Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw has announced his retirement following the 2024 season, ending an 18-year Major League Baseball career. Now 37, Kershaw has carved out a legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in the game, posting a career ERA of 2.53, the lowest among any MLB pitcher with at least 1,000 innings in the live-ball era since 1920. His career, spanning 18 seasons with the Dodgers, has seen him join an elite group of pitchers with over 3,000 strikeouts and three Cy Young Awards, a feat only 11 have achieved. Kershaw’s dominance on the mound has included five league-leading ERA seasons and a World Series title in 2020, with a second championship following in 2024. Former MLB star Tom Gordon, a three-time All-Star and former MLB record-holder for consecutive saves, has publicly expressed his belief that Kershaw deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Gordon has likened Kershaw’s impact on the game to that of Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, and Bret Saberhagen, emphasizing his ability to elevate his teammates and consistently deliver under pressure. “I’ll tell you this, if he’s not a first ballot Hall of Famer, then you know, I didn’t play 21 years in the league, and me and you are not talking today,” Gordon told Fox News Digital, reflecting his deep admiration for Kershaw’s skill and leadership. Gordon’s son, Dee Strange-Gordon, played for the Dodgers for four seasons, which gave him a personal connection to watching Kershaw’s career unfold. “I watched a lot of Clayton because, you know, of course Dee was there, but just the way the man went about it, the way the man got out there on the mound after taking care of the things before pitching to me,” Gordon said. Kershaw’s performance has consistently been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success, with his ability to carry the team through crucial moments often cited by teammates and coaches. In addition to his on-field achievements, Kershaw’s career has also been marked by his leadership on and off the mound, as he has become a mentor to younger players and a voice of reason for the team. As the 2024 season approaches its final stretch, the focus is on Kershaw’s potential to leave a lasting legacy in the game, with fans and fellow players hopeful that he will secure a final World Series title to cap off his remarkable career.