The Los Angeles Dodgers capped off Alumni Weekend with Matt Kemp Day at Dodger Stadium to welcome back the former All-Star outfielder for a retirement ceremony.
Kemp signed a one-day contract to officially end his career with the Dodgers, the team that drafted him in the sixth round in 2003.
“I’m thankful to be here. It’s been a while since I’ve been back,” Kemp said before he was recognized on the field. “I think I came for a playoff game in…I can’t even remember…it’s been a while. Energy is different, the stadium looks different, it’s really cool.
“I was asking them why we didn’t have all this cool stuff when I was here.”
Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis emceed the event, which included a video montage of Kemp highlights from his Dodgers career, and recorded messages from Kenley Jansen, Dee Strange-Gordon, Juan Pierre and more former teammates.
“Still believe you should have had that MVP,” Jansen said, in reference to the controversial 2011 National League MVP Award that was won by Ryan Braun.
Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw presented Kemp with his Dodgers No. 27 jersey and one-day contract to make his retirement official.
“That 2011 season Kenley talked about, you’re the real MVP for that one,” Kershaw said in his speech.
Matt Kemp Day speech
Kemp joked his biggest concern was not getting emotional and he planned to wear sunglasses during the pregame ceremony to hide any possible tears. He remained composed throughout the celebration and expressed gratitude for the organization and Dodgers fans making his career memorable and helping create another highlight.
“I don’t think you guys realize or understand how much L.A. means to me and what it’s done for me in my career and my life as a person,” Kemp began.
“I’ve had some great experiences here, had a lot of ups, a lot of downs. But as a 21-year-old kid coming to L.A. from Oklahoma, my eyes were opened a little bit wider being here in this city.
“But like I said, I’ve had some great, great moments, and I’m very thankful for you guys and thankful for the Dodger organization for believing in me and giving me a chance to live out my dream. I just don’t think people realize how special it is to play in this stadium, how electric it is and how great the fans are here.
“You guys made each and every night here fun, legendary, and it’s something that I’ll never forget. So I’m glad to be here, I’m glad to be able to experience this, and thank you to the Dodgers organization for giving me this day and letting my family see. I have a 3-year-old daughter who gets to see this, who doesn’t even know I’m a baseball player.
“She gets to come here and enjoy this, and we get to have some fun and see some familiar faces. Love you guys and I appreciate everything you’ve done. God bless.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
