ATLANTA, GA — On a night filled with lights at Truist Park, where thousands of fans were waiting for a magical moment from MLB stars, a retiring legend took the spotlight. Not just with a pitch, but with a quote that sent social media into a frenzy.
Clayton Kershaw, 37, a three-time Cy Young winner and a legend with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was invited to the 2025 All-Star Game as a “Legend Pick.” No one expected him to throw fastballs or create highlights like he did in his prime. But then, in just six pitches – he reminded the world why he’s a legend.
Facing Cal Raleigh – the “Big Dumper,” the reigning Home Run Derby champion, and MLB leader with 38 home runs – Kershaw threw a pitch that Raleigh hit at 101.9 MPH… but Kyle Tucker caught it with a sliding catch. Next? Kershaw beat Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in just three pitches. Out of innings.
And then, as he walked to the dugout – he let out a Kershaw-esque line, calm but full of fire:
“Suck it, Big Dumper.”
The line, captured by his body mic, was immediately posted on Twitter by Jomboy Media, where it went viral. Dodgers fans laughed. Mariners fans reacted with a flurry of surprised and admiring emojis. But most of all – the baseball community got to see a different Kershaw: playful, relaxed, and more human than ever.
“We’re used to Kershaw being serious on the mound, but tonight, we saw a real part of his soul,” one fan commented on Reddit. “And I loved it.”
This year’s All-Star Game may have been Kershaw’s final game in a legendary uniform, but that night left him with more than a great pitch: it was a vivid memory, a genuine moment, and a very Kershawian farewell.
In late September, the Dodgers will play the Mariners in a series—and we may see the second part of the “squabble” between Big Dumper and his illustrious senior.
For now, fans just need to relive that moment—the classy strikeout, the laughter on the way back to the dugout, and a legend leaving the field as if he had never… aged.