Clayton Kershaw’s Final Appearance Bobblehead: Dodgers’ Iconic Tribute Explained
October 10, 2023 | Updated 12:45 PM PDT
The Los Angeles Dodgers will honor Clayton Kershaw’s final home appearance with a limited-edition bobblehead, a tribute that caps a 14-year career where the two-time Cy Young winner became the face of the franchise. The figurine, featuring Kershaw in his iconic No. 22 uniform, will be distributed exclusively at Dodger Stadium during his last game as a Dodger on October 15, according to team officials.
Why This Bobblehead Matters More Than Just a Souvenir
Kershaw’s final appearance marks the end of an era for the Dodgers, who have not won a World Series since 1988—a drought that predates his rookie season in 2008. The bobblehead, a tradition in MLB since the 1990s, serves as both a nostalgic keepsake and a symbolic farewell for a player whose dominance redefined the franchise’s identity.
According to the Dodgers’ official announcement, the bobblehead will be available for purchase in the stadium’s Hall of Fame Shop, with proceeds benefiting the Dodgers Dream Foundation, which supports youth sports and education programs in Los Angeles.
Key details:
- Design: The bobblehead replicates Kershaw’s 2023 uniform, including his signature black cleats and the “K” logo on his cap.
- Distribution: Limited to one per customer, with no online sales.
- Date: October 15, 2023, at Dodger Stadium (7:10 PM PDT / 02:10 UTC).
- Legacy: Kershaw’s 219 career wins rank him 11th all-time among active pitchers, and his 3.21 ERA in Dodgers uniforms is the lowest among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings.
What Happens Next: Kershaw’s Final Game and Beyond
Kershaw’s October 15 appearance against the San Francisco Giants will be his 1,000th career game, a milestone he reaches as a Dodger. While he is not expected to pitch—his final start came on September 24—the ceremony will include a pregame tribute, a flyover, and a moment where he takes the field for the last time in Dodger blue.
After the game, Kershaw will hold a press conference at 8:30 PM PDT (03:30 UTC) to discuss his career, his decision to leave the Dodgers, and his plans for the offseason. The team has not yet announced whether he will sign with another club or retire, though reports suggest he is leaning toward a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres.
Schedule implications:
- The Dodgers will host the Giants in a one-game series, their final home contest before the postseason. A win would improve their playoff seed but is unlikely to impact their NL Wild Card status.
- Kershaw’s departure leaves a void in the Dodgers’ rotation, where Walker Buehler and Tony Gonsolin will assume larger roles in the postseason.
- The bobblehead’s release coincides with the team’s push for postseason success, with fans expected to turn out in force for the emotional farewell.
How Kershaw’s Bobblehead Compares to Other MLB Farewell Tributes
Kershaw’s bobblehead follows a long tradition of MLB players receiving commemorative figurines in their final home games. However, his stands out for several reasons:
| Player | Team | Year | Bobblehead Design | Special Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derek Jeter | New York Yankees | 2014 | Posing with a Yankees cap, holding a bat | Sold out immediately; became a collector’s item |
| Albert Pujols | Los Angeles Angels | 2022 | Wearing his No. 2 jersey, mid-swing | Limited to 5,000 units; highest-selling Angels bobblehead |
| Clayton Kershaw | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2023 | No. 22 uniform, black cleats, “K” cap | Proceeds to charity; part of a larger farewell ceremony |
Unlike Jeter or Pujols, whose bobbleheads were released as standalone products, Kershaw’s is tied to a broader farewell event, including a pregame ceremony and a moment where he will be introduced by the crowd. The Dodgers have also confirmed that Kershaw will receive a plaque in the Hall of Fame Shop, further cementing his legacy.
How Fans Can Get the Bobblehead and What to Expect at the Game
Fans planning to attend Kershaw’s final home game should arrive early, as the bobblehead is expected to sell out quickly. The Dodgers recommend arriving by 5:30 PM PDT (00:30 UTC) to secure seating and avoid long lines at the Hall of Fame Shop.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Pre-game ceremony: Scheduled for 6:30 PM PDT (01:30 UTC), featuring a video montage of Kershaw’s career highlights.
- Flyover: A Dodger aircraft will fly over the stadium at 6:50 PM PDT (01:50 UTC), displaying a banner with Kershaw’s name and number.
- On-field moment: Kershaw will take the field for the seventh-inning stretch, where he will be introduced by the crowd.
- Post-game press conference: Held at 8:30 PM PDT (03:30 UTC) in the clubhouse, accessible only to media credentialed for the event.
For fans unable to attend, the Dodgers will livestream the pregame ceremony and key moments on MLB.tv and the team’s official YouTube channel.
What’s Next for Kershaw and the Dodgers’ Rotation
With Kershaw’s departure, the Dodgers will need to rely on their remaining starters for the postseason. Walker Buehler (17-5, 2.95 ERA) and Tony Gonsolin (13-7, 3.50 ERA) will lead the rotation, while Julio Urías (12-8, 3.70 ERA) and Dustin May (10-6, 3.80 ERA) will provide depth.
According to team records, the Dodgers’ bullpen has been their most reliable unit this season, with Blake Treinen (3.05 ERA in 51 appearances) and Alex Voth (2.70 ERA in 48 appearances) leading the way. However, the loss of Kershaw’s late-inning stability could impact the team’s ability to close out games in a potential postseason series.
Kershaw’s decision on his future remains uncertain. While reports suggest he is in discussions with the Padres, a free-agent signing with another team—or retirement—cannot be ruled out. The Dodgers have not indicated whether they will pursue a trade for another veteran left-hander to replace him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kershaw’s Bobblehead and Farewell
Can I buy the bobblehead online?
No. The Dodgers have confirmed the bobblehead will only be sold in the Hall of Fame Shop at Dodger Stadium on October 15. There will be no online sales or shipping.
Will Kershaw pitch in his final game?
No. Kershaw has not pitched since September 24 and is not expected to start or relieve in the October 15 game. His final appearance will be as a player in the lineup, likely as a pinch-hitter or designated hitter.
How many bobbleheads will be made?
An unspecified limited quantity. The Dodgers have not released exact numbers, but past bobbleheads (such as Pujols’ in 2022) were capped at around 5,000 units. Fans should expect long lines at the shop.
Will the bobblehead be available after October 15?
Unlikely. While the Dodgers have not explicitly stated the bobblehead will not be sold after the game, past experiences suggest these items are one-day-only releases. Fans should plan to attend if they want a piece of history.
Next Steps: How to Follow Kershaw’s Farewell and the Dodgers’ Playoff Push
The Dodgers will host the Giants on October 15 at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch at 7:10 PM PDT (02:10 UTC). The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX and regionally on Spectrum Sports.
For updates on Kershaw’s post-season plans, follow his official Twitter account and the Dodgers’ team account. The next official press conference will be held after the October 15 game, with further details on Kershaw’s future expected by October 20.
What do you think of Kershaw’s bobblehead tribute? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with @ArchySport.
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