Tony Kemp (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tony Kemp |
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Kemp with the Houston Astros in 2018
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| Second baseman / Left fielder | |||
| Born: October 31, 1991 Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 17, 2016, for the Houston Astros | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| April 9, 2024, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .237 | ||
| Home runs | 35 | ||
| Runs batted in | 184 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Anthony Allen Kemp (born October 31, 1991) is an American former professional baseball player. He was a second baseman and left fielder. Tony played nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and Baltimore Orioles from 2016 to 2024.
Kemp played college baseball at Vanderbilt University. The Houston Astros picked him in the 2013 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Astros in 2016. Tony Kemp was part of the team that won the 2017 World Series. After being traded to the Cubs in 2019, he played for the Athletics from 2020 to 2023. He then played for the Orioles in 2024. Kemp announced his retirement from baseball in May 2025.
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Tony Kemp's Baseball Journey
Starting in College
Tony Kemp went to Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee. He then attended Vanderbilt University. There, he played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores baseball team.
In 2011, Kemp was named the Southeastern Conference's (SEC) Freshman of the Year. He was also on the First Team All-SEC. He helped the 2011 team reach the College World Series. This was a big achievement for Vanderbilt baseball. In 2012, he played summer baseball for the Cotuit Kettleers. In 2013, he was named an All-American. He also won the SEC Baseball Player of the Year award.
Playing for the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros chose Tony Kemp in the fifth round of the 2013 MLB draft. In 2015, he started playing for the Corpus Christi Hooks. This team is part of the Double–A Texas League. Later that year, he moved up to the Fresno Grizzlies. This team is in the Triple–A Pacific Coast League. He even played in the 2015 All-Star Futures Game.
Kemp started the 2016 season with Fresno. He was called up to the major leagues on May 16, 2016. He played in 136 games for the Astros that year. He mostly played left field.
In 2017, Kemp played 17 games with the Astros. The Astros had a great season, winning 101 games. They went on to win the 2017 World Series. This was their first championship ever. Even though Kemp did not play in the playoffs, he was still part of the team. He earned his first championship title.
For the start of the 2018 season, Kemp was sent back to Fresno. He was called up again on May 16, 2018. In 2018, Kemp played in 97 games for the Astros. He hit six home runs and had 30 RBI. He mostly played in left field. During the 2018 American League Championship Series, he made an amazing catch. He leaped against the left field wall to catch a ball. This catch was confirmed after a review. In game four, he hit a solo home run.
On July 26, 2019, the Astros made a change to their team roster. Tony Kemp's time with the Astros ended. He had played 66 games for them in 2019. He hit a career-high seven home runs that season.
Moving to the Chicago Cubs
On July 31, 2019, the Astros traded Kemp to the Chicago Cubs. He played for the Cubs in 2019. He hit one home run in 82 times at bat for them.
Time with the Oakland Athletics
On January 13, 2020, the Cubs traded Kemp to the Oakland Athletics. In 2020, he played 49 games for the Athletics. He had four RBI. After the 2020 season, Kemp signed a contract with the Athletics for the 2021 season.
In 2021, he played 131 games. He hit 8 home runs and had 37 RBI. For the 2022 season, Kemp agreed to a new salary with the Athletics. In 2022, he played in 497 times at bat. He had the lowest average exit velocity among major league batters. This means his hits were not as hard as other players'.
On January 13, 2023, Kemp signed another contract with the Athletics. He played in 124 games for them that year. He hit 5 home runs and had 27 RBI. He also stole 15 bases.
Playing for the Baltimore Orioles
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On February 23, 2024, Tony Kemp signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He tried to earn a spot on their main team. However, he was released on March 19.
Kemp then signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles on March 26, 2024. He played in 10 times at bat for Baltimore. He did not get any hits. The Orioles made a roster change on April 10, and Kemp left the team. He became a free agent on April 13.
Short Stays with Other Teams
On April 16, 2024, Kemp signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins. He played 46 games for their Triple–A team, the St. Paul Saints. He hit six home runs and had 26 RBI. On July 1, Kemp chose to leave his contract with the Twins.
On July 9, 2024, Kemp signed another contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He played 35 games for their Triple–A team, the Louisville Bats. He hit three home runs and had 17 RBI. The Reds released Kemp on August 30, 2024.
Retirement from Baseball
Tony Kemp announced he was retiring from professional baseball on May 15, 2025. He played in 739 games during his nine seasons in MLB. He finished his career with 35 home runs and 184 RBI.
Tony Kemp's Family Life
Tony Kemp is married to Michelle (née Chieng). They met when they were in high school. They have two daughters together.
See also
- 2013 College Baseball All-America Team
