to deserve the spot in the NL roster. But also made clear that he “will never pass up the opportunity.”

He further added, what a “tremendous honor” it is with a smile, and acknowledged, “Regardless of the situation or how I maybe snuck into the All-Star Game, it’s pretty cool to get to go.” Then, when asked about how he received the news, Kershaw responded with a shine in his eyes, “I don’t know if Doc was going for the surprise factor or not. But I had no idea until he said it.” 

Well, Kershaw took the mound for the Dodgers on May 17 after having surgery on his toe, knee, and even shoulder during the offseason. He has a 4-0 record in nine starts, with a 3.43 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 44 innings. They aren’t bad numbers, but it does not exactly shout an All-Star performance. And probably, that’s why he was so surprised and couldn’t hold back on showing how happy he was…

Now, the “Legend Pick” by Rob Manfred isn’t happening for the first time. In 2022, Manfred picked Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera.

The Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, was responsible for assembling the NL team. And with the news, Roberts shared with MLB.com, “It’s not charity; it’s something that’s earned over a long period of time… what he’s done for the game, on and off the field.”

And tbh, he deserves that spot, especially after achieving a career milestone that just came a few days back.

Kershaw joins elite 3000 strike-out club—and MLB answers with legendary All-Star nod

On July 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, Clayton Kershaw became the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. In his 18th MLB season, he achieved the milestone by striking out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox. It was a slider in the sixth inning.

With that, Kershaw has carved his name in the list of left-arm pitchers along with the greats – Randy Johnson (4,875 Ks), Steve Carlton (4,136 Ks), and CC Sabathia (3,093 Ks).

The Dodgers pitcher knows what a great deal this is. Post-game, he exclaimed, “It was overwhelming to feel that. I don’t have a lot of great words other than that it was just really special.”

Since 2008, Kershaw has been playing with the Dodgers. And what an exceptional career he has so far. From winning three Cy Young Awards, an MVP award, a no-hitter, to a World Series ring. He has it all!

And now not only does he have 3ks but also an opportunity to appear in the All-Star game for the 11th time, that too as a legend. This honor recognizes not only his remarkable season but also a career that has profoundly impacted the game.

Let’s make it a bit interesting for you now: If you had to pick a legend, who would that be?