As he’s done for most of the last two decades, Clayton Kershaw appeared at Dodger Stadium for Opening Day on Thursday.
But this time around, the Los Angeles legend had a bit of a different attire on.
The three-time Cy Young winner showed up to Chavez Ravine in a suit instead of a playing uniform, as he’s transitioned into television since retiring from baseball at the conclusion of last season.
Kershaw will help broadcast the game later Thursday for NBC with Bob Costas.
Before he officially threw on the headset, though, the 38-year-old roamed the field and bumped into some familiar faces.
He had a lengthy chat with Dodgers exec Lon Rosen, and then he found pitching coach Mark Prior.
He was later seen having a talk with his old manager, Dave Roberts.
Kershaw sported a light gray jacket with matching pants, a white shirt and tan shoes for the occasion. It appears a blue tie will accompany the ‘fit later, as he had the adornment wrapped up in his hand while he soaked in the pregame atmosphere.
Thursday marks the first time since 2008 that Kershaw will not be a part of the Dodgers’ big-league roster.
In his 18 years with the team, he piled up one of the most decorated pitching resumes the sport’s ever seen, which included a 223-96 record, a 2.53 ERA and 3,052 strikeouts.
The Dodgers will certainly miss his presence on the bump this year — though the guy they’ve got slated to throw against the Diamondbacks in the season opener, Cy Young favorite Yoshinobu Yamamoto, sure will help make the transition easier.
