There are compliments. Then there are career-defining acknowledgments—ones that make you pause, rewind, and realize something historic just happened. When a Hall of Fame pitcher like Pedro Martinez, never one to sensationalize, appears genuinely humbled by another star’s achievements, you know it is more than just casual admiration. As Clayton Kershaw recorded his 3,000th strikeout and was honored as a legacy All-Star, Martinez did not just applaud the Dodgers star—he elevated him.

Kershaw, at age 37 and fresh off knee and foot surgeries, was chosen for the 2025 All-Star Game not because of his current numbers, but because of everything he means to the game. As he made headlines, the Boston Red Sox legend took to his Instagram with a message that felt deeper than the usual praise. In a few powerful statements, the three-time Cy Young winner openly suggested that Kershaw’s career could be worthy enough to eclipse even his own.

“His numbers are almost right there. 3,000 strikeouts for a lefty, continues to do it,” Martinez said, while wrapping a segment on the TBS Network. “I don’t know how long it’s going to be, but they’re pretty good numbers. Think about the longevity they need to have in order for them to reach the 3,000 mark and then probably pass that. Kershaw is a huge competitor, a big competitor, a big-time competitor… So was the rest of the group of people that you have in the Hall of Fame.” That last statement? It was the one that hit hardest. Martinez placed the Dodgers’ lefty in the Hall—not hypothetically, but spiritually.  And coming from a veteran who already has a plaque in Cooperstown? That holds weight.

Such a rare salute did not come out of thin air. Kershaw has built a name for himself alongside franchise icons, achieving a feat that only 19 pitchers have been able to before him. With 18 seasons in Dodger blue, he has matched the legendary longevity of Hall of Famers Zack Wheat and Bill Russell, tying the record for most seasons played with the team with his 3,000 career strikeout.

Interestingly, Martinez isn’t the only one to consider Kershaw a legend. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also granted Kershaw the “legend pick,” an honor reserved for veterans. Only Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera had gained similar nods in history. And Kershaw’s reaction to his selection? As humble as you would think.  “Obviously, I don’t deserve to get to go this season,” the Dodgers star admitted. “It’s weird, but it’s cool, so I’m just going to enjoy it.”

There is an unspoken code among legends. You do not toss around legacy praise unless it is earned. Martinez did not just tip his cap—the former Phillie practically waved the white flag. He was not just saying Kershaw belongs in the Hall of Fame; the veteran was okay with Kershaw being mentioned right next to him.

However, as much as Kershaw’s legacy is being honored off the field, the star is still showing up on it and squaring off against the next generation in battles that look like torch-passing moments in real time.

Clayton Kershaw still holding his ground as baseball’s future arrives

Clayton Kershaw could be in his twilight years; however, he is still available on the mound, commands respect, and sometimes, a little crosstalk. That was clear ahead of his recent start against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he fought against rising rookie phenom Jacob Misiorowski. When asked about his competitor, Kershaw chuckled, “Is that the guy with the ankle, the twisted-the-ankle-on-the-mound guy? I know he throws hard… But so does everybody, except me.” Classic veteran joke, light-hearted and a bit saucy.

But the tone changed swiftly. Misiorowski was not just good, he was electric. The 23-year-old rookie dominated with six innings of one-run ball and 12 strikeouts, while Kershaw gave up two earned runs and fanned only three over his own six innings. The kid outstripped the legend, and Kershaw had no problem tipping his cap afterward. “That was super impressive,” he said postgame. “I mean, everything. Obviously the velo, but he’s got four pitches, commands the ball… I don’t know how you hit that, honestly.”

The mutual respect did not stop there. Misiorowski responded with a moment of awe himself. “All of the respect in the world to face Kershaw. The 3,000 Ks… It’s awesome to see a guy like that and match up against him,” he told the reporters. And then came the quiet clapback: “I saw something online that he didn’t know who I was. So I hope that he knows me now.”

What makes this exchange very special is the symbolism. Kershaw, fresh off a legacy All-Star selection and historic strikeout milestone, is still facing baseball’s future and giving them battles they will never forget. Even when the outcome does not go in his favor, he is adding chapters to his story in the way only true gems can. In Misiorowski’s eyes, he was not just facing another starter. He was standing on the other side of a benchmark.

And in the process, Kershaw did what legends can do: he made the moment bigger than himself. Just like Pedro Martinez had done for him.

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