MLB says goodbye to Tony Kemp as he announces retirement

Veteran MLB utility man Tony Kemp has announced his retirement, formally ending a nine-year MLB career characterized by hustle, heart, and meaningful strides off the field. Kemp, 33, announced the news with a touching Instagram post in which he thanked his parents and reflected on a career that saw him go from college baseball star at Vanderbilt University to respected veteran on four Major League teams.Kemp’s best year was 2018, when he batted. 263 with six home runs in 97 games, making one of the most memorable plays of the postseason with a leaping catch at the wall in the A.L.C.S. against the Boston Red Sox. He could play multiple positions and was a valuable player for every team he played on: the Chicago Cubs (2019), the Oakland Athletics (2020–2023), and the Orioles (2024).In 739 MLB games, Kemp posted a. 237 with 35 homers and 184 RBIs in his career. He was never a power hitter, and yet his impact extended well beyond the box score. He was an everyday presence in the lineup and a grinder with his at-bats, his ability to move baserunners, and make heady plays in the field. Kemp became a strong presence in the clubhouse with the Athletics, the elder spokesman among players, a mentor for young teammates, upholder of the good parts of the culture even when the team was losing.Kemp’s retirement not only signifies an end to his playing career, but it also brings attention to his lasting impact off the field. He was also a four-time finalist for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, presented to players who best exemplify sportsmanship and community involvement. In 2023, he donated $100 per walk to the Himalayan Cataract Project, continuing to support kids who are blind from the unstable mountainous regions of Himalaya and Ethiopia, and launched the “+1 Effect” initiative that asked fans to have 1 real conversation about race to drive positive influence and welcome new fans to the game.Also Read: Dodgers’ star Hyeseong Kim blasts first MLB home run against the AthleticsDuring his career, Kemp had long been known for using his platform to bring others along. Through charitable partnerships and a focus on the environment as well as his contagious optimism, the impact of Tony Kemp stretched well beyond baseball.