It’s been practically 4 years since Matt Kemp final appeared in a Main League Baseball sport. The previous All-Star and 2011 Nationwide League MVP runner-up went out quietly on Sept. 25, 2020. He struck out in opposition to Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen, argued with umpire Jim Reynolds strolling off the sphere, and was ejected between innings.
That was the 6,365th and closing at-bat of Kemp’s profession.
Wednesday on Instagram, Kemp posted the sort of “Pricey Baseball” video and caption sometimes related to retirement.
It’s been lengthy overdue, however I simply needed to say — from the underside of my coronary heart — Thank You.
Thanks to my household, mates, teammates and coaches. Thanks for believing in me, supporting me and serving to me understand a dream that began means again in little league in Midwest Metropolis, Oklahoma — the dream of sooner or later enjoying my favourite sport with the very best gamers on the earth in Main League Baseball.
And final however not least… thanks to every fan who supported me alongside my journey. Thanks for cheering my identify and exhibiting me love over all these years.
I couldn’t be extra excited in regards to the subsequent chapter. Extra to come back!
— Matt Kemp through Instagram
The accompanying spotlight montage re-visited Kemp’s finest years of his profession in a Dodgers uniform. It excluded any proof of his years in San Diego, Atlanta, Cincinnati, or Colorado. A number of former teammates — Andre Ethier, Kiké Hernández, Jamey Wright, Javy Guerra, Tony Gwynn Jr., Jerry Hairston Jr. — added their “likes.” So when is a retirement announcement not a retirement announcement?
Maybe when, simply three months in the past, Kemp appeared on MLB Community and instructed hosts Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds that he’s “being a retired baseball participant”:
Kemp appeared in components of 10 seasons with the Dodgers (2006-14, 2018) and made three All-Star groups. The height got here in 2011, when he hit 39 dwelling runs, stole 40 bases, and led the Nationwide League with 126 RBIs. Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun received the MVP award in a controversial vote. Shortly after the vote was held, ESPN reported Braun examined optimistic for elevated testosterone.
Kemp completed his MLB profession with 287 dwelling runs, 1,031 RBIs and a profession .284 batting common. He additionally helped Workforce USA qualify for the 2021 Olympics however was not included on the staff’s closing 24-man roster. That was Kemp’s final aggressive baseball expertise at any stage.
USA As we speak’s Bob Nightengale reported in February that “the Dodgers are anticipated to rent former All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp in an advisory function of their group.” Nonetheless, no official announcement adopted, and Kemp isn’t listed within the Dodgers’ media information among the many six retired players-turned-“particular assistants.”
Whether or not Wednesday’s video constitutes an official retirement announcement or not, Kemp’s enjoying standing is obvious — and so is his stature amongst Dodger followers. He’s an all-time fan favourite and hopefully isn’t any stranger to Dodger Stadium now that he’s moved on to the subsequent chapter of his profession.
Photograph Credit score: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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