Former Astros World Series Champion Announces Retirement

A fifth-round draft pick by Houston in 2013 out of Vanderbilt, Kemp played for four teams throughout his nine-year MLB career - the Astros, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and most-recently the Baltimore Orioles. In 2017, Kemp was on the 40-man roster for the Astros, winning a World Series ring with the club.

Across 739 career games, the 5-foot-6, 160-pound Kemp slashed .237/.324/.351 with 35 home runs, 184 RBI and 53 stolen bases. 

During his time in Houston, the diminutive star became a fan-favorite with his 'Hugs for Homers' campaign , leaping into the outstretched arms of 6-foot-4, 270-pound Evan Gattis and other teammates after each round-tripper.  

In his letter, Kemp thanked his parents, his older-brother Corey and his college sweetheart-turned wife Michelle, who woke the second baseman up in his dorm room to inform him he had won the 2013 SEC Baseball Player of the Year. 

Kemp also praised his Commodores head coach Tim Corbin for taking a chance on him, and the four MLB teams he was blessed to represent. 

"Thank you to the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and the Oakland As for allowing me to represent your cities throughout my career." 

He also added hope for all the undersized baseball players out there. 

"With all of the metrics and data in the game of baseball today, there is still one measurement they can't compute: your heart." Kemp said. "Continue to play the game the right way and respect it. The game will reward you, I promise." 

Towards the end of his letter, Kemp invited fans, former teammates or opponents, and really anyone he came in contact with throughout his career to share a story. 

 "Thank you, Tony. There will always be hugs for you here in Houston." A fan wrote. 

The responses are still flooding in.