Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Sunday, Matt Kemp, a three-time All-Star and former face of the Los Angeles Dodgers, returned to Dodger Stadium to officially retire as a member of the team. Signing a one-day contract, Kemp expressed gratitude and nostalgia as he bid farewell to the game and the organization that played a significant role in shaping his career.
The Emotional Return
Kemp began the press conference by acknowledging the mixed emotions he felt being back at Dodger Stadium. “I’m thankful to be here,” he said, noting how much the stadium had changed since he last played there. “The energy is different; the stadium looks different. It’s really cool… I was asking why we have all this cool stuff when I was here.”
Despite the changes, Kemp shared that he still feels deeply connected to the team. He keeps up with the Dodgers’ games, receiving alerts on his phone whenever something notable happens. “I can’t not watch,” he admitted, mentioning the friendships he still maintains with current players like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw.
Life After Baseball
When asked about his life post-baseball, Kemp revealed that he’s still trying to figure it out. “I’m just trying to figure that out now,” he said. His days are now filled with business ventures and golf, though he humorously noted that playing golf is sometimes an escape from the demands of being a father to his three-year-old daughter, Tyler Marie Kemp.
“No, I’m never bored,” he said with a laugh, “I have a three-year-old, so I can’t be bored.”
Reflecting on His Dodgers Career
Looking back on his time with the Dodgers, Kemp spoke with pride and a touch of regret. “I’m grateful to be able to put this jersey on,” he said. “This jersey is special.” He reflected on the highs and lows of his career, including his trade to San Diego, then Atlanta, and eventually his return to Los Angeles in 2018, which he described as a standout moment.
“Coming back and being in the Opening Day lineup… going on that run that we did in 2018, it was just different,” Kemp said. “It’s a different energy here.”
The Importance of Mentors
Kemp also paid tribute to the mentors who guided him throughout his career. He highlighted the impact of figures like Maury Wills, Don Newcombe, and Davey Lopes, who he credits with helping him become both a better player and a better man.
“I had to be coached hard, and Davey was somebody I built a relationship with,” Kemp said, recounting a moment when Lopes sternly reminded him to be more of a student of the game. “I definitely tip my hat to him as far as helping me in that 2011 season.”
A Fond Farewell
As Kemp prepares to step away from the game, he expressed deep appreciation for the Dodgers organization and the community. He acknowledged that it took time to come to terms with retirement, but he’s now ready to move on to the next chapter of his life.
“I’m blessed to even play one year in the big leagues, let alone 15,” Kemp said. “I got to live out my dream and do what I needed to do.”
While he may be retiring from playing, Kemp’s legacy with the Dodgers is far from over. As he stood in front of the media, surrounded by familiar faces and old friends, it was clear that Matt Kemp will always be a Dodger at heart.
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