Clayton Kershaw’s World Series Game 7 reaction shows what Dodgers win really meant

The storybook ending to any professional sports career is the ability to go out with your team on top. Once Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw revealed that he was retiring after this season, that became the goal. Kershaw has been the anchor in the Dodgers' clubhouse since his arrival in 2008, and his journey ended with the Dodgers' World Series Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night.

Now, this Dodgers' playoff run was a very different feel for Kershaw. Of course, struggles in October have become a popular narrative when talking about the 37-year-old's career, but no longer was he the pitcher routinely mentioned as a Cy Young Candidate.

Instead, the Dodgers had to be selective with how they used Kershaw in the playoffs, considering there was a question of whether he would even be on the roster. Nonetheless, Kershaw still managed to have his World Series moment, helping the Dodgers in their wild 18-inning game victory in Game 3. And, in that moment, he turned back the clock and returned to being the stopper for the Dodgers — ending the Blue Jays' bases-loaded threat in the extra innings.

Another moment was created for Kershaw on Saturday, as he was embraced by his family as the Dodgers secured their second World Series title in as many years.

Clayton Kershaw's World Series Game 7 celebration proves how much this meant for Dodgers legend

It doesn't get much better than that. For all the talk there has been about the "Dodgers ruining baseball", they provided one of the most romantic endings to a playing career ever. Let's be honest, it wouldn't have felt right to see Kershaw's final moments in a Dodgers uniform come in a deflating Game 7 loss after LA's offense failed to show up for a majority of the postseason. It's much better that the heroics of Miguel Rojas and Will Smith allowed Kershaw's playing career to conclude on the highest of all notes.

Regardless of how Saturday's game ended, Kershaw was going to be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers of his time. But, in a day and age where players often have no control over the narrative of their farewell, the Dodgers' dramatic comeback in Game 7 set the stage for Kershaw to go out as a World Series champion. And it made his Hall of Fame resume that much more historic in the process.

Farewell, Kersh. You deserve it.