Magic Johnson Offers Words Of Encouragement For Clayton Kershaw
With the Los Angeles Dodgers being eliminated from the playoffs, there’s been plenty of blame casted on manager Don Mattingly, former general manager Ned Colleti, and Clayton Kershaw.
For a second consecutive postseason, Kershaw was unable to pick up a win against the St. Louis Cardinals and started what wound up being the elimination game. Kershaw’s troubles this year can be tied to the seventh inning, when he allowed the Cardinals to take the lead in Games 1 and 4.
Part-owner Magic Johnson sees Kershaw’s struggles as a growing experience and believes it’s something the Dodger ace can bounce back from:
The future ‘14 NL MVP & CY Young awardee @ClaytonKersh22 should understand that many superstars had to go through adversity before winning!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 14, 2014
Additionally, Johnson said Kershaw will rid himself of the postseason struggles that thus far have haunted him:
Clayton, trust me, you will dominate the playoffs and win the World Series! I'm so happy & proud that you play for the Dodgers organization!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 14, 2014
Despite all of his regular season success over the years, including two Cy-Young Awards in the last two years, and three in the last four years, Kershaw’s postseason struggles have been well-documented.
Since making his Major-League debut in 2008, Kershaw and the Dodgers have reached the postseason four times and Kershaw only holds a 1-5 record and 5.12 ERA; of those losses, four have come at the hands of the Cardinals.
Kershaw’s history of playoff failures has drawn him some comparisons to NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, who needed seven postseason trips before winning his first Super Bowl in 2007.
The Dodgers signed Kershaw to a seven-year extension prior to the 2014 season starting. Kershaw has the option to become a free agent five years into the deal, but the Dodgers undoubtedly hope the 26-year-old stays in Los Angeles and helps lead the team to a World Series.
