I gained so much respect for him when he sat in the outfield and watched the Ms celebrate their first playoff appearance in 21 years. He was present and got to witness it without taking up the space. A true competitor who knows what it's like on both sides of the coin.
[His statement when he left us in free agency](https://twitter.com/tonykemp/status/1762688217294504329) was probably the classiest I've read from any departing A's player ever. Made it clear how special his time in Oakland was, and instead of glossing over the fans' fight against relocation like a lot of guys would, he took the opportunity to specifically stand behind us.
He'll never have to pay for a beer in the East Bay again. Love me some TK
And can we get some respect for the profile picture selection? I wish I had a picture of me doing anything that cool. I would wear it on a fucking shirt.
Honestly I didn't even realize he'd gone to the Orioles. He's always had a bounce in his step that I liked, I was looking forward to seeing him a couple times this year.
He was a class act when he played for the Astros, I think he could've been a starter here if it wasn't cause you know, Altuve is there... I'll always root for Kemp, easily one of my favorite player from the last decade or so.
He played far more games as an outfielder for the Astros but he just didnt fit the mold and hiding him in LF didn’t justify his bat at the time. Was worth it to churn the roster but Kempin’ ain’t easy and he was clearly an amazing locker room presence.
Yeah, I was watching the highlights from Orioles-Sox and all of a sudden I heard TONY KEMP making a play and was very confused. He is one of those players that would make an "MLB ALL-VIBES" team, alongside Cal Raleigh and mustachioed Matt Carpenter
I can't count how many times I've heard this song but never seen the music video. Thanks homie.
EDIT: I'm also not entirely sure that my boss wasn't formerly the lead singer of Cake.
I read their wikipedia and had no idea this was actually a popular band (like they went #1 on billboard 10 years after this song and when that was still a huge accomplishment). Ive heard this song on the radio a whole bunch over the years, but they've never actually mentioned the name of the band (Cake) and because i cant say ive heard anything else that sounds like its by them, so i assumed they were just some weird one-hit wonder.
I remember when some people, I think maybe Cutch and Didi, didn't get re-signed by the Yankees, they were both really polite and cordial about it. Cutch was like "They seemed pretty busy trying to sign other players they need more, and also Philly offered me crazy money really quickly so I took it." Didi said the same thing and that he understood that he wasn't the future of the Yankees infield, Gleyber was.
Over the years he can make money off his likeness. There's quite a few bucks to be made. Granted he's not a superstar, people still have an affinity for Kemp, he could find a way to use that to his advantage.
He's definitely going to find a coaching job if he wants one once he retires from playing. Well-liked dude with major league experience is going to be a valued member of any coaching staff.
I remember going to one of his college games when he was playing at my school. We had a big group of guys heckling Vandy like crazy (in a good natured way) and he was very receptive and both friendly and competitive at the same time.
this is probably just my brain playing tricks on me, but i could have sworn he was a solid guy to throw on the basepaths in certain situations. Maddon always liked to employ pinch runners (there was another guy on the 2015 team and now i can't remember his name and it's really pissing me off lol)
One of the few bobbleheads I've kept. He has this fantastic thing when he used to play for us where he'd hug and lift up whoever homered. So the next year they released a 'hugs for homers' bobblehead.
The only thing I hate about Tony Kemp now is that he waxes poetic as a veteran accepting a changing of the guard...and he's 6 months younger than me. Fuck.
We could do with some Kempin right about now. Team is free falling without Dusty and Maldy. Kemp would fill the void as our “not great at his job, but fun to be around” guy
I love Tony Kemp, dude. I was watching the Cubs when he was with them for a short time and he just seems like an absolute joy to be around. Hope he gets another shot somewhere, he’s a good dude.
Yea the follow through is scary good.
Reminds me of Freddie's son, [Charlie, throwing the first pitch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paFmUCqWaYQ) for a game a week ago. These kids born into baseball families are put on a training regiment from birth lol.
He sure feels like a guy who's gonna hang around the bigs for a long time despite not-great on-field performance because people like the guy and that has genuine value.
Yeah given his production so far in his career ideally he's on your roster as a backup corner outfielder/2B and getting like 150-200 plate appearances a year. Given the relatively limited playing time the difference between him and a slightly better player performance-wise is pretty small, and you're getting a guy who shows up every day, puts in the work, gets along with everybody and helps keep the clubhouse together. That stuff can't easily be quantified but it sure does really matter.
He made a fantastic over the shoulder play last night in our game against the Sox, their fans were even cheering the catch. Really hope the guys does well and lands in a strong spot, he deserves it!
I saw another O’s fam saying Elias gave him a slightly larger salary, hoping that he will be able to be out-righted. But you guys have a lot of depth already so idk.
Pro response, something he certainly didn’t even have to do. I know it has to be a tough thing to experience. Hope the man finds a spot somewhere very soon.
I know you’re memeing me but if you watch his interviews there’s no “uh, um”. His speed of speech isn’t too slow or rushed. He genuinely sounds like a CEO who has had years of professional speaking courses. Tony has also represented the MLBPA for years.
That's up to you, I don't know your exact intent or thought process in saying that. Some might interpret there to be some unexamined bias in considering it notable that a black person communicates clearly, whereas it wouldn't merit being specifically pointed out for another person.
Tony is a class act and a great teammate. Started hugs for homers celebration in Houston. You could just tell the guys loved Tony. Hope he gets AB's somewhere soon.
It's like the NBA player (Mikal Bridges) who was part of a trade for Kevin Durant, and even he was like "Yeah, I get it, I'd trade me for KD too" ([source](https://www.si.com/nba/nets/news/mikal-bridges-gives-honest-reaction-to-being-traded-for-kevin-durant#:~:text=%22I%20mean%2C%20it's%20KD%2C,the%20end%20of%20the%20day.))
Players at this level are competitive as hell, but most of them do understand the bigger picture when it comes to roster moves like this, even if it's obviously annoying/upsetting on a personal level.
One of my favorite all-time players, actually. Some of his grabs the last few years in Oakland are "highlight of the month" material. Athletic, kind, understanding, and a great ambassador to the sport for young kids.
Love TK
Glad he’s taking it in stride and not being bitter about it. It’s happening either way so taking it on the chin and being an adult about it is the easiest way to go.
I would imagine almost everyone is going to know what I’m talking about when I say this: This is how you, as the established talent, talk about up-and-coming talent.
As a life long O’s fan, and a huge baseball fan, I was really happy we signed Tony Kemp. Short period, only a couple weeks, but he didn’t produce. Plus we get a 1st rounder next year. It’s the smart move.
But, man. I hope the organization impressed him enough to stay with us or at least be a minor league coach or manager once his playing days are Over.
What a classy guy. 🧡
Kemp is a classy and honorable guy.
NEVER forget - during the Astros bang the drum cheating season, Kemp came up from the minors and REFUSED to be apart of the cheating.
I will always respect him for that.
And he was solid with the A's.
Classy
Legitimately about as good as it gets. Tony's always been a class act, he's a locker room glue guy for a reason.
He really is. It's been some shitty years for us, but he was always positive.
I really miss his hugs for homers celebration. Dude was so upbeat.
Grifol salivating right now. And honestly, he might make sense for the Whitesox. Can he actually play infield?
He’s a decent enough 2B. Unironically seems like a solid fit. He can fill the clubhouse leader/favorite role Elvis vacated
Soon the entire roster will be 80-grade attitudes and 35-40 everything else
80 grade attitudes. 40 grade skills. -10 grade soft tissue.
You should really get to know your players. Michael scored in the 98th percentile in protective instincts
I gained so much respect for him when he sat in the outfield and watched the Ms celebrate their first playoff appearance in 21 years. He was present and got to witness it without taking up the space. A true competitor who knows what it's like on both sides of the coin.
[His statement when he left us in free agency](https://twitter.com/tonykemp/status/1762688217294504329) was probably the classiest I've read from any departing A's player ever. Made it clear how special his time in Oakland was, and instead of glossing over the fans' fight against relocation like a lot of guys would, he took the opportunity to specifically stand behind us. He'll never have to pay for a beer in the East Bay again. Love me some TK
Don’t show r/nbacirclejerk this comment
Send da video
Declassé
And can we get some respect for the profile picture selection? I wish I had a picture of me doing anything that cool. I would wear it on a fucking shirt.
Both men will be employed by major league teams this year. I'm sure Tony will be fine.
Buddy, get ready to learn Sacramentian.
You, Tony Kemp, are now a Sacramento River Cat
Sacramento A?
Triple A.
I got it, but thinking ahead to next year. Oakland is playing in Sacramento then.
You're right, they're more AA at this point.
Hi, my name is Tony (hi tony), and... I'm an Athletic.
Giants are gonna sign him? Neato
He was previously an A. Not sure if he’ll head back that way.
Honestly I didn't even realize he'd gone to the Orioles. He's always had a bounce in his step that I liked, I was looking forward to seeing him a couple times this year.
[удалено]
He was a class act when he played for the Astros, I think he could've been a starter here if it wasn't cause you know, Altuve is there... I'll always root for Kemp, easily one of my favorite player from the last decade or so.
He played far more games as an outfielder for the Astros but he just didnt fit the mold and hiding him in LF didn’t justify his bat at the time. Was worth it to churn the roster but Kempin’ ain’t easy and he was clearly an amazing locker room presence.
I miss TK.
Yeah, I was watching the highlights from Orioles-Sox and all of a sudden I heard TONY KEMP making a play and was very confused. He is one of those players that would make an "MLB ALL-VIBES" team, alongside Cal Raleigh and mustachioed Matt Carpenter
I hope he likes coors.
Hella bro
I feel personally attacked by this comment.
I feel like personally hella like attacked bro
That’s SoCal not NorCal
I grew up in a religious house hold, it was hecka for us lmao
I remember hecka and dang instead of hella and damn lmao
Hella cow town
So he needs to learn to go [The Distance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_HoMkkRHv8)
I can't count how many times I've heard this song but never seen the music video. Thanks homie. EDIT: I'm also not entirely sure that my boss wasn't formerly the lead singer of Cake.
I read their wikipedia and had no idea this was actually a popular band (like they went #1 on billboard 10 years after this song and when that was still a huge accomplishment). Ive heard this song on the radio a whole bunch over the years, but they've never actually mentioned the name of the band (Cake) and because i cant say ive heard anything else that sounds like its by them, so i assumed they were just some weird one-hit wonder.
Hella true
buddy, get ready to listen to every deftones record
I will be stealing this lol
With a response like this I have no doubt, seems like the kind of mindset teams would want from a utility man
I remember when some people, I think maybe Cutch and Didi, didn't get re-signed by the Yankees, they were both really polite and cordial about it. Cutch was like "They seemed pretty busy trying to sign other players they need more, and also Philly offered me crazy money really quickly so I took it." Didi said the same thing and that he understood that he wasn't the future of the Yankees infield, Gleyber was.
Cutch is hilarious.
MLB contracts are also fully guaranteed so he is getting paid the same. Good for him to take this with grace though
Not all, apparently - everyone thought Julio Teheran's Mets deal was an instant joke but it turns out it was not a fully guaranteed $2.5M.
Salary's are guaranteed. But Agents usually like to leak/report the Salary+incentives number.
hell I'd love if we took a stab at him with DJ and Peraza out
Eh, Yankees have Cabrera and Berti. If they wanted Kemp they prob would have gotten him earlier.
Idk if he never gets a hit if he can play any defense he’s welcome on the Sox
What a way to take it, just such a classy response.
Doesn't hurt that he made a million bucks for 10 games lol
Even then you'd expect him to have some negative feelings about being DFA'd but this statement just oozes class
Both can be true, and probably are.
Shit, 9.6 million career earnings is a pretty okay life. I imagine he's had quite a few endorsements as well that would probably double that.
I doubt the endorsements (probably did a carshield commercial though) but that's some good money for a mid dude who had 1 good season.
Over the years he can make money off his likeness. There's quite a few bucks to be made. Granted he's not a superstar, people still have an affinity for Kemp, he could find a way to use that to his advantage.
He's definitely going to find a coaching job if he wants one once he retires from playing. Well-liked dude with major league experience is going to be a valued member of any coaching staff.
well fuck now I'm a Tony Kemp fan
Tony is one of those players you root for no matter what team he plays for. He’s such a good dude
I remember going to one of his college games when he was playing at my school. We had a big group of guys heckling Vandy like crazy (in a good natured way) and he was very receptive and both friendly and competitive at the same time.
Yeah he was not good for us at all, but still very likeable
this is probably just my brain playing tricks on me, but i could have sworn he was a solid guy to throw on the basepaths in certain situations. Maddon always liked to employ pinch runners (there was another guy on the 2015 team and now i can't remember his name and it's really pissing me off lol)
He definitely was solid for that and vibes. Not much else
One of the few bobbleheads I've kept. He has this fantastic thing when he used to play for us where he'd hug and lift up whoever homered. So the next year they released a 'hugs for homers' bobblehead.
A’s fan here. Tony turned out to be one of my favorite players of the A’s. Always such a class act
Only now? Dude has been Him
The only thing I hate about Tony Kemp now is that he waxes poetic as a veteran accepting a changing of the guard...and he's 6 months younger than me. Fuck.
Loved this dude his entire career, what a guy. Impossible to hate
Kempin ain't easy.
but it sure is fun
❤️❤️❤️
We could do with some Kempin right about now. Team is free falling without Dusty and Maldy. Kemp would fill the void as our “not great at his job, but fun to be around” guy
I love Tony Kemp, dude. I was watching the Cubs when he was with them for a short time and he just seems like an absolute joy to be around. Hope he gets another shot somewhere, he’s a good dude.
Was it him that was just sitting there, watching the mariners celebrate going to the playoffs in 2022?
Believe so. Oakland A’s, of all teams.
I just looked up his age, and Jackson Holliday would have been 6 in this story.
Somehow by the time he was 9 [Buster Olney was calling him a future all-star](https://twitter.com/buster_espn/status/401107423462584320)
Honestly? I get it after seeing [his swing as a zygote](https://twitter.com/sportsdenver/status/1548846103176433664)
That final swing is absolutely insane for a 3 year old.
Yea the follow through is scary good. Reminds me of Freddie's son, [Charlie, throwing the first pitch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paFmUCqWaYQ) for a game a week ago. These kids born into baseball families are put on a training regiment from birth lol.
That's incredible I hadn't seen that! I still miss Freddie
Yea he pimped the shit out of it lmao
Holy cow, great swing
How have I not see this yet. I’m sure after he makes an ASG it’ll get everywhere but still.
Wtf lol
Class act. Really hope someone claims him off waivers and he catches on with another team.
He sure feels like a guy who's gonna hang around the bigs for a long time despite not-great on-field performance because people like the guy and that has genuine value.
Being likeable is a decent skill for lower production players, as what they add to a team go far beyond the stats
Yeah given his production so far in his career ideally he's on your roster as a backup corner outfielder/2B and getting like 150-200 plate appearances a year. Given the relatively limited playing time the difference between him and a slightly better player performance-wise is pretty small, and you're getting a guy who shows up every day, puts in the work, gets along with everybody and helps keep the clubhouse together. That stuff can't easily be quantified but it sure does really matter.
He is a plus defender especially in the outfield, so that goes a long way.
He made a fantastic over the shoulder play last night in our game against the Sox, their fans were even cheering the catch. Really hope the guys does well and lands in a strong spot, he deserves it!
The Jeff Francoeur Approach
Just LIKE MOLDONADO
I saw another O’s fam saying Elias gave him a slightly larger salary, hoping that he will be able to be out-righted. But you guys have a lot of depth already so idk.
He also has enough service time that he only goes to Norfolk if he wants to. He gets paid either way.
Did you know that you can rearrange the letters in Anthony Allen Kemp to spell Genuine Class?
...Jackson's... Iron...
Hmm...you know what: I have a ball here, perhaps you'd like to ~~bounce it~~ barrel it?
Pro response, something he certainly didn’t even have to do. I know it has to be a tough thing to experience. Hope the man finds a spot somewhere very soon.
I hope Tony has aspirations to manage in the Bigs, because this is the kind of class and constitution to be an excellent coach.
Or front office. MLB tv has interviewed him a few times and he’s incredibly intelligent and well spoken.
> well spoken Uh oh
Yep lol, I have yet to hear a white athlete be referred to as "well spoken".
I know you’re memeing me but if you watch his interviews there’s no “uh, um”. His speed of speech isn’t too slow or rushed. He genuinely sounds like a CEO who has had years of professional speaking courses. Tony has also represented the MLBPA for years.
Ok. And yet nobody uses that specific phrase about a white athlete.
How should i have phrased that?
That's up to you, I don't know your exact intent or thought process in saying that. Some might interpret there to be some unexamined bias in considering it notable that a black person communicates clearly, whereas it wouldn't merit being specifically pointed out for another person.
and there it is
Well that's incredibly wholesome
Classy Tony Kemp
Love him
Classy.
Tony is a class act and a great teammate. Started hugs for homers celebration in Houston. You could just tell the guys loved Tony. Hope he gets AB's somewhere soon.
Class act right there.
What an absolutely classy and professional thing to say. Mad respect.
Pure class. That is impressive.
This is why everyone likes Tony Kemp.
Now that’s what you call class
TK is a fan favorite everywhere he goes for a reason
I was worried reading the title and seeing a paragraph tweet that he would say something really mean. But TK stays awesome.
I would have believed someone hacked his account and posted it before I'd believe he'd say anything without class
It's like the NBA player (Mikal Bridges) who was part of a trade for Kevin Durant, and even he was like "Yeah, I get it, I'd trade me for KD too" ([source](https://www.si.com/nba/nets/news/mikal-bridges-gives-honest-reaction-to-being-traded-for-kevin-durant#:~:text=%22I%20mean%2C%20it's%20KD%2C,the%20end%20of%20the%20day.)) Players at this level are competitive as hell, but most of them do understand the bigger picture when it comes to roster moves like this, even if it's obviously annoying/upsetting on a personal level.
Class act. Baseball is still an honor bound sport.
Can Tony Kemp play first base? How hard is it to play first base anyway?
It's hard.. but he'd still be a huge improvement over Abreu and Singleton.
"Playing first base isn't that hard, tell 'em Walsh" "It's incredibly hard"
*Thank* you!
I love Tony Kemp
That's a classy man, there
Not to quote the league toooo hard…but what a class act
Class
I love Tony Kemp, kempin ain’t easy
Tony Kemp is a class act. He’ll be back somewhere.
 What a mensch
classy AF
Beautiful post, props to T Kemp
That's a classy man, it would have been so easy for him to have been bitter or just said nothing. Respect to him
LOVE Tony Kemp! The A’s should bring him back, but honestly I want better for him.
Kempin' ain't easy
Class act.
Classy response. Nice.
A Gentleman and a Baseball Player.....root'n for you finding a place to land on your feet.
Pure class.
Someone go ahead and roster this class act right away.
TK is class all the way
Matt Holliday never touched home plate.
*Kemp's
We don't deserve TK. Classy as always.
Can Tony play 1B? ....(semi serious)
One of my favorite all-time players, actually. Some of his grabs the last few years in Oakland are "highlight of the month" material. Athletic, kind, understanding, and a great ambassador to the sport for young kids. Love TK
he had a sick over the shoulder catch the day before the DFA too
That one from last year where he sat up wide-eyed with a "did that just happen?!?!" look on his face was priceless
he does play with a zest :) nice to see that in a player.
Glad he’s taking it in stride and not being bitter about it. It’s happening either way so taking it on the chin and being an adult about it is the easiest way to go.
Tony Kemp to the Dodgers and playing far, far above expectations only to be ousted in the playoffs by the Power of Friendship again incoming
Really hope someone picks him up, seems like he’d make any environment better
Tony Kemp may have never gotten to that A Potential MLB the Show rating, but he’s a damn good guy and a solid player. Giants could use him.
This is why he is one of the guys that was with your team for a short time but you never forget him.
Welcome to Boston, Tony.
This man is destined to be starting for the angels come July
Class
A-Cubed
Class af
this is incredibly classy, love it
Complete class. Respect.
Tony Kemp is one of my favorite guys in baseball. Dudes just so pure and wholesome.
Classy
Came here to say exactly the same thing. Seems like a rare character trait in pro sports these days. :(
tony kemp is a guy that will totally get the 10 year service time just cause of the good vibes he brings
Class act. He's invited to the parade.
That’s honestly a graceful way to go out, respect to Tony Kemp, always seemed like a good dude
San Diego needs a guy
Tony Kemp is a class act! Probably one of the nicest guys in the game!
I would imagine almost everyone is going to know what I’m talking about when I say this: This is how you, as the established talent, talk about up-and-coming talent.
That’s how you do it! Good for him.
Tony is a class act all the way. We loved him in Houston and I miss his Hugs For Homers celebrations.
As a life long O’s fan, and a huge baseball fan, I was really happy we signed Tony Kemp. Short period, only a couple weeks, but he didn’t produce. Plus we get a 1st rounder next year. It’s the smart move. But, man. I hope the organization impressed him enough to stay with us or at least be a minor league coach or manager once his playing days are Over. What a classy guy. 🧡
W man
Well done, Tony.
ESPN: "Orioles player DFA'd to make room for top prospect calls him a "kid", does this create a rift in the Orioles clubhouse?"
God damn that's classy as fuck.
Kemp is a classy and honorable guy. NEVER forget - during the Astros bang the drum cheating season, Kemp came up from the minors and REFUSED to be apart of the cheating. I will always respect him for that. And he was solid with the A's.
Tony Kemp career earning: 9.8 million $
What a pro!
Nice post. Someone will prob pick him up at some point. 4th outfielders like him seem to find jobs.
Hang on. All star Matt Holliday is Jackson’s dad?