Sandy Koufax Presents NL MVP, Cy Young Awards To Clayton Kershaw

It’s been over two months since Clayton Kershaw won the first MVP and third Cy Young Award of his career, but it wasn’t until Saturday that the Los Angeles Dodgers ace formally received his hardware.

Kershaw, along with other award winners were in attendance at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner in New York City. As has been the case in the past, former Dodger Sandy Koufax presented Kershaw with his awards.

Koufax, who won three Cy Youngs and one MVP Award in his career, received a standing ovation when he took the stage, according to MLB’s Public Relations Twitter account:

Standing O for the legendary Sandy Koufax, at @officialBBWAA dinner to present NL Cy Young & MVP Awards to Kershaw. pic.twitter.com/M5LsEpR54V

— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) January 25, 2015

The bond Koufax and Kershaw share is well-documented, and the legend again spoke highly of his understudy:

Koufax on Kershaw: "His teammates expect to win because of him, and they want to win for him."

— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) January 25, 2015

One day removed from becoming a father for the first time as he and his wife welcomed Cali Ann Kershaw to the world, the Dodger ace looked spry during his acceptance speech:

A day after the birth of his 1st child, NL MVP & Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw. @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/7dedu9fQM7

— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) January 25, 2015

Kershaw’s 2014 season was one for the record books as he led the Majors in wins, winning percentage, complete games, WHIP, ERA and ERA+, among other statistics. His ERA title was a fourth-consecutive, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat.

While Kershaw was unmatched during the regular season, he was unable to break free of the notion he’s incapable of performing well in the postseason. While it was another October filled with frustration for Kershaw, Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt believes it will motivate Kershaw to continue improving.