Veteran MLB Utilityman Tony Kemp Retires After Nine Seasons

Tony Kemp, a versatile utility player standing 5-foot-6, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after a nine-season career spanning four teams: the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and Baltimore Orioles. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt University, where he was an All-American and SEC Player of the Year, Kemp made his MLB debut in 2016. Over 739 games, he compiled a .237 batting average with 35 home runs, 184 RBIs, and 53 stolen bases, while being known for his speed, glove work, and versatility across multiple positions. He was part of the 2017 World Series champion Astros and earned four Roberto Clemente Award nominations during his career. In his retirement announcement, Kemp thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and training staff, and offered encouragement to undersized players, emphasizing heart and determination beyond baseball metrics. Kemp's career highlights reflect a player who maximized his impact despite physical limitations, making a memorable contribution to each team he played for.