Vanderbilt alum Tony Kemp shares message to Jackson Holliday ahead of his debut after being DFA'd by Orioles
Baseball's No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday being called up to the Baltimore Orioles' MLB roster has stolen headlines in recent moments, however, there's always a corresponding move when it comes to adding to the 26-man roster.
Former Vanderbilt baseball star Tony Kemp, who's in his ninth MLB season, was designated for assignment on Wednesday in the corresponding move for the 20-year-old Holliday. Tensions could certainly rise with a 32-year-old veteran being replaced for a young up-and-comer, however, Kemp shared an inspiring message to Holliday on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.
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"In the fall of 2010, (Vanderbilt) had a series against the Longhorns for a 3 game set," Kemp wrote. "Our hitting coach at the time was (Oklahoma State head coach Josh Holliday) and his brother, Matt (Holliday), brought his kids to our early practice.
In the fall of 2010, our college had a series against the Longhorns for a 3 game set. Our hitting coach at the time was Josh Holliday and his brother, Matt, brought his kid to our early practice. I remember watching his son @J_Holliday7 with a sweet lefty swing. Go get em’ kid!
— Tony Kemp (@tonykemp) April 10, 2024
"I remember watching his son, (Jackson Holliday), with a sweet lefty swing. Go get em' kid!"
Kemp approached the tough situation with all class, and the baseball world responded in a heartfelt way, praising Kemp for his approach.
In five games with the Orioles this season, the 2017 World Series champion struggled to a 1 for 10 start at the plate, with one walk and one strikeout.
Holliday, who started his season in Triple-A batting 14 for 42 with two home runs in 10 games, is the son of seven-time MLB All-Star Matt Holliday.
Here are the best reactions to Kemp's message to Holliday:
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Social media reacts to Tony Kemp's message to Jackson Holliday
Here are the best reactions to Tony Kemp's message to top prospect Jackson Holliday, who replaced Kemp on Baltimore's MLB roster on Wednesday:
The Orioles DFA'd Tony Kemp to make room for Jackson Holliday, but Kemp is still pumped to see Holliday get his shot https://t.co/Zql7JkVTHr
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 10, 2024
A reminder that are two sides to every transaction. Tony Kemp couldn’t have been classier in his two weeks with the @Orioles, and he couldn’t be classier here. Hope to see him again soon. https://t.co/J98GcrkzxW
— Kevin Brown (@kevinnbrown) April 10, 2024
baseball is the best 🫶 wow. https://t.co/wDqiKUrz57
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 10, 2024
If you have EVER wondered about what kind of person @tonykemp is, THIS is all you need to know. https://t.co/YdQ2e0mhXT
— Lauren Callender (@Lo_Callender) April 10, 2024
Classiest player in baseball. https://t.co/wNfvEonpB9
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) April 10, 2024
Tony Kemp, you are the best. https://t.co/wsF9u3OIb8
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 10, 2024
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tony Kemp shares heartfelt message to Jackson Holliday after being DFA'd