Kershaw, who recently announced he would retire at the end of this season, certainly made quite the impression on the 2008 Red Sox.
Speaking on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday morning, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora told a great story about the first time he ever saw Clayton Kershaw pitch.
Cora said it was 2008 spring training when he was playing for the Red Sox, and that he'll never forget the reaction from former All-Star Sean Casey to seeing Kershaw's curveball three times.
Cora added that Kershaw will be great in the Hall of Fame in five years, as that's when he'll be eligible after retiring at the end of this season.
Hall of Fame legacy
Cora certainly isn't wrong, as Kershaw is a lock for the Hall of Fame - likely on the first ballot. An 18-year veteran of the Dodgers, he's one of the best lefties to ever play the game. An 11-time All-Star and a five-time ERA champion, Kershaw is also a three-time Cy Young winner, an MVP and a Triple Crown winner.
He's also won the league's Roberto Clemente Award and a Gold Glove.
Lifetime, he's 222-96 with a 2.54 ERA, striking out 3,045 batters in 2,849.0 innings. He's also helped the Dodgers win two World Series titles (2020 and 2024). He's gone 10-2 with a 3.55 ERA this year and should have a role on the postseason roster as LA goes for another title.
Cora's career
A 14-year veteran of the Dodgers, Cleveland, Red Sox, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals, Cora won the 2007 World Series with Boston. A lifetime .243 hitter, he hit 35 career home runs and stole 47 career bases. Known as a versatile defender, he was also a clubhouse leader.
What's next
For Kershaw, it's an opportunity to win that third World Series title. The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff berth and are working on another National League West title.
For Cora and the Red Sox, they enter play with 85 wins. They are currently in possession of the second wild card spot in the American League. They haven't been to the playoffs since the 2021 season and haven't won a World Series with 2018.