"Thought this was about Clayton Kershaw" - Fans breathe sigh of relief after fearing star pitcher’s exit as Dodgers say goodbye to Coach Clayton
Fans were confused by the latest post from the Los Angeles Dodgers on X, which started with "Thank you Clayton," fearing the club made a farewell post for veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw. However, it was a goodbye message for longtime Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough, who was hired by the Miami Marlins as their new manager.
Fans shared their amusing reactions to the post:
"My heart dropped bc I stopped reading at Clayton," one fan commented.
"Bro I thought this was about Kersh, I almost died," another fan wrote.
"DID ANYONE ELSE READ THAT AS KERSHAW?!" one fan asked.
"Also thank you for giving me a mini stroke. But yes best if luck coach!" another wrote.
"My heart dropped," another added.
"I saw "Clayton" and immediately got scared," another added.
McCullough spent four seasons under Dave Roberts and emerged as World Series champion this year. He now prepares to succeed Skip Schumaker, who wasn't retained by the Marlins. Schumaker has taken up the role of senior adviser for the Texas Rangers, according to ESPN.
As for Clayton Kershaw, he barely pitched (30.0 IP for 4.50 ERA) this season, first missing months due to a shoulder injury and then toe problems that rendered him out for the season.
Last week, Kershaw declined his player option to become a free agent once again. Just like last year's offseason, netizens are hoping the Dodgers will bring him back.
Dodgers GM speaks on Clayton Kershaw's future with club
Clayton Kershaw is a cherished personality in LA due to his contributions to the team's success since 2008. However, over the past few years, the pitcher has declined, and many wonder if they have seen the last of him in a Dodgers shirt.
Kershaw, who is committed to being back next year, declined his $10 million player option. However, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes is open to the idea of signing him back, saying (via MLB Network on Wednesday):
“I think for Kersh it’s kind of see where he’s at into the offseason and continue to talk with his family and see how he comes on the other side of a couple things that he’s having done. Obviously, we want Kersh back. He wants to be back but I think it’s very much like let’s see how these next few months play out to see what position he’s in.
“Our hope is to continue to have conversations and hopefully, Clayton is a Dodger for life.”
Clayton Kershaw said he was "Dodger for Life" after winning his second World Series this season. It remains to be seen whether the future Hall of Famer returns for another year at Dodger Stadium or perhaps decides to pull on the Rangers jersey and play in his hometown, Texas.