Retired Kershaw dons the Stars and Stripes, savoring his final moments on the pitcher's mound.

Clayton Kershaw might be retired from the majors, yet he continues to face MLB teams.

The accomplished left-handed pitcher, who earned three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, 11 All-Star nods, and three World Series rings across 18 major league seasons, ended his playing days following the Dodgers' 2025 title. But one item remains on his checklist: winning the World Baseball Classic with Team USA.

Today at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kershaw took the mound in a Team USA exhibition game, a 14–4 rout of the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies surely aren't shedding tears over avoiding him in the regular season anymore.

After Kershaw pitched 0.2 innings, former Rockies outfielder and current broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs, conducting a sideline interview with the future Hall of Famer, voiced what many Rockies players and fans felt.

"On behalf of the entire Rockies organization," Spilborghs said, "we are thrilled we don't have to face you anymore."

The reason is clear: during Spilborghs' tenure with the Rockies from 2005 to 2011, Kershaw was the pitcher he faced most often—managing just 6 hits in 42 plate appearances for a .167 average, with 13 strikeouts. How about the entire Rockies team against Kershaw? In 1279 plate appearances, they posted a .231/.286/.351 slash line with a 25% strikeout rate. Oh, and his only career no-hitter came against them in 2014.

To be fair, many players and teams across the league are glad they no longer have to face Kershaw—at least those not participating in the WBC; players in the tournament might still have to deal with the legendary lefty.

Kershaw's time on the mound is nearing its end, and he is fulfilling another dream.

"This is awesome, man," Kershaw told Spilborghs. "This is one of those bucket-list things, being part of this team... It means a lot, you know? I've wanted to do this for a long time, especially after watching the hockey teams in the Olympics—it feels really special to compete for a gold medal and wear 'USA' on your chest."

While the goal is to win the Classic, Kershaw is also enjoying this experience with his family, giving them another chance to see him pitch. And to take photos.

"Yeah, that's what my wife said: 'I just need you in the uniform, for a picture with our youngest,'" Kershaw said with a laugh. "Getting to take that picture in a Team USA jersey is pretty cool."