"When discussing his decision to retire after the 2025 season, Clayton Kershaw made it a point to specify he did not want to be any sort of distraction as the Los Angeles Dodgers remained in pursuit of defending their World Series title. Kershaw, the greatest pitcher of his generation, has preferred to deflect attention and praise throughout his 18-year career. Teammates certainly are aware of that, and Max Muncy remarked on Thursday that Kershaw would not be pleased if the Dodgers took measures to further put a spotlight on him."
""I don't know if I was supposed to or not," Rushing said of being the only teammate to accompany Kershaw on the field. "I didn't get the memo. I just wanted to make sure when he was ready to throw the ball, I was there to catch it. "I'm not sure whose it was, but I think it was a great idea. It kind of put the spotlight on him, as he deserves. Incredible career, the things he's obviously done here at this stadium and every other stadium in the big leagues, it's pretty special.""
""He deserves it. He's going to have a statue here pretty soon, so somebody like that deserves any little moment that he can get some shine.""
Clayton Kershaw announced plans to retire after the 2025 season and asked not to be a distraction while the Dodgers chased a title defense. Kershaw has consistently deflected attention during his 18-year career, and teammates expected him to prefer low-profile treatment. Max Muncy said the team would not spotlight him, but moments before a Friday game only Kershaw and Dalton Rushing jogged onto the field in what became an impromptu solo tribute. Rushing said he hadn't received a memo and wanted to be there to catch the ball, calling the moment fitting for Kershaw's incredible career. Mookie Betts and manager Dave Roberts praised the gesture as deserved and a meaningful nod to Kershaw's legacy.
Read at Dodger Blue
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