For Yoshinobu Yamamoto, being in the same clubhouse as Clayton Kershaw is not only a career highlight but also a great learning experience.
The Japanese ace feels that being around the Dodgers legend is helping him grow as a player, and Kershaw’s influence goes beyond just the game itself.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Believes Sharing Space With Clayton Kershaw Makes Him a Better Player
Yamamoto shared his admiration for Kershaw, saying, “Baseball-wise, of course, but also his humanity, I admire him very much in every way. He’s an example. Just being in the same space as him, I feel as if I’ll become better at baseball.”
Ivan Chong reacted by saying, “Last summer, Kersh was watching Yamamoto working a bullpen. He stepped in and gave Yamamoto tips on throwing the curve. That pitch immediately improved.”
Last summer, Kersh was watching Yamamoto working a bullpen. He stepped in and gave Yamamoto tips on throwing the curve. That pitch immediately improved.
— Ivan Chong (張建生) (@ichong) March 16, 2025
Another X user said, “Yammy about to return with a knee-buckling 12-6 curve” in video.
Yammy about to return with a knee-buckling 12-6 curve
— Anthony (@Sinbronis) September 10, 2024
In a video, both players are seen together. The comments are wholesome.
“Smart guy, learning from the best!”
“Imagine Yamamoto learning that Kershaw sinker. Wow.”
“Love this. Learn from a master, and even better that a legend is sharing his legacy. Dodgers for life!”
“Kershaw and Yamamoto have very similar curveballs.”
Kershaw’s pitches include a fastball, slider and curveball, all known for their accuracy. His curveball is a signature “12 to 6” pitch because of its steep drop, a staple of his repertoire for years.
Kershaw’s Challenge Has Funded 27 Projects To Uplift At-Risk Children and Families
In 2011, Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen Kershaw, founded a faith-oriented organization called Kershaw’s Challenge to help at-risk children and families. They focus on communities in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia and the Dominican Republic, working on different initiatives and partnerships to make an impact. Kershaw’s Challenge has raised about $23 million in the last 12 years and funded 27 projects around the world.
On “ThePostGame” with David Katz, Clayton said, “At the end of the day when kids are being helped, that’s where Ellen and I find our passion — trying to help kids that can’t help themselves. Baseball means that we get to help people, and it gives me and her a platform to talk about it and get the word out. It just makes baseball a little more meaningful.”
The Kershaws traveled to Zambia, and after their trip, they were inspired to create an orphanage called Hope’s Home in Lusaka. It serves as a refuge for HIV-positive kids, giving them a safe place to grow despite the odds stacked against them.
In their book, “Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself,” the couple shares their perspectives on faith and their commitment to humanitarian causes.
Kershaw Sees the Tokyo Series as a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
In November 2024, Clayton had surgeries on his left toe and knee. The procedures repaired a ruptured plantar plate and bone spurs in his toe, along with a torn meniscus in his knee.
After recovering, Clayton rejoined the Dodgers in February 2025, signing a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, kicking off his 18th season with the team.
He shared his excitement, saying, “Obviously, I’ll be able to get my work in with the team and rehab. But once in a lifetime, I’ve never been to Japan, never gone with the three Japanese superstars that we have. I’m excited to just kind of be a fly on the wall and take it all in.”
He’s been throwing bullpen sessions but is expected to start the season on the 60-day injured list. A return in late May or early June is possible.