Kenley Jansen is a former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on September 30, 1987, in Willemstad, Curacao. Jansen began his baseball career as a catcher but later switched to pitching due to his strong arm.
Jansen made his MLB debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the league. He was known for his fastball, which regularly reached speeds of over 95 miles per hour, and his devastating cutter, which he used to strike out batters.
Over the course of his career, Jansen was a three-time All-Star and won the National League Reliever of the Year award twice. He also helped lead the Dodgers to multiple playoff appearances and a World Series championship in 2020.
Jansen's career was not without its challenges, however. In 2011, he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and underwent surgery to correct the issue. He also struggled with his performance at times, particularly in the playoffs, where he had a few high-profile blown saves.
Despite these setbacks, Jansen remained a key part of the Dodgers' bullpen for over a decade. He finished his career with a record of 34-27, 333 saves, and a 2.62 ERA. He also struck out 923 batters in 716 innings pitched.
Off the field, Jansen was known for his philanthropic work. He established the Kenley Jansen Foundation in 2015, which aimed to improve the lives of families affected by heart disease. He also participated in various community outreach programs and was a vocal advocate for social justice issues.
In February 2021, Jansen announced his retirement from baseball at the age of 33. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests as the reasons for his decision. Jansen's retirement marked the end of an era for the Dodgers, who will miss his dominant presence on the mound and his leadership in the clubhouse.
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