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Tom Gordon Declares Clayton Kershaw a First-Ballot Hall of Famer as Retirement Approaches
Los Angeles Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw revealed in September his plans to retire after the current MLB season. At 37, Kershaw has built a storied career, boasting a remarkable 2.53 earned run average (ERA) across 18 seasons, which stands as the lowest for any MLB pitcher in the live-ball era since 1920, provided they have pitched at least 1,000 innings.
Tom “Flash” Gordon, a former MLB star, voiced his belief that Kershaw deserves recognition as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. In a recent interview, Gordon shared his insights with Fox News Digital.
Gordon stated, “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. And I know that’s what we’re doing right now.” His strong opinion reflects the admiration he has for Kershaw’s accomplishments.
His connection to Kershaw runs deeper as his son, Dee Strange-Gordon, spent four seasons with the Dodgers. Gordon observed Kershaw’s performance closely due to this connection.
“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,” he explained. This personal connection adds weight to Gordon’s observations.
Gordon emphasized Kershaw’s impact on the team, saying, “He’s an elite athlete, but he exemplified that by the way he took the ball, the way he put the Dodgers in the playoffs and he put ’em on his back for years.” Kershaw’s excellence as a player has played a crucial role in establishing the Dodgers as a formidable team in the league.
Earlier this season, Kershaw joined the prestigious 3,000-strikeout club. Additionally, he stands out as one of only 11 pitchers to have won the Cy Young Award three times. His achievements also include leading the National League in ERA five separate times.
According to Gordon, Kershaw’s extraordinary skills have uplifted his teammates. He stated, “I’ve always learned, and I learned this from (being) around Roger Clemens and (Bret) Saberhagen as a pitcher, that when you have a guy like that, everything else you do improves. You can learn how to play, pitch, and become a better player because that guy is gonna guarantee you for the most part, that the bullpen is not gonna be extended.”
Gordon drew comparisons between Kershaw and other legendary pitchers, affirming, “That’s how Pedro Martinez was, that’s what I look at Kershaw as. A Pedro Martinez caliber, Roger Clemens caliber, Bret Saberhagen caliber, even better.” Such comparisons highlight Kershaw’s place among the all-time greats in baseball history.
Kershaw’s crowning achievement was winning the World Series with the Dodgers in 2020. With his imminent retirement, Gordon expressed his hopes for Kershaw to end his career as a champion once more.
“If they play well enough to reach the playoffs, that way he can, he can get one more playoff World Series championship. I mean, it would be amazing; it would be icing on the cake,” Gordon stated. This sentiment resonates strongly with fans eager to see their star pitcher go out with a victory.
As the postseason unfolds, the Dodgers currently lead the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Kershaw has not yet taken the mound this postseason but remains available out of the bullpen in case his team needs him.
This season, Kershaw pitched in 23 games, ending with an impressive 11-2 record and a 3.36 ERA. These statistics further bolster his legacy and highlight his enduring prowess on the field.
Game 3 of the NLDS is scheduled for 9:08 p.m. ET on Wednesday, where excitement around Kershaw’s potential involvement remains high. Fans and players alike are eager to see if he will make a lasting impact as the postseason progresses.
Meanwhile, Gordon’s son, Dee Strange-Gordon, enjoyed an illustrious 11-season career in Major League Baseball. He made two All-Star teams and posted a career batting average of .286 while demonstrating strong defensive prowess as both a shortstop and second baseman.
Today, Tom Gordon is actively involved with Perfect Game, the world’s largest and most comprehensive scouting organization. He also hosts a podcast titled “Innings of Life,” which is set to launch shortly.
Gordon has been on an adventurous journey across the country in an RV outfitted with a custom podcast studio, where he interviews current and former baseball players, managers, and executives, sharing their stories with an eager audience.
In his 21 seasons in Major League Baseball, Gordon earned three All-Star selections and set the record for 54 consecutive saves, showcasing his incredible talents as a pitcher.
A Legacy without Precedent
As Clayton Kershaw approaches the twilight of his career, his legacy as one of the game’s greatest pitchers remains unquestioned. Both his statistics and the respect he commands within the baseball community speak volumes. With Tom Gordon’s endorsement, Kershaw stands poised for his rightful place among Hall of Famers, cementing his reputation not just as a player, but as a symbol of excellence in the sport.
This narrative is likely to resonate with baseball fans and sports enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into the profound impact that Kershaw has had on the game throughout his remarkable career.
