There are certain milestones that demand reverence, but hey, leave it to the internet to toss a generational icon like Clayton Kershaw and a franchise as storied as the Dodgers into a blender of contrarian takes and comment section chaos. Because apparently, even 3,000 strikeouts isn’t enough for a “yeah, but…” crowd.
Finally, Clayton Kershaw has reached the 3000 strikeout mark, and people are happy, well, most of them. With the Los Angeles Dodgers playing the White Sox at Dodger Stadium, everything was set up perfectly for the milestone to be broken, and broken it was. But as the saying goes, you can never satisfy everyone.
The MLB’s X handle just posted the video of the strikeout with the caption, “CLAYTON KERSHAW 3,000 CAREER STRIKEOUTS!” The magnitude of this milestone can be understood from the fact that only 20 pitchers in MLB history have reached it, and Kershaw’s the latest.
On a Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox, history quietly unfolded in the sixth inning, when Kershaw struck out Vinny Capra with a signature slider, earning his 3,000th strikeout. The moment was vintage Kershaw—calm, clinical, and utterly elite under the bright lights. It was fitting that he reached the milestone in a Dodgers jersey, where his legend was born.
CLAYTON KERSHAW
3,000 CAREER STRIKEOUTS! pic.twitter.com/aG2mQcAFKa
— MLB (@MLB) July 3, 2025
Crossing 3,000 strikeouts isn’t just longevity—it’s a badge of sustained dominance and skill. Kershaw is just the third lefty and one of three active players, alongside Verlander and Scherzer, to reach this feat. With a career ERA of 2.48 and 3 Cy Youngs, he’s on a different tier.
Kershaw has recorded a sub-3.00 ERA in 13 different seasons, which is historic. He has also led the NL in ERA five times and once posted a 1.77. His strikeout-to-walk ratio and command have long been among the game’s best. Calling this achievement “Mickey Mouse” is like mocking a Mona Lisa for the frame. But what’s baseball in 2025 without a few hot takes anyway?
Clayton Kershaw didn’t just join an elite club—he built the VIP lounge inside it. Discrediting his milestone says more about the critic than the pitcher. In a world where careers are shorter and opinions louder, Kershaw’s greatness remains wonderfully old-school.
Clayton Kershaw was celebrating his moment, but the internet chimed in
In the age of social media, even greatness isn’t safe from a punchline. Or so it seems. Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ long-reigning ace, was soaking in a once-in-a-generation achievement—until the internet chimed in with its unfiltered reviews, questioning a legacy written in strikeouts and sustained brilliance.
“Balls outside. Mickey Mouse 3000,” wrote a fan. Now, it’s a swing-and-miss take of epic proportions. Kershaw has 15 seasons with over 150 strikeouts and fewer than 50 walks—a command king. That pitch painted the edge like a masterpiece, not some lucky missed-call fluke. When you’re the only pitcher ever with a sub-3.00 ERA across 2500+ innings, respect follows.
Balls outside. Mickey Mouse 3000
— Matt McGannon (@mattmcgan3) July 3, 2025
“Against the White Sox ,” read another comment. This might be the coldest take on a red-hot milestone. Only 20 pitchers in 121 years have touched 3,000 strikeouts—Kershaw is the 20th name carved. The White Sox being poor doesn’t dilute 18 seasons of dominance and a 2.48 ERA. When you’re one of three active players in that club, the opponent is just trivia.
“Took him 6 innings, 9 hits, and 4 runs to get it against the worst lineup in baseball. Congrats, tho goat,” a netizen chimed in. It’s peak box-score scouting with a sprinkle of sarcasm. Kershaw still became the fastest lefty ever to reach 3,000 strikeouts by innings pitched. One rough start doesn’t erase over 2,900 innings of generational dominance and precision.
“Greatest pitcher of our generation,” wrote another fan. Now, that’s a well-earned acknowledgment. Kershaw owns the lowest WHIP (1.00) among starters in the live-ball era with 2,500+ innings. He has also posted a sub-1.00 WHIP in six different seasons—that’s pure command and dominance. Add three Cy Youngs, an MVP, and a no-hitter, and the crown fits perfectly.
“As if Kershaw didn’t have enough in his resume to prove he’s Hall of Fame worthy. What a legend!” one more X user commented, summing it up perfectly. Kershaw is the only pitcher ever with 3 Cy Youngs, an MVP, and a sub-2.50 ERA. Add 10 All-Star selections and five ERA titles, and the résumé writes itself in gold. With over 210 career wins and counting, Cooperstown isn’t a question—it’s a date.
“He’s in elite company. Welcome to the exclusive club, and joining Gibson and Johnson,” one fan wrote. Now, that is a fact only. Kershaw is just the third pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts with one franchise. The others? Bob Gibson with the Cardinals and Walter Johnson with the Senators—true baseball royalty. With over 74 WAR and 2200+ Ks at Dodger Stadium, his greatness is rooted in one uniform.
So while X debated pitch placement and opponent quality, the record books quietly updated themselves. Clayton Kershaw didn’t just reach a number—he added another chapter to a résumé written in boldface. Some can nitpick the White Sox and quibble over corners, but 3,000 strikeouts is still 3,000 strikeouts. And if that’s “Mickey Mouse,” then Disneyland just welcomed a Cy Young-winning king.
The post Clayton Kershaw’s 3000 Strikeout Milestone Divides MLB Fans With Unexpected Debate: “Mickey Mouse 3000” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
