Next baseball season, I need to make an effort to watch Clayton Kershaw more often.

[Bleacher Creature]

I watch a ton of baseball, but with a huge East Coast bias. I also root for an AL team (Go Yanks!) and rarely watch an NL game that's not an inter-league matchup.

I obviously know how good Kershaw is and am fully aware of the fact that he's the best pitcher on the planet. But watching him live is very different from checking out his stats the next day. He's just a master out there, and it's incredible to see how he can command the strike zone with his curveball.

I remember when Michael Jordan retired for the first time in 1993. I kicked myself for not appreciating him more, and made a point of watching as many of his games as possible when he came back in '95. I think I may need to do the same with Kershaw.

[Hornedfrog1985]

1. Huge yankee fan

Clayton is a once in a 30 year type pitcher. Glad hes stayed somewhat healthy. Also, if it matters hes an incredible, incredible human. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2013/01/16/los-angeles-dodgers-clayton-kershaw-ellen-kershaw-arise-africa-kershaws-challenge-roberto-clemente-gio-gonzalez-cj-wilson/1839549/

[Docreed2003]

2. Honestly this is the best Kershaw has looked in the playoffs

He’s an amazing regular season pitcher but has had a reputation of crapping the bed in the post season. Glad that he’s turned that around this year!

[Bleacher Creature]

3. That's a big part of the problem for me.

Most of the games I've watched of his were playoff games, when he's looked mortal. I've seen a few of his regular season games, and he's looked great, but I always had the subpar postseason stuff in the back of my mind. I finally "get it" as far as Kershaw is concerned.

[Docreed2003]

5. Oh I agree...Im not slamming his game

The guy is an incredible pitcher...this is just the first year I’ve seen him produce in the post season. I’m happy for him that it’s finally happening and he can somewhat quiet the naysayers!

[Bleacher Creature]

7. I shouldn't have said anything.

I may have jinxed him.

[True Dough]

8. Ha ha!

Yes, after that home run, I thought, "Time to blame Bleacher Creature for the downfall of Clayton Kershaw."

[Docreed2003]

11. Lol...this is totally on you!

[True Dough]

4. It's great to see his mastery

in this year's WS. He has a career playoff ERA of over 4.00, so he generally doesn't shine in the post-season.

Out of curiosity, which pitcher impressed you most prior to watching Kershaw, OP?

[Bleacher Creature]

6. Good question!

All-time, I'd say Randy Johnson and Greg Maddox - who are mirror opposites. Johnson was so physically imposing, and when he was on he just completely overwhelmed the other team. By contrast, Maddox was the least imposing pitcher imaginable, but used his control and intelligence to quietly take over a game. Pedro was also fun to watch, but as a Yankees fan I never let myself appreciate him.

And all that said, Dwight Gooden's 1984 and 1985 seasons may well be the most dominant two-year stretch ever. I do remember watching him then, but I was a bit too young to appreciate it.

[a kennedy]

9. he was not as good tonight as his first game......

good but not good enough.....

[Bleacher Creature]

10. Nope. Not even close. NT