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The Baltimore Orioles called up superstar prospect Jackson Holliday on Wednesday after he began the season absolutely destroying minor-league pitching.
To make space for him, Baltimore needed to designate veteran Tony Kemp for assignment.
Kemp has been in the major leagues since 2016. But rather than being bitter about getting sent down, he shared an extremely classy message to Holliday.
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
“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,” Kemp tweeted.
Fans immediately praised Kemp for his classy gesture.
“Not an easy situation to find yourself in Tony – but appreciate the humility and grace your approached it with Best of luck in whatever’s next for you,” one tweeted.
“Although your time in Baltimore was brief, you can learn a lot about a person’s character through their actions. A lot of class, Tony. Best of luck in your next chapter,” said another.
Jackson Holliday Goes Hitless In Major League Debut
Holliday, meanwhile, made his major league debut later that evening. The 20-year-old second baseman went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. But he did drive in a run on a ground out and the Orioles went on to beat the Red Sox, 7-5, to move into second play in the American League East.
Holliday, the son of former seven-time MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, is just one of several young superstars in the O’s organization. He joins catcher Adley Rutschman and shortstop Gunner Henderson in forming a young core that Baltimore fans hope will lead the organization for the next decade plus.