The most notable US athletes of 2020: No 8 – Clayton Kershaw, finally a champion

The Los Angeles Dodgers ace had developed a reputation as a postseason choker. He put that to rest as his team claimed the World Series

Clayton Kershaw wasn't the most valuable player in the 2020 World Series. He wasn't involved in its most dramatic moments, and he didn't play in the deciding game. But in years to come when we look back at baseball in 2020, asterisks and all, his will be the name associated with this strangest of seasons.

It's easy to like Kershaw, and most people do. He's humble despite success, he's handsome but not intimidatingly so, and he doesn't trash-talk opponents or wade into politics. He just quietly gets on with being the best pitcher of his generation. But despite 13 years of spectacular numbers and armfuls of awards, a popular narrative had formed that risked overshadowing his stellar career.