Dave Roberts Gives Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers the Ultimate GOAT Praise

When it comes to the Los Angeles Dodgers, no player has defined an era quite like Clayton Kershaw. As the team’s manager, I’ve had the privilege to witness firsthand the brilliance, the heart, and the relentless work ethic that makes Clayton one of the greatest pitchers to ever step on a mound. I want to take this moment to give him the ultimate GOAT—Greatest of All Time—praise because, honestly, when you look at everything Clayton has accomplished and everything he means to this organization, it’s undeniable

Let me start by saying this: Clayton Kershaw is not just a great pitcher, he’s a transcendent talent. From the moment he was drafted by the Dodgers in 2006, we knew he had the raw stuff to become something special. But raw talent alone doesn’t craft a career like his. It takes character, discipline, and an unyielding desire to be better every single day. Clayton embodies all of that.

His stats speak for themselves. Three Cy Young Awards, an MVP award, multiple All-Star selections, and a pitching resume that reads like a who’s who of domination. His career ERA, his strikeout totals, his ability to adjust and evolve with the game—these numbers are all part of his story, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Clayton’s greatness isn’t just measured in strikeouts or wins. It’s about the way he carries himself in the clubhouse, on the field, and in the community. I’ve seen him throw a bullpen session in the early morning hours, rain or shine, just to fine-tune a pitch. I’ve seen him stay late after games, mentoring young pitchers, sharing insights about approach and mindset. That leadership is invaluable.

There’s a humility to Clayton that you don’t often see in players with his level of success. He’s a quiet leader, the kind that leads by example rather than by words. When the team needs a boost, you look to Kershaw not just to deliver on the mound but to inspire off it. That’s the mark of a true GOAT—impact that transcends statistics.

One of the things that sets Clayton apart is how he steps up on the biggest stages. Postseason pressure doesn’t faze him; it fuels him. I remember so many times watching him pitch in crucial games, where every pitch counts, and the tension is almost unbearable. Yet Clayton consistently finds a way to elevate his game.

His performance in the 2020 World Series was a masterpiece of poise and precision. That’s what champions do. They rise when it matters most. He wasn’t just pitching for himself—he was pitching for the Dodgers, for the fans, and for the legacy of the franchise. And he delivered.

What’s remarkable about Clayton is his willingness to evolve. Baseball is a game of adjustments, and Kershaw has adjusted better than almost anyone in history. Early in his career, he relied heavily on his fastball and curveball. Over time, he added a devastating slider, a cutter, and refined his changeup. He changed his mechanics slightly to stay healthy and keep his arm fresh.

This adaptability speaks volumes about his baseball IQ and his commitment to longevity. He understands that to stay at the top of the game, you have to keep learning and keep reinventing yourself. That mindset is why he’s been effective across more than a decade of MLB seasons.

Pitching at this level requires more than physical skill—it demands mental toughness. Clayton’s mental game is what makes him so special. He handles failure with grace and never lets a bad inning define him. He’s resilient, focused, and remarkably calm under pressure.

I’ve seen him bounce back from setbacks, from injuries, and from rough outings with the determination of a champion. It’s this mindset that inspires the entire clubhouse. When your ace behaves like that, it lifts everyone around him

Beyond the mound, Clayton Kershaw is a role model. His charitable work, his commitment to family, and his integrity make him a beacon for young athletes and fans alike. He uses his platform to give back and to encourage others to do the same.

In a sport that’s filled with stars, Clayton stands out not just because of his pitching but because of who he is as a person. That’s why I’m proud to call him not just my player but my teammate.

So, why do I call Clayton Kershaw the GOAT? It’s simple—because he represents everything greatness should be. Dominance on the mound. Leadership in the clubhouse. Humility off the field. Mental toughness when it counts. Commitment to his craft. And a lasting impact on the game of baseball.

When you compare his career to others, you’ll find few who check all those boxes. He’s not just a great player for the Dodgers—he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game. And his story isn’t finished yet.

Managing Clayton has been one of the highlights of my career. Watching him mature, lead, and perform at the highest level has been inspiring. I know fans, teammates, and the entire Dodgers organization share this sentiment. Clayton Kershaw is not just part of the Dodgers legacy; he’s a cornerstone of Major League Baseball history.

So here’s to Clayton—the ultimate GOAT, an exceptional athlete, and an incredible human being. His name will be remembered long after his final pitch, and his impact will be felt for generations. That’s the mark of true greatness