PHILADELPHIA — Otto Kemp, an emerging talent, took his first solo journey around Citizens Bank Park for approximately 20 minutes.
Wandering by himself among the bustling crowds—who seemed puzzled by his presence—he unexpectedly encountered Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto.
This was hours ahead of the game where Realmuto would contribute a crucial run in an extra-innings win, a victory partially fueled by a pivotal bunt single from the hands of Kemp during a crucial two-run rally.
Realmuto took it upon himself to help orient the newcomer by guiding him to the clubhouse.
“I just tagged along with him, letting him take the lead,” chuckled Kemp.
“The aim was simply to soak in the experience, get familiar with the territory.
Each clubhouse has its own vibe, and I wanted to embrace the day and cherish the moment.”
Kemp’s journey is a tale of perseverance that saw him climb from being an undrafted Division II player at Point Loma Nazarene University in California to signing a minor league contract with the Phillies in 2022.
His ascent through four minor league levels led him, on that Monday night, to Citizens Bank Park, wearing his major league uniform for the first time.
Unlike Orion Kerkering, who had to find a seat in the nosebleed section to witness the World Series in 2022, or the former Phillies pitcher Tyler Phillips, who was a lifelong fan of the ballpark,
Kemp chose to reserve his first visit for his debut on that grand stage known as the major leagues.
“It was all about maintaining that sense of specialness,” Kemp said, explaining his decision.
“I wanted it to be something reserved for my first big league opportunity, serving as a piece of motivation throughout my journey to reach this level.”
The 25-year-old Kemp’s ascent included a stop in Pittsburgh on Saturday, having been called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill in while slugger Bryce Harper was sidelined due to an injury.
Kemp started his third consecutive game on Monday, triumphantly completing the game with three hits out of five at-bats, an error, and his first career hit and run scored.
Despite not attempting a bunt since his summer baseball days with the St. Cloud Rox in 2021—where his attempt merely floated back to the catcher—
Kemp maintained a belief in his ability.
Over the weekend, he confirmed to the Phillies coaching staff that bunting was indeed a skill he confidently possessed.
Realmuto tied the game at 3, driving in the automatic runner with a single off Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia.
Two back-to-back bunt singles followed, the first from Bryson Stott—entering as a late-game replacement to halt his slump—and then Kemp executed another, marking the third of his initial three big-league hits.
These events set the stage for a crucial moment: Brandon Marsh, a favorite among Philadelphia fans with his characteristically flowing hair and ZZ Top-like beard, stepped up.
Marsh dazzled the crowd with a soaring 381-foot single to centerfield, bringing Realmuto home, sealing a 4-3 victory, and breaking the Phillies’ five-game losing streak.
Kemp secured his first career hit in the fifth inning and dashed to third after an errant pickoff attempt by Cubs starter Matthew Boyd.
He scored on an RBI single by Weston Wilson, pushing the Phillies to a 2-1 advantage.
Kemp’s unexpected call-up at 11 p.m. on Friday night in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his team, the Iron Pigs, was stationed,
led to a whirlwind journey for him and his family.
After catching an early flight to Pittsburgh on Saturday, his wife and dog embarked on a road trip from North Carolina, while his parents scrambled for last-minute flights from California, arriving just in time to see his debut.
Accompanied at the ballpark for his home debut were his wife, father, three friends, and his former college baseball coach Justin James,
among others. “Getting that bunt down and expressing gratitude to coach James for shaping me in a West Coast baseball environment was truly rewarding,” Kemp shared.
“James, overtaken with excitement, was pleased to witness me out on that field.
Seeing the success of one of his protégés is genuinely a testament to his guidance.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in Kemp’s potential to expand his on-field responsibilities,
suggesting he could play first base or the outfield as he gains experience.
During his Triple-A tenure this season, Kemp demonstrated his adaptability, with 33 starts at third base,
17 total starts covering both first and second base, and seven outfield starts.
Kemp’s versatile performance captured attention, earning praise from both Thomson and the Phillies’ front office.
“The comfort and composure he displays on the field are impressive,” Thomson commented.
“I admire how he conducts himself professionally.”
Kemp, originally invited to spring training without a guaranteed roster spot, was achieving remarkable stats in the Triple-A arena:
a batting line of .313/.416/.594, amounts to a 1.010 OPS, with 49 runs, 14 home runs, and 55 RBIs in 58 matches for the Iron Pigs.
Kemp’s remarkable shift from being overlooked in the draft to becoming an undeniable contender in the major leagues crystallized over the past two years.
“Double-A was when it truly started to appear tangible,” said Kemp. “That’s when a major league future seemed possible.”
As his teammates celebrated his achievement with showers of sports drinks and water, Kemp relished the moment, reflecting on the accomplishment he had transformed from dream to reality.
“I’ll embrace that Gatorade shower any day,” he said joyfully.