by Mark Langill
It took just one pitch for Clayton Kershaw to become the longest-tenured pitcher in Dodger history.
But waiting nearly 300 days to throw that pitch made the milestone even more special during an emotional return to the Major Leagues on Thursday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.
His four innings during a 6–4 victory over the San Francisco Giants officially began Kershaw’s 17th season with the Dodgers, surpassing the previous mark of 16 seasons by Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton (1966–80, 1988). Kershaw only trails the service time behind the 18 seasons logged by Zack Wheat (Brooklyn, 1909–26) and Bill Russell (Los Angeles (1969–86).
“It kind of makes me feel old a little bit,” said Kershaw, who made his Major League debut at age 20 on May 25, 2008. “At the same time, I don’t take for granted what this organization means to a lot of people in Los Angeles and all over the world. For me to be able to be here that long, it’s a huge honor. I try not to take anything for granted. And any time after surgery you get to go back out, I’m not going to take it for granted at all.”
Kershaw scattered two runs on six hits. He made 72 pitches (47 strikes). He struck out six and walked two. He is now 50 strikeouts shy of 3.000.
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