Just Kershaw being Kershaw

Another night – another awards ceremony for 2014 National League MVP and Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw.

On Saturday night the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) held their 92nd annual awards presentation dinner in New York at which Kershaw was formally presented with his 2014 Kenesaw Mountain Landis NL MVP plate and his 2014 NL Cy Young plaque, which he actually won back in November.

What made this night all the more special for the gracious 26-year-old Dallas, Texas native is that is occurred only 24 hours after his wife Ellen gave birth to their first child, daughter Cali Ann.

And just when you though the night couldn’t get any better for the future Hall of Fame left-hander, it did. Presenting Kershaw with his third NL Cy Young award in four year (which should have been his fourth consecutive) was none other than the Dodgers other left-handed former NL MVP and three-time NL Cy Young award winner – Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax – who also happens to be a very close friend of Clayton.

Dodger legend and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax receives a standing ovation from a packed house at the BBWAA's 92nd Annual  Awards Presentation Dinner on Saturday night. Leading the ovation was retiring MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. (Photo courtesy of MLB.com)

Dodger legend and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax receives a standing ovation from a packed house at the BBWAA’s 92nd annual awards presentation Dinner on Saturday night. Leading the ovation was retiring MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.
(Photo courtesy of MLB.com)

Koufax, who was welcomed to the podium with a standing ovation, embraced Kershaw after presenting his young friend with his Cy Young trophy – something that he has now done three times. And with Kershaw being only 26, the 79-year-old Dodger legend might be making a few more trips to the Big Apple over the next several years.

“If the writers still have their notes from last year, change 25 years of age to 26, change two Cy Youngs to three, add one MVP and you’re done,” joked Koufax.

Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax embraces future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw after presenting him with his third NL Cy Young award in four years. (Photo courtesy of MLB.com)

Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax embraces future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw after presenting him with his third NL Cy Young award in four years. (Photo courtesy of MLB.com)

As was expected from the ever-humble Kershaw, he gave full credit to his teammates and coaches – all of them – for his success and accomplishments. But what wasn’t expected was the praise that he gave to the team that has been his nemesis since making his MLB debut in 2008.

“Thank you to the St. Louis Cardinals for reminding me you’re never as good as you think you are,” said Kershaw.

"Thank you to the St. Louis Cardinals for reminding me you're never as good as you think you are." - Clayton Kershaw (Photo courtesy of MLB.com)

“Thank you to the St. Louis Cardinals for reminding me you’re never as good as you think you are.” – Clayton Kershaw
(Photo courtesy of MLB.com)

Although Kershaw’s comment drew the intended laughs from the audience, there is absolutely zero doubt that he truly meant it – because that’s just who he is.

Just Kershaw being Kershaw.

 

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3 Responses to “Just Kershaw being Kershaw”

  1. OldBrooklynFan says:

    Koufax & Kershaw, enough said.

  2. Bluenose Dodger says:

    I think that is just a perfect way to acknowledge the Cardinal series as well as remain humble with his achievements.

    That was better than a handshake. He didn’t have to acknowledge the Cardinals at all but did and I agree he didn’t speak in jest.

  3. Gail Johnson says:

    I thought this was just an outstanding speech – especially the way he thanked each and every player and coach on the team like that. He is one incredible leader!

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