Matt Kemp

Who Is Matt Kemp?

Matt Kemp is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He was born in the United States and grew up loving the game. He began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and later played for several other teams. He spent many years in the big leagues and earned a reputation for strong hitting. He was chosen for three AllStar teams during his career. He also won two Gold Glove Awards for his fielding skill. In addition, he earned two Silver Slugger Awards for his batting. Fans remember him for his energy and big smile on the field.

After many seasons, Matt decided to step away from playing full time. He still stays involved with baseball in different ways. He is respected by teammates and coaches alike. His name is often mentioned when people talk about great outfielders of his era. Even after retirement, his impact on the sport is still felt. He remains a popular figure in baseball circles. His story inspires young players who dream of the major leagues. He is known for hard work and a love of the game.

Early Life and Background

Matt Kemp was born on September 23 1984. This date marks the start of a life that would later be filled with baseball highlights. His early years were spent in a supportive family environment.

Career and Claim to Fame

For more details about Matt Kemp's career you can visit his official page at httpsen.wikipedia.orgwikiMattKemp. The site lists his teams, awards and many other facts about his time in baseball.

Birthday, Age and Zodiac

Matt Kemp celebrates his birthday on September 23 each year. As of now he is 42 years old. This makes him a seasoned veteran of the sport. His birthday is a reminder of his long journey from a young fan to a professional star.

Libra Traits

Matt's zodiac sign is Libra. Libras are known for being balanced and fair. They often seek harmony in their relationships and work. People born under this sign love beauty and often have a good sense of style. They enjoy teamwork and try to keep peace in groups. A Libra like Matt may be charming and diplomatic, making him popular with teammates and fans alike.

Fun Facts and Legacy

Matt Kemp was born on September 23 1984 and is now 42 years old. He is a Libra who likes balance and harmony. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball and earned AllStar, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors. You can read more about his career at httpsen.wikipedia.orgwikiMattKemp. His name is still spoken with respect by fans and fellow players. He remains a beloved figure in baseball history.

Matt Kemp - Quick Facts

Profile Overview of Matt Kemp

Matthew Ryan Kemp (born September 23, 1984) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He began his professional career in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization in 2003, and played in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Dodgers from 2006 until 2014, the San Diego Padres in 2015 and 2016 and the Atlanta Braves in 2016 and 2017 before returning to the Dodgers for the 2018 season, and briefly playing for the Cincinnati Reds in 2019 and Colorado Rockies in 2020. He was named to three All-Star teams and won two Gold Glove Awards (2009 and 2011) and two Silver Slugger Awards (2009 and 2011).

This profile of Matt Kemp covers Early Life and Family Background, Draft and minor leagues, Los Angeles Dodgers (2006–2014), San Diego Padres (2015–2016) and Atlanta Braves (2016–2017).

The Dodgers selected Kemp in the sixth round of the 2003 MLB draft. After four seasons in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut in 2006. He did not become a full-time player until 2008, when he took over as the starting center fielder for the Dodgers. In 2011, Kemp led the National League in runs scored (115), total bases (353), OPS+ (171), WAR (7.8), home runs (39), and runs batted in (126). Also, he became the first player to finish in the top two in both home runs and steals since Hank Aaron in 1963.

Early Life and Family Background of Matt Kemp

Kemp was born in Midwest City, Oklahoma, the son of Carl Kemp and Judy Henderson, who never married. He was raised in Oklahoma by his mother, a registered nurse, and grandmother. When he was 13, his mother had another son, Tyler, who was born prematurely and died at age one.

Kemp attended Midwest City High School, where he was a standout in basketball and baseball. He was teammates with Shelden Williams on the varsity basketball team that won the state title two years in a row, and the team was ranked third in the nation at one point. Kemp himself was an All-City selection, and averaged 20 points a game. Kemp received a scholarship offer to play college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Kemp, along with Williams and three other teammates, were accused of raping a 19-year-old woman at the time of a high school all-star basketball tournament on January 20, 2002, at the Columbus, Ohio Hyatt hotel. The players were suspended from the team during the investigation. But the woman did not press charges, and the district attorney opted to not pursue the matter due to a lack of evidence.

Draft and minor leagues of Matt Kemp

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Kemp in the sixth round of the 2003 MLB draft. He signed with the team on June 5, 2003, for a $130,000 signing bonus.

Kemp started his professional career for the Gulf Coast Dodgers in 2003 and followed that up with stints with the Columbus Catfish in 2004 and the Vero Beach Dodgers in 2004–05. At Columbus and Vero Beach, Kemp improved his power numbers. After hitting just a single home run in 43 games, Kemp became more of a power hitter. In 2004 with Columbus, he belted 18 home runs to go along with 27 doubles in 122 games, and in 2005, he belted 27 home runs to go along with 21 doubles in 109 games. He was selected to the Florida State League All-Star team in 2005, and set Vero Beach franchise records for home runs (27) and slugging percentage (.569).

Los Angeles Dodgers (2006–2014)

Kemp began 2006 with the AA Jacksonville Suns, where he hit.327 with seven homers, 34 runs batted in (RBIs) and 11 steals, prompting a promotion to the major league squad. His promotion was spurred by an effort to provide regular rest for aging center fielder Kenny Lofton and the often injured right field All-Star J. D. Drew.

Kemp made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 28, 2006, against the Washington Nationals. He got his first career major league hit that same game, a single off Jon Rauch. He hit his first Major League homer on June 1 in his second Dodger Stadium at-bat off the Philadelphia Phillies' Gavin Floyd. Kemp homered in three straight games from June 1–3 against the Phillies and homered twice on June 11 off Colorado Rockies starter Aaron Cook. He also became the first Dodger and fifth major league player to hit four homers in his first 10 days with the team.

After his fast start, Kemp slumped and hit only.234 with no homers from June 14 through July 13, when he was reassigned to the AAA Las Vegas 51s. He returned to the team when rosters expanded on September 1. In his second stint in the Majors, Kemp struggled. He batted just.156 with a.182 on-base percentage and a.250 slugging percentage in September and October combined. By season's end, Kemp showed some power, with seven home runs and speed, with six stolen bases but he struggled with his batting average and getting on base. He batted just.253 and posted an on-base percentage of.289.

Kemp started the 2007 season on the major league roster but lost his place after suffering a shoulder injury while running into the outfield fence at Dodger Stadium. Upon his return from the injury, he was optioned back to Las Vegas. Returning to Triple-A and playing for the Las Vegas 51s, Kemp played well in his short stint. In just 39 games, he had a.329 batting average,.374 on-base percentage, and a.540 slugging percentage. He hit four home runs, drove in 20 runs, and stole nine bases out of 11 attempts. He was recalled to the Dodgers on June 8. He enjoyed an outstanding sophomore campaign with the bat batting.342, clubbing 10 home runs, and driving in 42 runs.

Kemp became the starting right fielder in 2008. He hit his first career grand slam, off Mark Redman, on April 26 against the Colorado Rockies. Kemp drove in the first run of the game for the Dodgers, a sacrifice fly in the first inning that scored Juan Pierre. After driving in 11 runs and stealing six bases. He was named "National League Player of the Week" for the week of April 28 – May 4.

Source: adapted from Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Kemp), text available under CC BY-SA 4.0.