GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Ask Dodgers manager Don Mattingly about left-hander Clayton Kershaw, and he talks about a work ethic. It is always there. It was there even in Africa.
Kershaw took it with him to Zambia in January on a mission to build a school for orphans.
Kershaw, Mattingly’s starter for opening day on March 31 against the San Francisco Giants, packed a pitching backstop, balls and gloves so he could throw in Zambia when he and his wife, Ellen, weren’t busy with the bricks and mortar for a schoolhouse.
Kershaw returned ready for spring training, and with a perspective tempered by what he saw in people whom he says are motivated by what they can do instead of what they have.
