Clayton Kershaw debuted in MLB on May 25, 2008.

Debut Details

Kershaw, then just 20 years old, made his first Major League start for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium. He pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and one walk on 102 pitches (69 strikes). The Dodgers won in extra innings on Andre Ethier's walk-off hit, though Kershaw didn't factor into the decision. This marked the start of a legendary career, cementing him as a Dodgers icon and one of the best pitchers of his generation.

Rookie Season Highlights

  • Posted a 5-5 record with a 4.26 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 22 games (21 starts).
  • Appeared in relief during the 2008 NLDS, allowing one run in two innings.
  • His debut was highly anticipated, compared to Hideo Nomo's in 1995 by sportswriters.

Legacy and Recent Context

Since that day, Kershaw has racked up accolades including three Cy Young Awards and a 2014 NL MVP. As of early 2026, discussions around his career persist, including Wikipedia edit wars over stats and his Dodgers tenure through 2025. Fans still celebrate "#KershawDay" annually on May 25.

TL;DR: Kershaw's MLB debut was May 25, 2008, vs. Cardinals—6 IP, 7 K, Dodgers won in 10th.

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