After multiple years of postseason heartbreak, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally went the distance to capture their first World Series championship in over three decades, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games.
For some of the longest-tenured players in the organization like Clayton Kershaw, winning the World Series was all the more special. Many Dodgers, including Julio Urias, recognized the importance of the achievement for Kershaw’s legacy.
Prior to the 2020 season, the left-hander had accomplished virtually everything from an individual standpoint, earning numerous All-Star appearances, three Cy Young Awards and MVP honors.
And with a World Series championship to that list, Kershaw’s resumé for Cooperstown is further solidified. Cody Bellinger detailed how happy he is for Kershaw and recalled a moment they shared shortly after the final out in Game 6 was recorded, via ESPN’s Sam Alipour:
“By far, Clayton Kershaw. He is so good, so talented. He’s an unbelievable guy, unbelievable teammate, unbelievable dad. For him to finally close it out, man — I hugged him after we won, and it was just the best, the best feeling in the world. He deserves it more than anybody.”
Not only was it satisfying for Kershaw to win the World Series, but he also helped change the narrative of how he performs in the postseason.
The 32-year-old played a major role in the Dodgers’ championship run, going 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 30.2 innings (five starts). He will now look to help the club become the first team to win consecutive World Series since the 1998-00 New York Yankees.
Kershaw ‘going to bask in’ World Series win until Spring Training
Like most players, Kershaw’s ultimate goal was winning a World Series title. Now that he has one, he does not want to take it for granted.
The left-hander recently revealed he is going to continue to basking in the glory until Spring Training or perhaps even Opening Day.
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