Dodgers Zoom: Clayton Kershaw reveals his favorite Giant…err, player growing up

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw may have broken rank when revealing his favorite player growing up.

The Los Angeles Dodgers held their second team Zoom call on Monday night, taking the time to answer various questions and have an all-around good time for fans at home that are missing the game. When the players started discussing their favorite players growing up, Clayton Kershaw may have shocked the fanbase a bit.

Well, at least for a minute.

The Dodgers ace, who went to Highland Park High School in University Park, Texas, grew up a fan of the Texas Rangers. He also grew up playing first base as a kid, something he used to qualify his pick a bit. Still, it came as quite a surprise when he named Will Clark as his favorite player when he was a fan like you and me.

“My favorite player was the Rangers’ Will Clark. Not the Giants’ Will Clark, but the Rangers’ Will Clark.”

Dodgers fans will remember Will Clark as a star for the bitter-rival San Francisco Giants. Clark played eight seasons for the Giants, where he debuted as a rookie in 1986, led the Giants to the 1989 World Series (where they were swept by neighboring Oakland), and was a five-time All-Star in San Francisco. That included a lifetime .311/.381/.490 batting line with 15 home runs and 71 RBI in 133 games against the Dodgers.

However, while Kershaw was a big fan growing up, he was quick to make sure he wasn’t supportive of the Northern California rivals, noting that he followed Clark after he landed with the Rangers. Texas signed Clark as a free agent prior to the strike-shortened 1994 season. He would go on to play five seasons in Arlington, hitting .308/.395/.485 and making his lone All-Star appearance with the club in 1994. He would finish his career with the Orioles and Cardinals before retiring following the 2000 season.

It’s hard to fault Clayton Kershaw for being a fan of a 6-time All-Star, especially since he opted to start following him AFTER he left San Francisco. We don’t have to pull his Dodgers card or revoke his parking permit at this time. Still, if you happen to pass by him on the concourse or at your favorite fast-food place, don’t be afraid to mutter under your breath, “Will Clark…..pfft.”