Tony Kemp got the call of a lifetime when he was selected by the Houston Astros in the fifth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
But after achieving a lifelong dream, the 21-year-old and his future wife faced adversity.
Michelle Kemp had a broadcasting career in Toronto, but Kemp traveled around the country.
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Tony Kemp of the Oakland Athletics bats in the bottom of the third inning during an MLB game at the RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., May 4, 2023. (Shiron W. Henderson/Getty Images)
So Michelle gave Kemp one option, and only one option, and that was to go to the majors in three years.
“Obviously, she had to stop her career in broadcasting. She was doing radio and television art work in Toronto. It was tough because it was going in the direction she wanted, but I I had just been drafted in 2013,” Kemp told MLB Network. Wednesday, new york post.
“She said, ‘Okay, I have three more years to go to the major leagues.’
On May 4, 2023, Tony Kemp of the Oakland Athletics pitched to first base to complete a double play in the top of the second inning of an MLB game at the RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Shiron W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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“I said, ‘Three years? That’s less than the period it ended.’ [takes] — Usually four or five. She said, “I believe you, but it will take three years.” She wanted it to be rewarding, even if it meant sacrificing her own career. In doing so, she has a better understanding of getting her children involved in this career. ”
Kemp met his deadline and received his first call-up in 2016. He won the World Series the following season.
The infielder was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2019 and to the Oakland Athletics the following January, where he’s been since.
On May 8, 2023, Oakland Athletics’ Tony Kemp scored an infield hit in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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It seemed worth it. Kemp will earn $3.725 million this season. He’ll be a free agent after the season, so he and Michelle will have the option to settle down wherever they want.