One of the most beloved former superstars of the Los Angeles Dodgers is returning to the organization for one day and one day only. Matt Kemp will return to Dodger Stadium next month where he will sign a one-day contract with Los Angeles. The purpose of this contract is so that Kemp can finish his incredibly successful career where it first began, in Dodger Blue.
After announcing his retirement from baseball earlier this year, Kemp will have the opportunity to make a grand exit that is suited for him and the impact he has made on the league. He will be honored on a day fully dedicated to him while he wears his familiar threads one last time.
Kemp Returns to Los Angeles
The second week of August marks a significant time for Dodger Legends as Alumni Weekend will be taking place. The event will be held August 9-11 as Los Angeles takes on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The festivities will honor many Dodger icons, however, the final day of the series will be known as “Matt Kemp Day.”
During this day, a bobblehead of his will be given away to fans while he is honored throughout the stadium. The Dodgers also announced on Wednesday, July 24, that in addition to the prescheduled celebrations, they will be coming to terms on a one-day contract with Kemp so that he can retire as a member of their team.
Kemp’s Dodger Career
The beginning of Kemp’s career started in Sunny California when he was drafted by the Dodgers in 2003 at the age of 19. He spent three years in Minor League ball before he was eventually called up to make his Major League debut on May 28, 2006, against the Washington Nationals. Kemp got his first big league hit that day as he went 1-4.
After a successful debut, Kemp’s impact on the Dodgers organization continued to become more prevalent in the coming years. He spent the first nine seasons of his Major League career in Los Angeles, becoming an imperative asset for the team in that time. He is considered to be one of the best Dodgers of all time.
The best years of his career came when he was in Los Angeles. In 2011, Kemp became an All-Star for the first time. In addition to his All-Star selection, he won his second Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award. While playing all but one game that year, he batted an impressive .324 while obtaining an OBP of .399 and a WAR of 7.8, the highest of his career. Not only was he a danger at the plate, but he was a threat on the basepaths as he registered a career-high 40 stolen bases.
Career Outside of Los Angeles
Following Kemp’s ninth season with the Dodgers, He was traded to the San Diego Padres at the end of 2014. He played for the Padres from 2015-2016. During his San Diego stint, he batted above .260 with an OPS over .750.
He was traded midway through 2016 to the Atlanta Braves where he played until 2017. After his short time with Atlanta, he made his way back to LA in 2018 where he played for one season, helping the Dodgers make it to their second World Series in two years. Though he had a strong impact on the team, he was pushed away yet again.
Between 2019 and 2020, Kemp played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies. While with the Rockies, Kemp played his final Major League game. Looking over the 16 years he played on the Major League stage, he had an incredible career, slashing .284/.337/.484 lifetime.
With the impact he has had on baseball, both fans and Kemp alike will be looking forward to an exciting day to honor one of the league’s best. Kemp’s presence in the clubhouse and on the field has been unparalleled. His incredible career will have a fitting send-off as he will be a Dodger once again.
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