Former Dodgers Fan Favorite Matt Kemp Makes Big Announcement on Instagram
It’s been nearly four years since Matt Kemp last appeared in a Major League Baseball game. The former All-Star and 2011 National League MVP runner-up went out quietly on Sept. 25, 2020. He struck out against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen, argued with umpire Jim Reynolds walking off the field, and was ejected between innings.
That was the 6,365th and final at-bat of Kemp’s career.
Wednesday on Instagram, Kemp posted the kind of “Dear Baseball” video and caption typically associated with retirement.
It’s been long overdue, but I just wanted to say — from the bottom of my heart — Thank You.
Thank you to my family, friends, teammates and coaches. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me and helping me realize a dream that started way back in little league in Midwest City, Oklahoma — the dream of one day playing my favorite game with the best players in the world in Major League Baseball.
And last but not least… thank you to each and every fan who supported me along my journey. Thank you for cheering my name and showing me love over all these years.
I couldn’t be more excited about the next chapter. More to come!
— Matt Kemp via Instagram
The accompanying highlight montage re-visited Kemp’s best years of his career in a Dodgers uniform. It excluded any evidence of his years in San Diego, Atlanta, Cincinnati, or Colorado. Several 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?
Perhaps when, just three months ago, Kemp appeared on MLB Network and told hosts Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds that he’s “being a retired baseball player”:
Kemp appeared in parts of 10 seasons with the Dodgers (2006-14, 2018) and made three All-Star teams. The peak came in 2011, when he hit 39 home runs, stole 40 bases, and led the National League with 126 RBIs. Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun won the MVP award in a controversial vote. Shortly after the vote was held, ESPN reported Braun tested positive for elevated testosterone.
Kemp finished his MLB career with 287 home runs, 1,031 RBIs and a career .284 batting average. He also helped Team USA qualify for the 2021 Olympics but was not included on the team’s final 24-man roster. That was Kemp’s last competitive baseball experience at any level.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported in February that “the Dodgers are expected to hire former All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp in an advisory role in their organization.” However, no official announcement followed, and Kemp is not listed in the Dodgers’ media guide among the six retired players-turned-“special assistants.”
Whether Wednesday’s video constitutes an official retirement announcement or not, Kemp’s playing status is clear — and so is his stature among Dodger fans. He’s an all-time fan favorite and hopefully is no stranger to Dodger Stadium now that he’s moved on to the next chapter of his career.
Photo Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Matt,, you will always be a star to Dodger Fans. We know who won MVP in 2011 and it wasn’t Ryan Braun. IT WAS YOU! Good luck in all you do in the future and maybe we will see you again as a Dodger….
I miss seeing you play, Prince!
Matt Kemp has always been my favorite Dodgers. #27 is my favorite number from work to birthday, and yes even though Matt Kemp doesn’t say it, he says it is what it is, I believe he was robbed for the NL MVP. Have a great retirement in whatever you do.
The first time I saw you play , you were with the Las Vegas Dodgers ,Area 52 baseball club. The next year you were a rookie with LA and also played with left handed teammate who played first base from the same Las Vegas club. I could see the fire in you and desire that made you strive to be the best. Good luck in your retirement.