Clayton Kershaw is one of the most celebrated pitchers in Major League Baseball. A left-handed ace for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has built a legacy of excellence over nearly two decades on the mound
And behind this legendary athlete stands his wife, Ellen Melson, not only his lifelong partner but also a devoted mother and a passionate philanthropist.
In this article, you’ll discover about Clayton and Ellen’s love story, family life, and charitable impact.
We’ll shed light on their journey from high school sweethearts to parents of four with a fifth child on the way.
Also Read: Clayton Kershaw Gets Real About the Challenges of Returning to Minute Maid Park
Table of Contents
Clayton Kershaw’s Wife Ellen Melson
High School Sweethearts With a Lasting Love
Clayton Kershaw and Ellen Melson first crossed paths in the hallways of Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas, as freshmen.
Their connection grew naturally, evolving from friendship into a lifelong romance.1
They dated through high school and college. Despite the distance when Clayton pursued professional baseball, their love only strengthened.
Excited to see @KershsChallenge in the @Dodgers yearbook this year. Check it out: https://t.co/FLIpL2KXMw
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) July 24, 2025
Ellen once reflected, “We both realized our lives were so much better when we were together than when we were apart”.2
After seven years together, Clayton proposed a thoughtful date followed by a limo ride and surprise proposal and they married in December 2010.3
As of 2025, they have enjoyed nearly 15 years of marriage.
Clayton Kershaw’s Children
A Growing Family: Four Children and Another on the Way
Clayton and Ellen are devoted parents. As of now, they have four children:
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Cali Ann, born January 2015
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Charley, born November 2016
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Cooper Ellis, born January 2020
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Chance James, born December 2021
In June 2025, Clayton shared heartfelt news on Father’s Day: they are expecting their fifth child, a second daughter, completing their bookend girls with three boys in between.4
United in Faith and Service: Kershaw’s Challenge
Both Clayton and Ellen are committed to serving others through their faith. In 2011, they co-founded Kershaw’s Challenge, a nonprofit aiming to help at-risk children and communities.
The organization has raised over $23 million to support charitable work in the U.S. and abroad, including building orphanages in Zambia.5
To further their mission, the couple co-authored a book titled Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself to raise funds for an orphanage.
Clayton’s humanitarian efforts earned him MLB’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2012.
Moments That Matter
Beyond their philanthropy, Clayton often shares tender and memorable family moments.
One example: in early July 2025, when Clayton recorded his 3,000th career strikeout becoming just the 20th pitcher in MLB history to do so he acknowledged his wife Ellen and their four kids in the stands.
That image of family support became an iconic and emotional highlight.6
Clayton Kershaw: Bonds Beyond the Field
Clayton and Ellen built a life rooted in family values and everyday joy. In the book Arise, they envisioned a home marked by Sunday dinners, open doors, playful pranks, and shared routines even watching The Office together.
Their children’s allergies to dogs mean the Kershaws currently don’t have pets. And apparently, card games are “not good for us,” because competition runs a little too deep among the family.
They live seasonally in University Park, Texas during the offseason, and in Studio City, Los Angeles during the baseball season.
Their life is grounded in faith, community, and the small, everyday moments that make a home.
Stats Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Met | Highland Park High School, Dallas |
| Married | December 2010 |
| Children (as of mid-2025) | 4 (Cali Ann, Charley, Cooper Ellis, Chance) + 5th on the way (daughter) |
| Charity Founded | Kershaw’s Challenge (2011) — over $23 million raised |
| Book Published | Arise — to fund orphanage in Zambia |
| Award | Roberto Clemente Award (2012) |
| 3,000th Strikeout | July 2, 2025 — celebrated with family in stands |
| Residency | University Park, TX (offseason); Studio City, CA (season) |
| Home Life | Faith-based routines, The Office, open-door hospitality, kids’ antics |
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FAQ’s
Q1: How many children do Clayton and Ellen have?
A: As of mid-2025, they have four children: Cali Ann, Charley, Cooper Ellis, and Chance. They’re expecting their fifth child, a second daughter FanBuzzSIAthlon Sports.
Q2: When did Clayton and Ellen get married?
A: They married in December 2010 after dating since high school.7
Q3: What ages were they when they first met?
A: They met as freshmen at Highland Park High School in Dallas around ages 14 and 15 and began dating during their early teens.8
Q4: What is Kershaw’s Challenge?
A: A nonprofit founded in 2011 by Clayton and Ellen. It supports children and underserved communities, raising over $23 million so far, with projects including building an orphanage in Zambia.9
Q5: Has Clayton earned any awards for his philanthropy?
A: Yes. He received the Roberto Clemente Award in 2012 for his humanitarian work.10
Conclusion
Clayton Kershaw is not only a legendary pitcher but also a devoted husband and father whose life off the field is just as inspiring as his baseball career.
His journey with Ellen, from high school sweethearts to parents of four children with a fifth on the way, reflects a bond built on love, faith, and shared values.
Together, they have created a family rooted in support and kindness while also extending their compassion to communities through Kershaw’s Challenge.
Their story shows that success is not only measured by strikeouts, wins, or awards but also by the impact one makes on family and society. Whether cheering him on from the stands or serving others through charity, Ellen and their children remain at the heart of Clayton’s legacy.
For fans, their relationship is a reminder that even sports heroes are grounded by the same joys and responsibilities of family life — and that’s what makes their journey so relatable and admirable.
Also Read: Clayton Kershaw Reacts to Best Friend Austin Barnes Being DFA’d
