Clayton Kershaw’s journey as an American baseball pitcher has been nothing short of legendary, from dominating the baseball field to captivating hearts worldwide.
Renowned for his exceptional talent and hailed as a Hall of Fame player, Clayton’s prowess on the mound has left fans in awe.
Yet, amidst the accolades and fame lies a hidden gem – a beautiful love story that few are privy to.
Clayton Kershaw and Ellen Melson met when they were freshmen at Highland Park High School in University Park, Texas (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
A story that defies the odds, proving that not everyone gets to marry their high school sweetheart, but for Clayton, love found its way and blossomed both on and off the field.
Let’s step beyond the pitcher’s mound and into the personal life of Clayton Kershaw and shed light on the heartwarming tale of how he met his wife, Ellen Kershaw.
Clayton Kershaw: The Legend of the Dodgers’ Pitching Phenom
Standing tall at 6 feet and 4 inches (193 cm), Clayton Edward Kershaw, born in Dallas, Texas, on March 19, 1988, is a legendary American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB).
The average height for adult American males is around 5 feet 9 inches (about 1.75 meters). Clayton Kershaw’s height is 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches), making him significantly taller than the average. He stands about 7 inches (18 centimeters) taller than the average American male.
Clayton Kershaw, the legendary professional baseball pitcher, stands an impressive 6’4″ tall (Credit: Photo Works / Shutterstock)
Raised by his mother after his parents’ divorce, Clayton displayed his talent early, excelling in youth sports leagues and standing out as an elite high school prospect.
After an impressive high school career and a perfect game, Clayton was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers as the seventh overall pick in the 2006 MLB draft, letting a college scholarship go to join the team with a record-breaking bonus.
Since his debut in 2008, Clayton has remained a force to be reckoned with, earning numerous accolades, including ten All-Star selections, three NL Cy Young Awards, and the 2014 NL Most Valuable Player title.
Clayton Kershaw, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, has been hailed as one of the greatest pitchers of all time (Credit: Photo Works / Shutterstock)
Throughout his illustrious 16-season career, Clayton has been hailed as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, boasting impressive career statistics, including the lowest ERA and WHIP among starters in the live-ball era.
His dominance on the mound and comparisons to Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax have solidified his reputation as the best pitcher in baseball.
Clayton Kershaw and Ellen Melson’s Love Story
The love story of Clayton Kershaw and Ellen Melson began in their high school days at Highland Park High School in University Park, Texas.
They met when they were freshmen, and Ellen recalled Clayton as “the class clown” during a phone interview at The Dan Patrick Show in June 2016.
Ellen shared, “He was the class clown. He was much shorter than he is now. A little chubbier… actually a lot chubbier. He was quiet. Kind of the class clown. Had tons of good friends. It was fun meeting him when he was 13 years old.”
Clayton asked Ellen out in the hallway, and she gladly accepted. Their relationship started as a friendship, and over time, they became best friends before their love grew deeper.
They started dating at 16, and the young couple’s bond remained strong even apart. Clayton pursued his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Ellen attended Texas A&M University.
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After seven years of dating, they took the next step and married on December 4, 2010, at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. Their wedding was Dodger-themed, reflecting Clayton’s affiliation with the team.
Following the wedding, they enjoyed their honeymoon in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, celebrating their new chapter together.
Since then, they have been happily married for over a decade, cherishing their relationship and raising a beautiful family.
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw have been married since 2010, and they have four children together: Cali Ann (born 2015), Charley Clayton (born 2016), Cooper Elis (born 2019), and Wynn (born 2021) (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Clayton and Ellen have been blessed with four wonderful children. Their eldest daughter, Cali Ann, was born on January 3, 2015.
After Cali Ann’s arrival, the couple joyfully welcomed three sons into their loving home: Charlie Clayton on November 19, 2016; Copper Elis on January 16, 2020; and their youngest son, Chance James, on December 3, 2021.
The Kershaw family resides in Studio City, California, during the baseball season and returns to University Park, Texas, during the offseason.
What Ellen Kershaw Says About Clayton’s Baseball Career
Ellen Kershaw, born on November 9, 1987, has been a constant source of support for her family, standing by Clayton’s side as he excels in his baseball career.
Clayton Kershaw with wife Ellen Kershaw at The 4th Annual LA Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in Los Angeles, California on June 12, 2018 (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
When asked what it’s like to watch him pitch, Ellen revealed in the same interview on The Dan Patrick Show that “it used to be absolutely nerve-wracking” for her and that she “couldn’t handle it.”
However, she has learned to enjoy the experience over time, stating, “But a couple years into it, I just had to give it up and realize he’s going to do what he does best. It has to be fun for me to watch it. I know this chapter is going to be so short and fleeting that we just need to enjoy it and not live and breathe every pitch or strikeout. It’s become way more enjoyable, especially now that we have a daughter that is keeping us very distracted during games.”
Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen Kershaw making a date night out of The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s 3rd Annual Blue Diamond Gala held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on June 8, 2017 (Credit: INSTARimages)
Whether Clayton can talk about the game when he comes home, Ellen shared, “Yeah, he’s really good. He leaves it at the field. He can talk about it and I can ask him questions and if he’s had a rough day we can debrief about it.”
She added, “He’s not someone who carries the emotion back with him where he’s just going to be in a bad mood the rest of the day or next couple days. So I’m really thankful for that.”
Ellen Kershaw and Clayton Kershaw’s Christian Faith
Ellen Kershaw and Clayton Kershaw share a strong Methodist Christian faith.
In an interview with Beliefnet Entertainment, Clayton said, “It is good to know the Lord gives us a lifetime to work out our identities and sort out who we are in Christ. His calling for our lives will undoubtedly compete with daily struggles of temptation to take an easier path. The battle to maintain a Christ-centered identity is the most worthy fight we will face.”
Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen Kershaw share a strong Methodist Christian faith (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
The couple was inspired by a trip to Africa to co-author the 2012 book “Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself,” which explores their journey and the message of serving others.
On why they wrote the book, Clayton said, “We thought that we had a message that could help people our age and older, just try to make a difference. We didn’t think our lives were that interesting or worth reading about. But I think the message (serving others) seen throughout the book can help people, including Ellen and I.”
The Kershaw Couple’s Involvement In Humanitarian Work
Not only are the couple admired for Clayton’s remarkable skills on the field, but their joint passion for philanthropy and humanitarian work has also captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw both share a passion for philanthropy and humanitarian work (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Ellen, a dedicated wife and philanthropist, shares Clayton’s desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her unwavering devotion to her Christian faith and love for family serve as the driving force behind her impactful work.
Meanwhile, Clayton’s off-field contributions have earned him prestigious honors, like the Roberto Clemente Award and the Branch Rickey Award, acknowledging his profound humanitarian efforts.
Hope’s Home: Empowering Children With Love
The heartwarming journey of Clayton and Ellen Kershaw’s philanthropic work began with a little girl named Hope, whose touching story inspired them to make a difference in their community.
During a mission trip to Zambia organized by Arise Africa, Clayton and Ellen met Hope, a nine-year-old orphan who had been affected by the HIV epidemic her entire life and was struggling to survive on the streets.
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Witnessing Hope’s hardships, the couple was deeply moved and knew they needed to help. They sponsored her through a ministry organization, ensuring she received school fees, a daily nutritious meal, and a discipleship program.
But their compassion didn’t stop there. Inspired by their encounter with Hope, Clayton announced his dream of building an orphanage in Lusaka, and thus, the seeds of Hope’s Home were sown.
Hope’s Home served as a sanctuary of love, care, and support for children like Hope, who have faced unimaginable challenges at such tender ages.
The Kershaw’s Challenge: One Act of Kindness at a Time
Driven by their shared desire to make a positive impact, Clayton and Ellen co-founded Kershaw’s Challenge, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower individuals to create lasting change in their communities.
Through this endeavor, they aim to serve vulnerable and at-risk children in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. Their vision for Kershaw’s Challenge is to encourage people to use their unique passions and talents to uplift the lives of others in need.
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The organization’s commitment to making a difference goes beyond providing financial support. It’s about creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.
With the love and support of the community, Kershaw’s Challenge has blossomed into a powerful force for good, raising funds and awareness for various humanitarian projects.
Ping Pong 4 Purpose: Playing for a Greater Cause
Beyond the orphanage, Clayton and Ellen’s dedication to making a difference extend to the annual event “Ping Pong 4 Purpose.”
This event holds a special place in the hearts of the Kershaws as it is a fun and engaging way to raise funds and awareness for their foundation. VIP guests, Dodger players, and local athletes come together, demonstrating the power of community engagement and collective action.
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in their matching athletic gear for the 10th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on July 28, 2023 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
It features a thrilling celebrity ping pong tournament, engaging interviews, social games, and a high-end silent auction, all orchestrated to benefit the greater cause.
Moreover, it is an opportunity to honor and celebrate those who have contributed significantly to the organization, like Kershaw’s Challenge Impact Award.
Clayton Kershaw: Inspirational Quotes from the Legendary Baseball Pitcher
“When you’re a kid, you just hope you make it to the big leagues. So to get to go say you’re going to play in the World Series, it’s an incredibly special moment. Up there with getting married and having kids, it’s right up there with one of the best days of my life.” – Clayton Kershaw
“God gave me an ability to throw a baseball. He chose me for a reason, and I want to honor Him with that.” – Clayton Kershaw
“There’s a lot of times that you got to put yourself out there to fail, you can’t be afraid to fail.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I think first and foremost when you look at every other religion all over the world – its works based – you have to earn your way to the Kingdom. With Jesus, it’s so different because we didn’t do anything to deserve Him. He literally died for us and saved us! There’s nothing else like that in the world. There is no other God like that!” – Clayton Kershaw
“You are not supposed to convert anybody, that’s God’s job. But at the same time, you can be His disciple and live for Him and when people ask you why are you living for Him, you can show them why and profess your faith.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’ve kind of found out that when I do get into trouble, that when I do have people on base, sometimes the best thing is to throw a little bit more off-speed, back off a little bit.” – Clayton Kershaw
“If I can make a kid smile playing baseball, that’s pretty awesome.” – Clayton Kershaw
“It’s always great to do something to impact kids in sports.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I think more than anything, just putting in perspective what this baseball thing means and understanding that it is a gift and I didn’t do anything to deserve that and realizing that if we continue to look to God to guide our path, you never know what could happen.” – Clayton Kershaw
“It’s just Lord be with me… Winning and losing isn’t the most important thing. He’s not worried about the outcome of the game. He’s worried about how I reflect Him and how I’m pitching… I think every time you pitch and every time you go on the mound you have to understand that it’s for Him.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t think I’m going to ever be the guy that gives soundbite after soundbite. If somebody has a question, I’ll answer it. But if they don’t, I don’t have anything to say, really.” – Clayton Kershaw
“There’s a responsibility to the coaches, to the organization, to the front office, to the owners, to everybody who believes in you enough to give you what you’ve gotten, to the fans that show up every day and pay to watch you play – all those things combined. It’s not fair to take a day off.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Baseball is so hard as it is. For me, if you simplify it, it takes a little bit of the weight off, rather than trying to figure out all these other things. It’s just peace of mind.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Baseball is going to end some day. I realize that as soon as you retire you know, people forget about you in this game fast! There’s the next young guy coming up that’s always better than you. So, for me, it’s just about using baseball as a platform to do a lot of things.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Who knows how many times I’m going to get to go to the World Series? I know more than anybody how hard it is to get there.” – Clayton Kershaw
“My goal is to win just for the teammates and the guys in our room.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I love L.A. I love being out here.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’m not a big thinker. The less thinking the better.” – Clayton Kershaw
“You can’t control the talents He gives you, no doubt about that. But you can control the effort you put forth with those talents.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Just try to live in the moment as much as you can each pitch, not worry about what happened after the past has happened.” – Clayton Kershaw
“They say baseball’s a game of failure. Well, that’s only true on the offensive side.” – Clayton Kershaw
“As competitors, winning is what drives you.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Any time first time out, you just want to make sure you can get hitters out again.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’m not trying to strike everybody out.” – Clayton Kershaw
“It’s amazing to see where baseball can take you.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I started really believing and understanding what it meant to be a follower of Jesus when I was probably in high school sometime. From there, just trying to draw on my faith since then.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I was given a gift to throw a baseball. I didn’t do anything to deserve that.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Baseball is so performance-based. It’s what have you done for me lately. I can get a lot of pressure and you can feel that, but if your life is given to God and you’re into Jesus there’s really no pressure because at the end of the day your life is in His control and you surrender to that.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I get paid a bunch of money to do this, and so there’s a responsibility to my teammates, every single day, to show up and be the absolute best you can be.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t care how you get the outs. It doesn’t matter to me how bad it looks, how good it looks, how many strikeouts you have. None of that stuff matters as long as you get the outs.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I hate watching myself on video. I don’t ever do it. I’m just too hard on myself, and I always go away feeling like, Wow, I’ve got a ton to work on.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Saying you’re a Christian shouldn’t turn people off. You should love people well and that’s Jesus’ first commandment!” – Clayton Kershaw
“Winning the World Series is really all that we play this game for.” – Clayton Kershaw
“There’s a lot of variables you can’t control in trying to win a game, but at the end of the day it does mean something to win a game in the big leagues and be on the mound.” – Clayton Kershaw
“If I don’t go 200 innings, it’s been a tough year.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Regardless of winning the Cy Young, I have one goal that never changes, and that’s to win every start.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Sandy Koufax is a great teacher. He just talks about competitiveness and being aggressive – about stride length, power, how to spin the breaking ball. The way he explains pitching is simple, which is something you don’t see a lot.” – Clayton Kershaw
“No matter how long you play this game, you struggle and your confidence will go here and there at times.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t really watch video of myself. Yeah, I don’t really – I never really have.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I grew up a Dodger and got drafted by the Dodgers.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Getting to say you’re going to the World Series is a pretty special thing.” – Clayton Kershaw
“The playoffs is ‑ I think I took it for granted a little bit. My first two years I kind of just thought that always happened, I guess.” – Clayton Kershaw
“You can’t compare regular season to postseason.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I firmly believe that you are supposed to love everybody. That is God’s one boldest commandment.” – Clayton Kershaw
“The more you try to grip control of your life, the more God’s gonna untangle that from you. He’s going to make things go where you have to rely on Him.” – Clayton Kershaw
“When you win the Cy Young, it’s like, well, you’re a baseball player, that’s what you’re supposed to do. When you win the Clemente Award, you don’t do it to get recognized for your work, but it means so much more than baseball.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I know I didn’t deserve this, but God has given me this baseball ability. So I’ve got to do whatever I can to honor him.” – Clayton Kershaw
“As a pitcher, you’re supposed to succeed, and you’re not supposed to give up a hit.” – Clayton Kershaw
“My changeup needs to be better. Until I feel comfortable throwing that pitch – or any pitch – in any count, I’ve got stuff to work on.” – Clayton Kershaw
“On a day I start, I have a turkey sandwich for lunch. I don’t consider it a ritual, but I’m anxious on those days.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I watch all the pitchers I admire. I love watching Cliff Lee. It looks easy for him when he’s on the mound; he’s almost like an artist. He knows exactly how to get guys out.” – Clayton Kershaw
“If we have a good day and we win, I’ll celebrate and enjoy it. If I have a bad day and I lose, I’ll be disappointed and then come back the next day and think about the next team.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Yeah, my faith is very important to me.” – Clayton Kershaw
“When the butterflies in my stomach, when those leave, then I know it’s probably time to retire.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Anytime a pitcher hasn’t faced a hitter, I feel the pitcher has the advantage. The more times the hitter sees somebody, the more the advantage goes to the hitter.” – Clayton Kershaw
“The goal is always a complete game.” – Clayton Kershaw
“We don’t own anything that we have. It is all a gift from God, and we are just trying to be good stewards of what He gives us.” – Clayton Kershaw
“If you’re playing baseball, why are you playing baseball? Is it to have success on the field and be a Hall-of-Famer or whatever it is? Sure, that’s everyone’s goal. But then what? For me, it’s about the legacy you leave off the field.” – Clayton Kershaw
“You play baseball. You play a lot of games. You win a lot of stuff. You win a World Series. But if that’s all you’ve done, what have you got to show for it?” – Clayton Kershaw
“Ultimately, baseball is just a game. It’s not so much how you play, but how you represent him why you’re playing.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Hitting’s the hardest thing to do in sports.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’m a big Taylor Swift fan. I really like her song ‘Mean.'” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’ve been fortunate my whole career because I’ve had great guys to learn from.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Bases loaded and nobody out is a pretty impossible situation.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Your career goes fast, just a blink of an eye and you’re an ex-baseball player, longer than you are a baseball player. I try not to think about it too much, but it seems like it does go fast.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Yeah, strikeouts just kind of happen. It’s not something I’m trying to do, I’m just trying to get outs as fast as possible.” – Clayton Kershaw
“People make a big deal about celebrations and what’s appropriate and what’s not. But just talking with some veteran guys, I think anytime you get a chance to celebrate with your team, regardless if it’s winning the division or winning a series, whatever it is, you take advantage of that.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t know, I think everybody deals with nerves and adrenaline a little bit differently.” – Clayton Kershaw
“When you’re out there in the heat of the moment and you’re pitching, and it’s a big situation, you’re saying ‘Don’t throw a ball, don’t give up a hit, don’t walk this guy.’ But the harder you want to control something, the more it gets out of your control.” – Clayton Kershaw
“It’s just amazing the providence God had in my life. God was there the whole time, I just didn’t bother to look.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’ve always kind of had a deal with my wife where, in the off-season, I’m kind of clean-shaven, and during the season just kind of let it go.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’m a good hitter for a pitcher.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I learned the slider out of desperation.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Watching guys win the World Series looks like a lot of fun. I’d kind of like to do that.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Cali was a name I’ve always loved.” – Clayton Kershaw
“You never want to be in a defensive mode or have a defensive mindset. You always want to know that you’re in control as the pitcher, you make him get hits, you’re never passive, always aggressive. If I get beat, I want it to be because I got rocked, got hit hard, never because I walked a couple of guys and before you know it.” – Clayton Kershaw
“At the end of the day, that’s why I play the game, to glorify Him in everything I do and to compete for Him.” – Clayton Kershaw
“The Steph Currys, the Jordan Spieths, those guys are exciting to watch.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Whatever God has given us, we are just the vessel for it.” – Clayton Kershaw
“You can’t have your bullpen throwing three or four innings every night. Just not fair to them.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Baseball could end tomorrow but you’re just understanding that God is in control of it and we are not.” – Clayton Kershaw
“All I really try to do is whatever hitter gets in there, I just try to get him out in as few pitches as possible.” – Clayton Kershaw
“The way I look at it, 29 teams fail every year and one team succeeds.” – Clayton Kershaw
“A line drive to the warning track on one pitch, I’ll take that over a strikeout any day.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Baseball is just a game, obviously, but it means a lot to a lot of different people.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I love baseball. I have a huge passion to play the game.” – Clayton Kershaw
“It’s an uncomfortable thing to talk about myself, in general.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t know if money is something to really celebrate.” – Clayton Kershaw
“What a blessing it is to throw a baseball for a living!” – Clayton Kershaw
“Jesus is the only true way to Heaven.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t really judge myself, I guess. I don’t really judge other players.” – Clayton Kershaw
“All the individual stuff is great, but I just want to win a World Series.” – Clayton Kershaw
“You can make a lot of cases that you can take the win stat out of the game and you can still figure out who the good pitchers are, and I agree with that to some extent. But there’s something about your win-loss record, there’s something about having wins by your name that means something. Regardless of how important that is.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I take a little pride in my diaper-changing, actually.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Everyone talks about how hard it is to have a kid, and that scares you into waiting.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’m a big sports fan even outside of baseball. I love watching guys that are supposed to be great, and are great, live up to the expectations. So I really appreciate consistency.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I’ve failed my fair share of times, no doubt.” – Clayton Kershaw
“I don’t turn off being a dad. It supersedes being a baseball player.” – Clayton Kershaw
“Things change. Routines change. Things have to change. But change doesn’t mean less. It just means different.” – Clayton Kershaw