""This is the first that I've sent one over in admiration for what someone has done for the game," said Musgrove, who grew up a Padres fan before ultimately pitching for the club. "I know he's flooded with them now, and it might seem like a lot, but he's made a big impact on this game -- not only as a player, but for the way he handles himself.""
"Kershaw will make his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday, in what we now know will be one of the last appearances of his career. But even before the news of his impending retirement became official Thursday, the likelihood of it was high enough for Major League Baseball to extend him a special invitation to this year's All-Star Game. And for a number of opposing players to seek opportunities to pay respect in their own way, whether it's offering praise, expressing gratitude or, often, seeking autographs."
"Kershaw, 37, has noticed that jersey requests have "slightly increased from years past" but stressed it's "nothing crazy." Sometimes a home series will go by and nobody will ask. Others, he'll be flooded with them. "It's like they all talk," Kershaw said. He signs them all, either by listing his accomplishments"
Joe Musgrove, an injured Padres ace who grew up a Padres fan, sought a signed Clayton Kershaw jersey as a rare act of admiration rather than a gift for a former teammate. Musgrove has previously sent jerseys only to close former teammates. Clayton Kershaw is scheduled for a final regular-season start and received a special All-Star Game invitation amid strong expectations of retirement. A number of opposing players have used opportunities to offer praise, express gratitude and request autographs for Kershaw. Kershaw has noticed a slight uptick in jersey requests, but he describes the increase as "nothing crazy," and he signs them all.
Read at ESPN.com
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