Kemp's activism leads to Clemente Award nomination

OAKLAND -- Tony Kemp has enjoyed some successful streaks on the field since joining the A's in 2020. But no streak is more meaningful to him than the one he's currently on away from the diamond.

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On Sept. 8, Kemp was recognized for his extensive work within the community as the A's nominee for this year's Roberto Clemente Award. This marks the third consecutive season in which Kemp has been Oakland's nominee for the prestigious individual honor, which is awarded annually to the Major Leaguer who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

"I've always thought what someone does off the field is more important," Kemp said. "I'm honored to be nominated for the third time. This award means more than any other award that you can ever win on the field."

Each year he's been in Oakland, Kemp and his wife, Michelle, have increased their focus on making an impact on the environment through his work as a player ambassador for Players for the Planet and One Tree Planted. This season, Kemp has pledged to donate $250 for every stolen base and extra-base hit he records. The outfielder/second baseman entered Friday with 32 extra-base hits and 11 stolen bases on the year.

Earlier this month, Kemp joined volunteers in a community tree planting event by helping plant 50 mature trees near the MLK Regional Shoreline in Oakland to help address air pollution from surrounding businesses through a vegetative buffer zone.

Kemp's desire to get involved in environmental activism was helped by his relationship with former MLB outfielder Chris Dickerson, founder of Players for the Planet, which unites professional athletes to create positive change for the environment through various ventures.

"All the things around our planet that need to be fixed, especially living in your carbon footprint and things like that, I feel like trees are just a good way to give back to the community," Kemp said. "I got involved with it, and then once it kind of got going in years past, I feel like it was just a good avenue and cool way to give back."

Kemp also remains involved in the battle against racial and social injustice through his +1 Effect campaign, raising funds for the cause through the sale of T-shirts, with proceeds going to Campaign Zero. An active member of the Players Alliance, Kemp also continues his efforts to make baseball more accessible to aspiring players in the Black community.

"Tony and his wife do amazing things throughout the community," said A's manager Mark Kotsay. "On the field, Tony's effort is displayed by his true love for the game. The way he plays. The plays he makes. The smiles that he has and the entertainment value that he brings. He's really deserving of this nomination again."