LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers ace starter Clayton Kershaw on Thursday was named winner of the 2011 Warren Spahn Award, which is given out annually by the Oklahoma Sports Museum to the best left-handed pitcher in the Major Leagues.

The award is based on a pitcher's wins, strikeouts and earned run average. Kershaw led the Senior Circuit in all categories with 21 wins, 248 strikeouts and a 2.28 ERA.

"It is a genuine honor to have my named mentioned alongside one of the greatest lefties in the history of the game," Kershaw said in a statement. "Mr. Spahn accomplished so much both in baseball and in his life off the field. I am truly humbled by this award. Thank you."

The award is named after the Braves' Hall of Famer, who holds the Major League record of 363 wins as a left-hander. Kershaw will be recognized at a gala hosted by Oklahoma City's Bricktown Rotary Club and Jim Thorpe Association in January at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Museum.