As the Los Angeles Dodgers came back in Game 7 of the World Series and beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-4, it marked the second straight championship for the legendary team. After the Dodgers' World Series win, there is no doubt that one player who quite possibly celebrated the most is pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who is now set to retire, and didn't even know the team won on the final play of the game.
With one out and two on base for Toronto, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made Alejandro Kirk ground to Mookie Betts, who turned a double play to seal the deal. Kershaw, at the time, was warming up in the bullpen and had his back turned away from the action when it happened, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“What, we just won?” Kershaw said. “‘Really? Are you sure?' I was warming up. I really had no idea we won.”
WON IT ALL. #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/rYb9LEi5Pn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 2, 2025
As Kershaw asked, “Are you sure?,” it was confirmed to him by a coach, which led to the bullpen rushing to the field to celebrate. He would even say that if Kirk got only one out on the play, Kershaw could've got the “next batter to close the game.”
“I had my back turned to it, I had no idea we had one out,” Kershaw said, via Fox Sports. “I was warming up and then, sure enough, double-play-turned-game-over. But I think I might have had the next batter right there.”
Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw on ending a career in the thrilling Game 7
While Kershaw was celebrating the Dodgers' Will Smith and the home run he got in the 11th inning to give them the lead, the iconic pitcher now calls it a career. He made an impact in the World Series, like holding off Toronto in the 12th inning in Game 3, but would mention how the thrilling Game 7 is an amazing way to end his career.
“How can I script it any better?” Kershaw said. “That’s the last time I’ll ever play a baseball game. Game 7; extra innings; I get to be out there, run on the field, and celebrate with my teammates. I’m just so thankful, man. My cup is overflowing.”
“For it to end tonight like this, I don’t really have words for it,” Kerhsaw continued. “I’m just so honored. It’s unbelievable.”
Kershaw now retires having won three championships with Los Angeles, as he'll no doubt be honored going forward.
