Kershaw Reflects on Astros' Cheating Impact in 2017 World Series

Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers' ace pitcher, has expressed his lingering frustration over the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal that marred the 2017 World Series. Kershaw's performance that season was stellar, with an impressive ERA of 2.31 and a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, the narrative shifted dramatically when the series moved to Houston, where the Astros exploited their cheating tactics. In Game 5 of the series, Kershaw initially led the Dodgers to a 4-0 advantage, but the Astros quickly turned the tide, scoring six runs against him in just 4.2 innings. Following the Dodgers' loss in Houston, Kershaw candidly shared his discomfort with playing at Minute Maid Park, stating, "I don’t like coming here," and emphasizing his disdain for the Astros' home stadium. His comments reflect a deeper emotional struggle with the implications of the scandal on his career. Kershaw also highlighted the Astros' continued celebration of their 2017 championship, which they won through dishonest means. He admitted that he struggles to cope with the long-term effects of the scandal on his professional life, stating, "It doesn’t make me feel good to talk about it." The cheating not only impacted Kershaw's individual legacy but also shaped the broader narrative surrounding the Dodgers as a team during that postseason. As Kershaw grapples with these feelings, the shadow of the Astros' actions looms large over his career, underscoring the lasting consequences of the scandal on players and teams alike.