Dodgers: Kenley Jansen Thanks LA Fans After Signing With Atlanta
The Dodgers had no idea what they had on their hands when they signed an undrafted catcher out of Curacao. That was way back in 2004 when Kenley Jansen was just 16-years-old. But flash forward almost two decades, and Kenley is one of the all-time greats for Los Angeles.
Love him or hate him, there is no denying the dominance from Kenley. He tallied 350 career saves, almost 200 more than Eric Gagne, who is second on the Dodgers’ all-time list. That dominance lasted for 10 years, with Kenley moving into the closer role during the 2012 season.
But after signing with the Braves last night, Kenley Jansen’s time with the Dodgers has come to an end. The 34-year-old closer took to social media in the hours after the deal was announced to thank the fans of Los Angeles.
Today was a day filled with emotions.
Thank you to the @Dodgers organization and all the fans who bleed blue. Your love (including that tough love) helped make me the man I am today.
I joined the @Dodgers in 2004 when I was a 17 year old kid from ?? Curaçao. pic.twitter.com/3OxPDWrcHa
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) March 19, 2022
Dodgers fans were certainly hard on Kenley across his time in Los Angeles. But he was a victim of his own dominance at times. Kenley set such a high standard for so many years, so when he fell short of that, fans out in Los Angeles let him know.
Dodgers Related: Justin Turner Recruited Freddie Freeman
But he leaves the Dodgers as a World Series Champion, and the all-time saves leader. That record probably won’t be touched anytime soon. Thank you for everything Kenley, and we look forward to seeing you in the 9th inning.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
Dodgers Sign Left-Handed Starter Tyler Anderson to Big League Deal
Huh? This is an odd post. Love him or hate him? What Dodger fan hates him? He’s beloved and a Blue legend. Fans were far more upset with Roberts for continually rolling out a clearly gassed and ailing Jansen, who was always a warrior, than with Jansen. All players take heat from fans for failing, it’s the nature of the beast, closers especially. Heck, even Kershaw has been absolutely lit up for post season failures. Somehow though, I doubt you’d pen “love him or hate him” in regards to Kershaw.