Philadelphia (AP) – Otto Kemp roamed solo for around 20 minutes during his inaugural visit to Citizens Bank Park. His adventure culminated when he encountered Phillies catcher JT Realmuto just hours before Realmuto secured a winning run in a thrilling comeback, largely orchestrated by Kemp’s bunt singles in a two-run rally. He followed the rookie to the clubhouse.
“I walked with him and had him show me around,” Kemp chuckled. “I’m just trying to enjoy the experience. Every clubhouse is unique. It’s all about relishing the day and the moment.”
Kemp, once a Division II prospect from Loma Nazarene University in California, signed a free-agent minor league contract with the Phillies in 2022, leading to his first visit to Citizens Bank Park on Monday night.
Not as a fan like Orion Carker, a rescuer, Upper Deck Ticket Scrown during the 2022 World Series, nor as a former Phillies pitcher Tyler Phillips, who grew up in the stadium as a dedicated fan of the team.
Kemp treasured his first trip to the stadium as he finally made it to the major leagues.
“I wanted to make it special,” he said. “I just tried to keep it in mind on my first day in the big leagues. It pushed me to keep striving to reach this moment.”
Kemp, 25, was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, filling in for slugger Bryce Harper on the injured list. This marked Kemp’s third consecutive start on Monday night against the Chicago Cubs.
Kemp shared that he hadn’t bunted since playing summer college baseball for St. Cloud in 2021.
“I flew it straight to the catcher,” he laughed.
The art of bunting quickly came back to Kemp, particularly after he informed the Phillies coaching staff over the weekend that he was indeed capable of executing a bunt.
Realmuto hit a three at a crucial moment, turning off Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia and driving home an automatic runner.
The Phillies then secured two consecutive bunts, starting with a late alternative after being benched amidst a 24-2 slump.
Marsh – batting just .228 this season – delivered a 381-foot single to center, bringing Realmuto home in a 4-3 victory, halting the Phillies’ five-game losing streak. Marsh, a fan favorite with his thread-like hair and ZZ’s top-notch beard, celebrated his first career walk-off win across all levels of baseball.
Kemp achieved his fifth single, marking his initial hit – he mentioned he would compile a batting record – and advanced to third base on a botched pick-off attempt by Cubs starter Matthew Boyd. Kemp scored, making it a 2-1 lead on Weston Wilson’s RBI single.
Kemp’s unexpected call-up around 11 PM on Friday night in Charlotte, North Carolina, turned into a whirlwind experience for him and his family. He was on an early morning flight to Pittsburgh on Saturday, while his wife and dog drove from North Carolina, and his parents scrambled to book red-eye flights from California to catch the game just in time.
At the game for his home debut on Monday were his wife, father, three friends, and his Point Loma College baseball coach, Justin James, along with family and friends.
“It’s exhilarating to execute that bunt and win, and I’m thankful for my upbringing in the West Coast baseball program,” Kemp said. “He’s thrilled. It’s inspiring to see me thriving in that moment, on that field, being one of his products.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson indicated that Kemp is versatile enough to play first base. This season, Kemp played various positions in Triple-A, starting 33 games at third base, 17 at second, and seven in the outfield. His performance impressed the front office and Thomson.
“He appeared comfortable. He exudes a great calm,” Thomson observed. “I genuinely appreciate the way he approaches his work.”
A non-roster invitee to spring training this season, Kemp boasted a .313/.416/.594 batting line over 58 games, with a 1.010 OPS, 49 runs, 14 home runs, and 55 RBIs.
The challenges of undrafted status have only fueled his determination to reach the majors over the last two seasons.
“Double-A was when everything fell into place for me,” Kemp remarked. “That’s when it started to feel like a genuine possibility.”
As his new Phillies teammates drenched him in sports drinks and water to celebrate his three hits and the victory, he savored the moment, fully immersed in the realization that possibilities had transformed into reality.
“I always have that Gatorade shower in mind,” he said.
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