Clayton Kershaw already admitted he’s done pitching in the majors, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to represent his country.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers legend got a hero’s welcome from Colorado Rockies fans when he threw 2/3 of an inning in a 14-4 win over the Rockies for his first United States appearance in a WBC tune up.
Kershaw announced his retirement after 18 big-league seasons, and three World Series championships, in the fall after throwing what he thought was his final pitch in relief in the 12th inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium.
But United States manager Mark DeRosa added the soon-to-be 38-year-old the United States roster as a jack-of-all-trades pitcher. Kershaw finally got his chance to to wear his country’s colors on his chest for the first time in Team USA’s only pre-tournament game in Scottsdale, Arizona on Wednesday.
The United States will play the first of four Pool B game of the WBC on Friday against Great Britain at Daikin Park in Houston.
Clayton Kershaw Got a Huge Ovation from Rockies Fans
Kershaw came in in relief of Ryan Yarbrough in a 3-1 game in the bottom of the fourth inning, donning the red, white and blue for the first time in his illustrious career.
He also received a massive ovation from the crowd of 11,803 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick which made the moment that much more special.
“Just being on this team was a bucket list thing for me from the beginning,” Kershaw told ESPN.com. “Obviously, I thought I was never going to throw a baseball again. So to get to do it with Team USA across your chest and come back to that dugout, that team is really special.”
Kershaw gave up two runs, including a home run to Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak, and walked one before DeRosa pulled him for Carson Skipper with two outs in the fourth. Skipper allowed a home run to Kyle Karros, which allowed Braxton Fulford to score, after Kershaw walked Fulford.
Still, Kershaw retiring T.J. Rumfield may go down as his final hitter faced in organized baseball, and the sure-fire future Hall of Famer is good with that.
“If that was the last time on the mound, it was worth it for sure,” Kershaw said. “I felt fine. Arm feels good, body’s fine. I mean, it’s not good anymore, but it’s good enough for me not to embarrass myself.”
Will Smith Homered for the United States Against the Rockies
Dodgers fans who are anxiously awaiting the 2026 season may be missing Will Smith updates, since he is representing the United States as the starting catcher.
But Smith launched 3-1 sinker from RJ Petit deep over the wall in left-center field while leading off the sixth inning. It was Smith’s second home run of the spring, and of course he first while representing the USA.
The Dodgers’ star catcher went 1 for 4 before being lifted for pinch hitter Tommy Hopfe in the eighth inning. He expects to be the USA’s primary catcher throughout the tournament.
Clayton Kershaw Does Something He Never Had Before in WBC Tune Up