Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is a devout Protestant Christian who has been highly vocal about his faith throughout his baseball career. He frequently emphasizes that his athletic talent is a gift from God and views his platform as a means of stewardship rather than personal glory.
Key Aspects of Kershaw's Faith
* Personal Commitment: Though raised in a church-going community in Dallas, Texas, Kershaw has shared that his faith did not become truly personal until his high school years. He credits his wife, Ellen, with helping him deepen his relationship with God.
* Scriptural Foundation: One of his favorite Bible passages is Colossians 3:23, which commands believers to work wholeheartedly for the Lord rather than human recognition. At team events, he has highlighted Matthew 22:37-39—the command to love God and love others—as his guiding life verse.
* Kershaw's Challenge: In 2011, Clayton and Ellen founded Kershaw's Challenge, a Christ-centered charity organization. The foundation has raised over $23 million to support vulnerable children and communities in Zambia, the Dominican Republic, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
Recent Public Expressions of Faith
Kershaw continues to be a central figure in Christian outreach within Major League Baseball:
- Dodger Stadium Faith Days: Kershaw remains a primary organizer and speaker for the annual Christian Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium. During these events, he frequently takes the microphone on top of the dugout to share his testimony and lead thousands of fans in prayer.
- Pride Night Silhouette: During the Dodgers' Pride Night events, Kershaw has chosen a proactive approach to express his beliefs. He chose to show what he does support—Jesus—by advocating for the team's Christian Faith Day as the appropriate response. Additionally, he garnered significant public attention by handwriting "GEN 9:12-16" on his team cap, referencing the biblical covenant of the rainbow.
