Clayton Kershaw's Legendary Career and Loving Family Revealed

Los Angeles Dodgers' esteemed Major League Baseball pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, cultivated a truly legendary career, commencing with his big-league debut in 2008 and concluding with his announced retirement in 2025.

The recipient of three Cy Young Awards is destined to be remembered as one of the sport's greatest hurlers, with his wife, Ellen, a constant presence by his side throughout his journey. The high school sweethearts initiated their romance in 2003, three years prior to his selection by the Dodgers in the inaugural round of the 2006 MLB Draft. They exchanged vows in 2010 and are now parents to four children, with a fifth bundle of joy on the horizon.

While Clayton stands as the first MLB player within his immediate lineage, he hails from a remarkably accomplished family tree. He is the great-nephew of Clyde Tombaugh, the renowned astronomer credited with discovering Pluto (Tombaugh passed away in 1997, well before Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet). Kershaw’s father, Christopher, a gifted musician, was honored with a Clio award for his memorable commercial jingles.

Continue reading to learn more about Clayton Kershaw’s family.

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Ellen Melson Kershaw

Clayton and Ellen's relationship blossomed when they were freshmen at Highland Park High School in Texas, enduring through their graduation and subsequently navigating a long-distance dynamic as Clayton embarked on his professional baseball career and Ellen pursued her college education.

“I believe we grew closer when she left for college and I began playing professionally,” Clayton shared during an interview with Risen Magazine. “We each explored our own paths somewhat independently. I think that significantly strengthened our relationship today. As for when I knew she was the one? I honestly can't pinpoint it. Perhaps sometime during late high school, or early in college.”

Ellen made certain to be present at the stadium for his Major League debut. She reminisced about that significant occasion in a 2025 video released by the Dodgers, commemorating Clayton’s 3,000th career strikeout.

“I distinctly recall your very first strikeout, and we were absolutely ecstatic, cheering loudly from our usual section … rooting you on,” she recounted.

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Cali

In 2015, Clayton and Ellen celebrated the arrival of their first child, daughter Cali. As Clayton articulated in the Players Tribune in 2019, becoming a father profoundly transformed his life.

“Becoming a dad is the most wonderful experience I’ve ever known,” he stated. “My children have improved my life immeasurably in countless ways.”

Cali has essentially grown up immersed in the Dodgers' environment, with Clayton revealing that she “adores visiting the stadium” because it provides her the opportunity to play with the offspring of other players.

Similar to Ellen, she also conveyed a special message to Clayton when he achieved his 3,000th strikeout.

“Dad, I am so incredibly proud of you … you've been striking people out since before I was even born,” she affectionately told her father. “I am so happy you reached 3,000 strikeouts.”

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Charley

Born in 2015, Charley still has a considerable journey ahead to emulate his dad's Major League success, yet he exhibits clear potential. As Clayton wrote in the Players Tribune, “There is truly nothing in this world he loves more than baseball.”

“There's really no turning back — he bats, he pitches, he runs the bases … baseball is his sole passion,” he remarked. “Charley even recently started watching The Sandlot, and he considers it the greatest film ever.”

Charley and Clayton are frequently seen on the field before games, engaged in a game of catch or with Clayton hitting ground balls for his son to field.

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Cooper

Clayton and Ellen welcomed their son Cooper in 2020.

“We want you all to meet a new member of our team – Cooper Ellis Kershaw joined us last Sunday, and we are incredibly grateful for a healthy baby boy,” Clayton announced via Instagram at the time. “Cali & Charley are the most wonderful big siblings & adore their baby brother immensely.”

Chance

Clayton and Ellen shared the news of their youngest son, Chance's, arrival in 2021 through a post on Clayton’s Instagram account.

“Chance James Kershaw – our #4 arrived yesterday!” he captioned the announcement. “He's perfect, and eagerly anticipates meeting his big sister & two big brothers!”