Clayton Kershaw Raises $60K for Charity in Showdown With Pat McAfee

The former Dodgers pitcher participated in a charity challenge with the sports personality.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw participated in an on-field challenge with sports personality Pat McAfee, which ultimately raised $61,000 for Kershaw's own charity organization, Kershaw's Challenge. The outcome of each pitch in the simulated inning determined the donation amounts, with Kershaw donating for hits, walks, and contact, while McAfee donated for strikeouts and outs.

Why it matters

This charity event highlights Kershaw's continued commitment to giving back through his organization, Kershaw's Challenge, even after retiring from Major League Baseball. The friendly competition between Kershaw and McAfee also generated significant interest and donations for a good cause.

The details

Kershaw struck out McAfee on three pitches to start the challenge, but McAfee managed to foul tip the second pitch, commanding a $5,000 donation from Kershaw. Kershaw struck out McAfee again in the next at-bat, but McAfee reached base with a single on the following at-bat. McAfee saw one more pitch, popping up a foul ball that Kershaw caught for an out.

  • The charity challenge took place at Team USA's camp ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Clayton Kershaw

A former starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who retired from MLB at the end of the 2025 season, but has joined Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Pat McAfee

A sports personality who participated in the charity challenge against Kershaw.

Kershaw's Challenge

Kershaw's own charitable organization that received the $61,000 raised from the challenge.

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What’s next

Kershaw will look to work his way into a game for Team USA as they have two pool play games remaining in the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Team Mexico and Team Italy.

The takeaway

This charity event showcases Kershaw's continued commitment to giving back through his organization, Kershaw's Challenge, even after retiring from MLB. The friendly competition between Kershaw and McAfee generated significant interest and donations for a good cause.