Emotional Clayton Kershaw savors long-awaited Dodgers parade - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw approached the podium on a blue, circular stage set up in center field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, after the downtown parade he'd always wanted, with his teammates bowing from behind, and the emotions hit him.

«I'm at a loss for words,» Kershaw, his voice cracking, told a crowd of 42,448 people who showed up to celebrate the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series title. «I didn't have anything to do with this championship, but it feels like I have the best feeling in the world — that I get to celebrate with you guys!»

When the Dodgers last won it all, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from enjoying most of the pageantry presented to Major League Baseball's champions, most notably a parade. Kershaw, who had spent his prolonged career chasing a title, never got to fully enjoy a moment that admittedly lifted a massive burden off his shoulders. When the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night, it gave the franchise its first full-season championship since 1988 and provided its players with an opportunity to celebrate fully.

It probably meant most to Kershaw, even if a foot injury prevented him from helping.

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«I think in 2020 there was like a sense of relief almost,» Kershaw said. «And this one — especially because my role is pretty limited, just to be able to sit back and enjoy it, you know? I think there's just a lot more happiness, honestly. Just so happy to be able to celebrate finally. That parade was for this season, and I feel that this season was unique in its own, and we're gonna celebrate accordingly. But 2020, too — it's a long time coming. We had a long time coming for this parade. So to be able to finally do it — I think the