Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has been recognized as one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant pitchers, with his intense demeanor playing a key role in his success. A revealing incident involving infielder Kyle Farmer and teammate Kike Hernandez sheds light on Kershaw’s intimidating presence during games.
In 2018, when Farmer was a rookie with the Dodgers, he approached Kershaw at the pitcher’s locker on a day Kershaw was set to pitch. Farmer attempted to initiate a conversation but was met with silence as Kershaw simply grunted and walked away. Shortly after, Hernandez cautioned Farmer not to engage with Kershaw before a start.
Insight Into Kershaw’s Focus Before Taking the Mound
The interaction is detailed in the biography The Last of His Kind: Clayton Kershaw and the Burden of Greatness by Andy McCullough. The book describes the moment Farmer greeted Kershaw:
“What’s up, Kersh?” Farmer said. Kershaw grunted, stood up, and left.
Hernández walked over. “Don’t talk to him,” Hernández warned.
“What?” Farmer said.
“He will rip your f—ing head off if you talk to him,” Hernández said.
This exchange illustrates Kershaw’s intense focus and the respect he commands among teammates, emphasizing the mindset he adopts when preparing to pitch. Farmer and Kershaw played together for one season, after which Farmer moved on to the Cincinnati Reds, later joining the Minnesota Twins and currently playing for the Colorado Rockies.
Kershaw’s Milestone and Calls for a Statue at Dodger Stadium
On June 7, 2023, Kershaw achieved the prestigious milestone of 3,000 career strikeouts during a game against the Chicago White Sox. Just before this accomplishment, MLB veteran Skip Schumaker praised Kershaw’s career and argued that the left-handed pitcher deserves a statue outside Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Speaking with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Schumaker said:
“Clayton Kershaw is the most dominant pitcher I’ve ever played against in my career. I’ve never seen anybody like him … If anybody deserves a statue outside Dodger Stadium it’s Clayton Kershaw. How cool is it for him to have just one uniform, especially in LA, and then have a statue of him in front of that stadium?”
Kershaw’s tenure with the Dodgers since 2008 has been marked by remarkable achievements, including 10 All-Star selections, two World Series championships, and an MVP award. His legacy as one of baseball’s greats continues to grow, with discussions now focusing on how the organization might honor his contributions to the sport.
The Meaning of Kershaw’s Relentless Competitive Spirit
Kershaw’s fierce demeanor, as evidenced by Farmer and Hernandez’s interaction, exemplifies the mental toughness required to excel at the highest level. Such intensity not only intimidates opponents but also sets a tone within the Dodgers clubhouse. His ability to maintain this focus through remarkable career longevity highlights why many view him as a once-in-a-generation talent.
As Kershaw’s achievements accumulate, the possibility of further tributes, including a statue, signifies the respect earned on and off the field. The Kyle Farmer Clayton Kershaw interaction offers a glimpse into the mindset behind one of baseball’s most accomplished players, underscoring the demanding nature of elite sportsmanship and leadership.