ATLANTA — The faces of MLB’s next generation stepped onto the mound to begin the 2025 All-Star Game, but by the end of the night, everyone was paying homage to the generation before.
Clayton Kershaw, in his 11th All-Star Game appearance, took over for Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes in the second inning Tuesday night at Truist Park. The National League beat the American League in a swing-off after the ninth inning ended in a 6-6 tie. Despite all the last-minute chaos, what could be the final All-Star Game for a living legend still came up in news conferences from players across the league.
“He’s probably one of the Mount Rushmore guys in Dodger history,” New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said.
Kershaw, who recently became the fourth left-handed pitcher to amass 3,000 strikeouts, made quick work of Cal Raleigh and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for his first two outs before NL manager Dave Roberts pulled him from the game. Kershaw offered Roberts the ball, but Roberts told him to keep it.
“That’s yours,” Roberts said as Kershaw walked off the mound.
Kershaw — 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 10 starts this season — was at this game because he was a so-called legend pick from the commissioner’s office. It’s a way of honoring players who have helped shape this game in their final years. Before Tuesday, though, Kershaw felt strange about being the recipient of such an honor.
“My initial response was just, you don’t ever want to take somebody’s spot or you don’t ever want to be a sideshow,” Kershaw said. “You just want to be a part of it because you deserve it.”
By the end, Kershaw said he was glad he was there.
He struck out Guerrero, and as he walked back toward the dugout, Kershaw received a standing ovation from the Truist Park crowd. He blew kisses to his family in the stands. Mic’d up on the Fox broadcast, he even showed an ornery side. “Suck it, Big Dumper,” he said, referencing Raleigh, as he high-fived teammates in the dugout.
“That’s one of the best that will ever do it,” Raleigh said. “A ton of respect for him and what he’s done for the game. Just really cool that I got to face him, and definitely something I’ll remember.”
Jason Adam, a reliever on the rival San Diego Padres and admirer of Kershaw’s, replaced the left-hander in the game. He told Kershaw afterward: “That was one of the coolest experiences of my career.”
Ryan O’Hearn watched Kershaw as a fan before he debuted in the majors in 2018. Now O’Hearn was watching from the on-deck circle as Kershaw walked off the field for what could be the last time in this setting.
“What a legend in the game,” the Baltimore Orioles outfielder said. “Obviously, what he’s done is incredible.”
Hours before Kershaw pitched in an All-Star Game for the eighth time in his career, he had talked about the crop of young pitchers who rule today’s game.
Skenes and American League starter Tarik Skubal have become dominant forces. Jacob Misiorowski was among the big subjects of All-Star week. Garrett Crochet and MacKenzie Gore are among other left-handers thriving. Kershaw sees the talent and the game’s evolution.
“I never threw that hard,” he joked.
Kershaw represents a different breed. In an era when pitchers are often injured and their innings protected like never before, Kershaw could be the last pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts anytime soon. He is a three-time Cy Young winner with 216 wins to his name. Nearly all those players Kershaw was talking about have looked up to him since before they were old enough to drive.
“It’s an honor to finally get to meet him,” Misiorowski said. “Maybe it’s his last (All-Star Game), maybe not. I hope not, because I want to be around him a little bit more.”
Earlier this season, Skubal was starstruck when he talked with Kershaw on the field at Dodger Stadium.
“Just talking about process, slider, fastball, game plan, prep, how he’s done it throughout the years — it resonated with me a ton,” Skubal had said. “I’m very appreciative for those 20 minutes. It feels like I got a lifetime of knowledge from him.”
Clayton Kershaw acknowledges the fans after being removed from the All-Star Game on Tuesday. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Here in Atlanta, Skenes said he tried to keep his distance, cognizant of Kershaw’s time in a busy week. But he was with Kershaw and his family in the waiting room for the Red Carpet Show and relished the opportunity.
“He’s such a class act,” Skenes said. “It’s just so impressive, obviously, what he’s done in the game, but the human that he is. Watching him be a dad, it was a cool experience for me.”
Before Tuesday’s All-Star Game, Roberts had Kershaw speak to the NL team in a meeting. Kershaw talked about the honor of the All-Star Game and thanked players for making the effort to be on site. Kershaw is tied with Mike Trout for the most All-Star selections of any active player.
“The All-Star Game, it can be hard at times for players,” Kershaw said. “It’s a lot of travel. It’s a lot of stress, chaos, family, all the stuff, but it’s meaningful. It’s impactful for the game. It’s important for the game. We have the best All-Star Game of any sport. We do have the best product. So to be here, to realize your responsibility in the sport, is important.”
Adam called Kershaw “the best in the game” and showed his appreciation for Kershaw’s doing exactly that, giving up his break to be there. “(To) come here and do this for the game of baseball and be here with us and lead us was really special,” Adam said.
Manny Machado, who was briefly teammates with Kershaw during the 2018 season, spoke of Kershaw’s overall importance, which extends far beyond the rivalry between Machado’s Padres and Kershaw’s Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I think you’re talking about legends of the game,” Machado said of Kershaw’s standing ovation. “I think the game is above competition when you go out there.”
Roberts spent two days observing the way his venerated left-hander handled the gravitas of the All-Star Game. Kershaw trotted around with his family, stayed until the end of the Home Run Derby, reveled in all the pageantry even though he had done it so many times before.
“I loved seeing Clayton just happy,” Roberts said.
Tuesday night, after talking with media members after his outing, Kershaw exited the Truist Park interview room.
That’s when part of a previous generation stopped Kershaw and added another link to the chain that connects players across time.
Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez looked at Kershaw and told him, “I’ll see you in Cooperstown, bro.”
(Top photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
