Clayton Kershaw

Why Clayton Kershaw wept over the trade of a backup catcher

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:03 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

No one took the Dodgers’ surprising trade of backup catcher A.J. Ellis harder than ace Clayton Kershaw.

The two were extremely close on and off the field, with Ellis serving as Kershaw’s preferred catcher for much of his career. The two came up through the minors together and both made their major-league debuts during the 2008 season. But they had to say goodbye on Thursday, and it was emotional.

And then there’s this powerful quote from Ellis in the Los Angeles Times:

Still working his way back from a back injury, Kershaw hasn’t pitched since June 26. And Ellis hadn’t been behind the plate for a Kershaw outing since June 15.

Kershaw wasn’t the only Dodger who was disappointed. Ellis, who is hitting just .194, was a tremendously popular and respected player in the clubhouse and among other members of the rotation. A sampling of the feedback from other Dodgers on the trade:

Couldn't ask for a better teammate or person in general than @AJEllis17. I'm genuinely happy to have had the opportunity to play with him.
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) August 25, 2016

It's rare that a player can wholly embody a club's energy and ideals. Dodgers inside and outside the clubhouse walls will miss @AJEllis17
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) August 25, 2016

Having to say goodbye to a good friend is the one part of baseball that sucks! @AJEllis17 … https://t.co/qNm6ufdMlN pic.twitter.com/TYX3aKGvde
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) August 25, 2016

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Clayton Kershaw

Los Angeles Dodgers

Major League Baseball