After “18 tremendous seasons,” as the Manager recalled, Clayton Kershaw threw his final pitch at home against the Giants. The future HOF, who claimed MVP and Cy Young awards in 2014 and became the 20th member of the 3,000-strikeout club this season, stepped onto the mound to a four-minute standing ovation. What Roberts revealed about his decision to pull the ace further highlights the emotional weight of the moment.

The Claw was taken out of the game in the fifth inning of his last regular-season start at Dodger Stadium after throwing 78 pitches in 4 1/3 innings. He gave up three runs on six hits and struck out three batters, keeping the Dodgers in the game in what would be his last home outing. It was a special night for the Boys in Blue. They not only won the game 6-3 and clinched a spot in the postseason for the 13th consecutive season, but it also became a night to remember for #22.

In the post-game, when Roberts was asked for the reason behind pulling Clayton Kershaw from the game, he explained that the emotions were riding high. The skipper said, “Today I think that, understandably so, he let his guard down because this was going to be the last start at the Dodgers stadium” He went on, “So he wanted to try to, in my opinion, take in all that was to come. The emotions of the day, the last, the final, the finality of everything, but then still try to compete and win a baseball game. So he was a little bit less stoic, intense, which I think was a good thing.”

The emotional tone of the evening was evident from Thursday, when Kershaw revealed to the media that this season would be his last, and he had teary eyes as he shared the news. After the game itself, when asked about the feeling of playing at the Dodgers stadium, his voice got heavy when he acknowledged the fans, “Thank you guys so much. Thank you for 18 years.”

When reporters asked about the exchange on the mound, Roberts said it was quite simple. “I just said congratulations on a great career,” he revealed. The moment gained significance with Kershaw’s unexpected request. Roberts recalled, referring to the game ball, Kershaw said, “‘Can I keep it?’ I said, ‘You can do whatever you want. It’s your night.'”

The night was so special that it went beyond Dodger Stadium. Even MLB recognized Kershaw’s legendary status. The league showed how much they respected the left-hander by letting him break the rules for his celebration and by recognizing how great he had been during his career. Roberts said, “We talked to Major League Baseball, and they were kind of just giving us carte blanche to kind of do whatever we felt was needed to celebrate him tonight.”

The festivities continued in the clubhouse, where Roberts raised a toast alongside teammates, honoring Clayton Kershaw’s remarkable tenure with the organization. While uncertainty remains about whether this marks his absolute final appearance, “We haven’t decided that yet,” Roberts noted—the evening served as a fitting tribute to one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.

The clubhouse voices also reflected on the impact the 37-year-old had on the players and team.

Boys in Blue stood to honor Clayton Kershaw

Freddie Freeman summed up just how important Clayton Kershaw’s 18th season was. “It’s just amazing — 18 years, and we needed every single one of his starts this year,” the first baseman said. “Every five days, we counted on him, and we needed him. You’re 10–2 in your 18th season, it’s pretty special. And I have a feeling he’s going to go out and have a good one.”

Max Muncy, the third baseman, talked about how he has always put others first. “He would take the ball when it was his turn. He would also take the ball when it wasn’t his turn. He would come out of the pen, do anything the team asked of him. He never said no. He never said my arm hurts. He never said I need a little bit more time. It was whatever this team needed to get over the hump.” Muncy said that Kershaw’s willingness made him one of the best players in the game.

Teoscar Hernandez emphasized Kershaw’s intangible contributions. As he said, “His energy, the way he was taking care of everything, trying to push to be his best to give us a chance so we can win games, it was amazing to see.” “That gives everybody else the extra energy to pull together.” His statements showed how Kershaw’s work made everyone on the team better.

As the Dodgers get ready for October, Manager Dave Roberts made sure everyone in the clubhouse knew what was going on. Roberts informed the squad after lifting a glass to Kershaw, “This has to be the most important six weeks of our lives… because we have what everyone wants.” A long run in the postseason would be the best way for the Dodgers to say goodbye to their future Hall of Famer.