Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw served as the on-field analyst for NBC’s broadcast of Game 1 of the San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Wild Card Series, and Padres fans praised him.
Kershaw shines on the mic
Kershaw tormented the Padres on the field, and as a key veteran in the current era of the Dodgers-Padres rivalry, San Diego fans questioned his appearance on the broadcast of a Padres postseason game.
The Padres ran through the Cubs, winning 8-0 as the San Diego bats got going and had a home run party.
Kershaw touted Fernando Tatis Jr.’s offensive turnaround and praised Michael King and Joe Musgrove as San Diego’s two standout pitchers.
Despite his status as a Dodger, Kershaw was really balanced on the call, offering insights into the mechanics of Padres hitters and pitchers.
As someone who pitched as recently as last year, Kershaw offers modern commentary that aligns with how the game is played today, rather than from former players who are quite removed from it.
However, with his quality insights as a pitching mind and his unique vantage point in the crowd, right behind home plate, Kershaw earned praise from a fanbase that seemed reluctant to give it.
Padres fans give Kershaw his flowers
“I hate to say it, but Kershaw is the analyst that the networks think Smoltz is,” The Positive Padre said on X.
“I know people don’t want to hear it but Kershaw has been very good in the broadcast tonight,” Al Scott added.
“He really has, unbiased and providing good insight. He was always a good guy so I’m not surprised, just couldn’t root for him because of his team,” another Padres fan said.
“Admittedly, he was good! Honesty neutrality, and some good insight,” Change the Padres wrote on X.
“I honestly thought Kershaw was fantastic as a broadcaster. He was fun to listen to and brought knowledge that I have not heard before,” @sandiegosports said on X.
“Honestly, I liked him in the broadcast. Was skeptical at first, ya know, being a Padres fan. He kept it well balanced and was fun to listen to. Wouldn’t mind him in the future,” another said.
It is really hard to get any sort of positive comments from Padres fans as a Dodger, making Kershaw already on route to a legendary broadcast career given his impressive start.
