Despite finishing his nine-year MLB career with under four total wins above replacement, Tony Kemp garnered a devoted following. Part of that came from the multiple teams he played for—Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Oakland A’s, and Baltimore Orioles—where he was known not just as a reliable and versatile defender, but as a respected clubhouse leader.
Off the field, Kemp stood out even more. He consistently made time for others, helping people feel valued and understood. In many ways, he was one of baseball’s best ambassadors in recent memory.
This week, Kemp officially announced his retirement via social media. One part of his message perfectly captured who he was throughout his career:
“To the undersized baseball player, I see you, I hear you, and I understand you… With all the metrics and data in the game today, there’s still one thing they can’t measure—your heart… Play the game the right way, and it will reward you. Give it everything, like someone is watching you play for the first time. I’m rooting for you all.”
While the A’s struggled during his time in Oakland, Kemp made games more enjoyable simply through his effort and unpredictability—always capable of a highlight-reel play. He was a constant media presence, willingly available even when the team was underperforming.
Statistically, he may not have captured national attention. But for those whose team he was on, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his hustle, heart, and ever-present smile. Kemp played with the passion of someone who deeply loved the game. He wasn’t the tallest or flashiest, but every time he stepped on the field, he made an impact.
Kemp was drafted by the Astros in the fifth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt and debuted in 2016 as Houston was rising to dominance. In 2019, he was traded to the Cubs in a deal that notably returned Martín Maldonado to Houston—an acquisition with major implications for both franchises.
Later that year, Kemp was traded to Oakland, where he spent most of the next four seasons. In that span, he hit .240 with a .330 OBP and posted 3.5 bWAR before hitting free agency after the 2023 season.
He signed with the Reds in early 2024 but was released when he didn’t make the Opening Day roster. He quickly joined the Orioles and appeared in five games before being released to make room for top prospect Jackson Holliday. Rather than express frustration, Kemp graciously acknowledged Holliday’s debut with a supportive post on social media.
He spent time in Triple-A with the Twins and later rejoined the Reds, playing 82 minor league games in 2024, though he never made it back to the majors.
Every clubhouse benefits from a player like Tony Kemp. The challenge is, people like him don’t come around often. Congratulations on a remarkable career, TK. You truly were one of a kind.
