Kershaw has never been hit for a hit by Shohei Ohtani in his career — "That's something I can brag about forever."

Clayton Kershaw, the iconic lefty from the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball, showed particular pride in a post-retirement interview on The Dan Patrick Show when talking about his matchups against teammate Shohei Ohtani. He laughed and said, "I've never given up a hit to Shohei Ohtani." After reviewing the detailed stats, he proudly added, "Having once contained one of the greatest players ever — that’s something I can boast about for a lifetime."

Between 2018 and 2023, while Shohei Ohtani played for the Los Angeles Angels, he faced Kershaw 11 times but never managed a hit and struck out 4 times. However, during the 2022 All-Star Game, when they faced off again, Ohtani finally got a hit but was subsequently caught stealing, a moment that became a memorable highlight for fans.

When host Dan Patrick asked if he had ever faced Shohei Ohtani, Kershaw replied with a smile, "Of course, when he was still with the Angels. Hey Dan, go check the stats, take a good look. I've never been hit for a hit by him, and I'll remember that forever. I think he went 10 or 11 at-bats without a hit against me."

When the host showed the specific stats — Ohtani had 11 at-bats with zero hits and 4 strikeouts — Kershaw happily said, "Exactly, it feels amazing. I can say I once suppressed one of the greatest players ever, and that’s something I can brag about for a lifetime."

When asked if anyone had sought his advice on how to pitch to Ohtani, Kershaw revealed, "Some teammates have asked me. Of course, I would never share my secrets with other teams. I think the key is — never throw medium-velocity pitches. Unfortunately, that’s almost all I can throw now." He elaborated, "I’m not sure how I’d fare facing him now. Those sliders and changeups around 80 mph, no matter how precise, I don’t have confidence in them anymore. You either have to throw really fast or really slow; medium speed just doesn’t work anymore."

Kershaw also admitted that during the season he clearly felt his body couldn’t keep up: "Although I still managed decent outings and am grateful to stay healthy all season, sometimes I’d look up and see my fastball at only 87 or 88 mph. My body is healthy, no issues, but I know I can’t keep this up for much longer."

He went on to say, "It’s a speed-driven era now; even throwing 91 or 92 mph might not be enough. If you know how to mix pitches, a starter can just barely manage, but I feel like my fuel tank is empty, and I can’t push through another year. Actually, before the season started, my wife and I sensed this might be my last year. So this last month, I’ve been pitching with the mindset that 'this is all coming to an end.' To finish my career this way feels like a perfect script — truly unbelievable."