Clayton Kershaw Reveals Unexpected Wholesome Move By Dave Roberts That Helped Ease His All-Star Game Nerves

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Clayton Kershaw’s name was called for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, but the veteran pitcher’s first reaction wasn’t excitement. It was worry.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace found himself selected as a “Legend Pick” for the midsummer classic, a designation that left him wondering if he belonged among baseball’s elite. What happened next showed how one simple gesture from L.A. manager Dave Roberts transformed Kershaw’s anxiety into one of his most treasured baseball memories.

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How Did Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Help Clayton Kershaw Overcome His All-Star Doubts?

Clayton Kershaw’s initial response to his All-Star selection revealed the humble nature that has defined his career. The 37-year-old pitcher admitted to hesitations about his selection, worried about being perceived as a “sideshow” or taking a spot from another deserving player.

“My initial response was just, you know, you don’t ever want to take somebody’s spot,” he said.

The “Legend Pick” label felt uncomfortable for Kershaw, but the assurance that he wasn’t displacing anyone eased his concerns. “Once I kind of understood that I wasn’t taking anybody’s spot… it was awesome,” Kershaw reflected.

The turning point came when Roberts, serving as the National League All-Star manager, made a gesture that would transform Kershaw’s entire experience. Roberts invited Kershaw to address the team during a pre-game meeting, giving the veteran pitcher a platform to share his thoughts with baseball’s brightest stars.

“Doc even let me say a couple things during the team meeting, which was awesome,” Kershaw said, noting he’d never volunteer for such a role but valued the chance. “Things that I would never volunteer for, but I also realize that the opportunity is there, and so I don’t want to pass that stuff up.”

This unexpected gesture from his manager helped calm Kershaw’s nerves and made him feel like a true part of the squad rather than an outsider looking in. The confidence boost from Roberts’ invitation helped Kershaw fight off his impostor syndrome and embrace the opportunity, allowing him to give his all during the All-Star festivities.

What Made Kershaw’s All-Star Moment So Memorable?

Kershaw’s All-Star appearance wasn’t without its entertaining moments. Mic’d up for his second-inning stint, he quipped to the TV booth, “I’m going to try and throw some cheese real quick,” and proceeded to make a pitch that Seattle’s Cal Raleigh smashed into a 101.9 MPH line drive.

Fortunately, outfielder Kyle Tucker’s slick glove work saved the day, prompting Kershaw to exclaim, “That was sick!” The lighthearted exchange became one of the highlights for Kershaw during the tournament, with clips of the pitch quickly circulating around the internet.

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The All-Star nod comes during what has been a bittersweet 2025 campaign for Kershaw. He returned from injury to post a 3.38 ERA in 10 starts for the Dodgers, who lead the National League in wins.

However, uncertainty looms over the future. Signed to a one-year contract, Kershaw told the Orange County Register‘s Bill Plunkett, “I don’t know what is going to happen in the future… I’m just trying to enjoy it, be part of a really good team this year.”

The mental toll of recurring injuries weighs heavily on the veteran pitcher. As he admitted, “You wake up and you test it and you move around and you test it to see if it hurts.” With the possibility of retirement on the horizon, Kershaw’s All-Star moment may be one of his final bows on baseball’s biggest stage.

What started as anxiety about belonging transformed into a cherished memory, thanks to Roberts’ understanding of what his veteran pitcher needed most: not just a chance to play, but a chance to lead.

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