In a rare clash of future Hall of Fame pitchers, Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer faced off as rookies in 2008, providing a glimpse into their remarkable careers that would unfold over the next 15 years.
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- Best for fans who want everyday sports depth without paying for a full live-TV bundle
- Stream thousands of live events including college sports, NHL, soccer, golf, tennis, and UFC content.
- Offers the strongest mix of college sports and ESPN-exclusive coverage at a lower price than cable-style services.
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- Combines live sports and add-on channels in one flexible app
- Offers exclusive U.S. rights to major events like TNF and NBA
- Stands out with a more premium, tech-driven streaming experience
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- Best cable replacement for sports fans who want to pick and choose live games, local channels, and full sports-network access.
- The only service here that feels like a complete live-TV sports hub, not just a standalone streaming app.
Flashes of Greatness, Glimpses of Struggle
On September 7, 2008, at Dodger Stadium, a highly anticipated matchup between veteran pitchers Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux was unexpectedly replaced by a showdown between two rookies: Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Max Scherzer of the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was a rare occurrence for two eventual Hall of Fame pitchers to face each other as rookies, with the last instance dating back to 1890 when Cy Young and Kid Nichols squared off. ‘The way Greg watched games was impressive,’ Kershaw said. ‘It was fun to sit next to him in the dugout, and just kind of see it happen. That’s why I still like to watch the game from the dugout, feel things happening, see things happening, and over time you can almost start to predict stuff. Greg was really good at that.’ “Doug Haller” While Kershaw struggled with command in his rookie season, relying heavily on his fastball and curveball, Scherzer showcased an electric 97-mph fastball and a competitive swagger from the outset.
Mentors and Milestones
In that fateful game, Kershaw lasted only four innings, allowing three runs on three hits while striking out four. Scherzer, on the other hand, had a better outing, pitching five innings, giving up three runs on three hits, and striking out 11 with 21 swings and misses. While the young pitchers showcased their potential, the veterans they replaced were chasing their own milestones. Maddux, in his final season, served as a mentor to the young Kershaw, imparting wisdom and helping him understand the nuances of pitching. Johnson, chasing his 300th career win, was trying to prove he could still pitch effectively despite his age and injuries.
Twilight of Titans
Over 15 years later, Kershaw and Scherzer find themselves as aging pitchers on one-year contracts, trying to help their respective teams win a championship. They have remarkably similar careers, with multiple Cy Young Awards, over 200 wins each, and 3,000+ strikeouts. Both are World Series champions and spent half a season as teammates in 2021. Despite their accomplishments, Kershaw and Scherzer remain focused on the present, driven to compete and win rather than dwell on personal accolades or potential Hall of Fame inductions.
The Pursuit Never Ends
As they enter the twilight of their careers, Kershaw and Scherzer continue to defy the odds and push the boundaries of what is possible for aging pitchers. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering competitive spirit have defined their careers, and they show no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s chasing another championship or simply savoring the moments on the mound, these two titans of the game continue to inspire and captivate fans with their unwavering dedication to the sport they love.
Where to Stream MLB Now
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- Best for fans who want everyday sports depth without paying for a full live-TV bundle
- Stream thousands of live events including college sports, NHL, soccer, golf, tennis, and UFC content.
- Offers the strongest mix of college sports and ESPN-exclusive coverage at a lower price than cable-style services.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
- Combines live sports and add-on channels in one flexible app
- Offers exclusive U.S. rights to major events like TNF and NBA
- Stands out with a more premium, tech-driven streaming experience
FUBO
FUBO
- Watch NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer, golf, NASCAR, and more across major live channels.
- Best cable replacement for sports fans who want to pick and choose live games, local channels, and full sports-network access.
- The only service here that feels like a complete live-TV sports hub, not just a standalone streaming app.
