When Clayton Kershaw came out of Friday night’s game after pitching 6 scoreless innings in his last regular season game of 2013, he did so with an MLB-best 1.83 ERA and all but guaranteed himself his second NL Cy Young Award in the last three seasons. He also became the first Dodger to post a sub-2.00 ERA since Sandy Koufax did so in 1966 (1.73), 1964 (1.74) and 1963 (1.88). Kershaw also joined Lefty Grove (1929-31) and Greg Maddux (1993-95) as the only three pitchers in MLB history to lead the majors in ERA in three consecutive seasons. Taking it one step further, Kershaw became the first pitcher to post a sub-2.00 ERA since Roger Clemens in 2005 (1.87) and Pedro Martinez in 2000 (1.74).

These aren’t just great numbers and tremendous accomplishments we’re talking about here – this is history unfolding before our very eyes and Hall of Fame stuff.

And what does Clayton Kershaw have to say about these incredible feats?

“Honestly I try not to think about it,” said the ever humble Kershaw. “No disrespect to the history that it is. I understand that those guys came before me and this organization has got a lot of pride and tradition and I’m not trying to take anything away from that. For me it’s too hard to think about all that stuff and continue to pitch. I just try to enjoy every start I can get and hopefully try not to screw things up too bad.”

Did I mention that Kershaw is ever humble?

In his six innings of work on Friday night, Kershaw allowed no runs on four hits while striking out eight and walking none en route to his 16th win. He also lowered his ERA to an MLB-best 1.83. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Even though Kershaw doesn’t like to talk about his own personal successes and accomplishments, he understands exactly where his team is at and knows exactly what they must do in the coming weeks.

“Nobody remembers second place,” said Kershaw. “Nobody remembers who won the American League or who won the National League, they remember who won the World Series. Getting to the playoffs is nice, it’s definitely a huge accomplishment, but at the end of the day unless you win the whole thing, no one remembers. That’s what you play for every year… that’s what you play for.”

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was one of eight Kershaw strike out victims on Friday night. Helton recently announced that he will retire at the end of the season after an outstanding 17-year career with the Rockies – the only team he has ever played for. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)