1. “Pitching isn’t just about throwing; it’s about thinking.”
2. “Every strike brings me one pitch closer to a win.”
3. “Adversity shows true character—on and off the mound.”
4. “The game of baseball is about adjustments.”
5. “Consistency is the name of the game.”
6. “Preparation is the difference between winning and losing.”
7. “When I’m on the mound, it’s just me and the glove.”
8. “Every day is a new challenge; yesterday’s stats don’t matter.”
9. “Be ready for every pitch, even if it’s your last.”
10. “You have to earn every inch of that strike zone.”
11. “My curveball is my canvas, and the plate is my art.”
12. “Never underestimate the power of a well-placed fastball.”
13. “A true pitcher controls his emotions as well as his pitches.”
14. “You’re only as good as your last outing.”
15. “Always play as if it’s game seven.”
16. “Strength isn’t in the arm alone; it’s in the mind too.”
17. “Every hitter is a puzzle waiting to be solved.”
18. “Focus on the next pitch, not the last.”
19. “Being a Dodger is more than a title; it’s a legacy.”
20. “The mound is where I find my peace.”
21. “Your team is your family; play like it.”
22. “Late innings are where legends are made.”
23. “My slider speaks when words can’t.”
24. “Every fan is a part of my journey.”
25. “Control the controllable and let the rest go.”
26. “Dodger Stadium feels like home because it is home.”
27. “Practice makes perfect, but passion makes it possible.”
28. “The game is not won in one pitch, but one pitch can win the game.”
29. “Lesson number one: never stop learning.”
30. “Composure is key in high-pressure moments.”
31. “The roar of the crowd fuels my fire.”
32. “Legacy is built on sweat, not swagger.”
33. “Finding the balance between grit and grace is crucial.”
34. “Good days and bad days, both teach valuable lessons.”
35. “Always keep them guessing.”
36. “My teammates’ success means more than my own stats.”
37. “I love the challenge of facing the game’s best hitters.”
38. “Respect the game and it will respect you.”
39. “Defeat teaches humility; victory, discipline.”
40. “In baseball, every pitch is a new opportunity.”
41. “The glove is an extension of my hand.”
42. “Trust your catcher as you would your own instincts.”
43. “Baseball is a game of inches but won by miles.”
44. “Never let stress control your pitch.”
45. “Focus on execution, not spectacle.”
46. “Baseball is poetry in motion.”
47. “Each game is a chapter in a larger story.”
48. “A true competitor loves the grind.”
49. “Learning from failure keeps me grounded.”
50. “Remember why you started and let that drive you.”
Clayton Kershaw’s Coffee Chat with Vin Scully: A Pitch for Life
Vin Scully: Well, well, well, if it isn’t Clayton Kershaw, the man of the hour! How’s it going, kid?
Clayton Kershaw: Vin! Always a pleasure. I’m doing great. Just finished my morning workout. How about you? Still spinning those golden tales?
Vin Scully: Oh, you know me, Clayton. The stories never end. They’re timeless just like the way you pitch. Speaking of which, got to ask you, how do you keep up the magic on the mound year after year?
Clayton Kershaw: Haha, thanks, Vin. Honestly, it’s a mix of a lot of hard work and a dash of stubbornness. I always want to be the best version of myself. Plus, those playoff memories, man. They fuel the fire.
Vin Scully: I hear you. And your foundation, can you talk a bit about how it all started?
Clayton Kershaw: Absolutely. Ellen and I started Kershaw’s Challenge because we wanted to leave a positive impact off the field as much as on it. We focus on serving vulnerable children and communities in LA, Dallas, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. Baseball gave us a platform, and it felt right to give back.
Vin Scully: That’s fantastic. I always say, it’s the heart behind the athlete that truly makes greatness. Switching gears a bit, what’s your take on the changes in baseball lately? Pitch clocks, automated strike zones, all that jazz.
Clayton Kershaw: Oh, good question. I’ve got mixed feelings. Traditionalist in me misses the old-school vibe, but I get why they’re doing it. The game needs to evolve to keep fans engaged. The pitch clock, though—man, it’s messing with my rhythm!
Vin Scully: Adaptation is the name of the game, whether on the field or in the booth. Speaking of adapting, have you caught up with any of the youngsters on the Dodgers roster? Who’s impressing you?
Clayton Kershaw: Totally! Dustin May has been electric. His stuff is filthy. And Gavin Lux—watch out for him. That kid’s got serious potential. It’s great to see the next wave coming through and keeping the Dodger tradition alive.
Vin Scully: That’s encouraging to hear. It’s all about leaving the game better than you found it. Alright, last one for you, Clayton. If you had to choose your greatest moment in baseball thus far, what would it be?
Clayton Kershaw: Oh man, that’s tough. But I’d say winning the World Series in 2020. After all the ups and downs, to finally lift that trophy with the team—it was everything. A dream come true.
Vin Scully: Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thanks for the chat, Clayton. It’s always a joy.
Clayton Kershaw: Anytime, Vin. Catch you at the ballpark!
