Alumni Achievers – Tony Kemp, Centennial High Class of 2010

Published June 9, 2015

Update: On May 16, 2016, Tony Kemp was promoted to the Houston Astros from the Class AAA Fresno Grizzlies minor league team. The following interview was originally published June 9, 2015.

Tony Kemp currently plays second base for the Class AA Corpus Christi Hooks minor league baseball team.

Kemp graduated from Centennial High in 2010 before playing baseball for Vanderbilt University. In 2013, Kemp was drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round.

How long have you played for the Corpus Christi Hooks?

This is my second year with the team (first full year). I was with this team after the All-Star break last year.

What led you to want to pursue a career in baseball?

Great question. I played football, baseball and basketball growing up. I just always loved playing baseball a little more than the others. I just thank God that he’s allowed me to succeed at what I love to do.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My teammates and the competition. I enjoy being one of the guys; it’s like having a big family. I love going out to battle with those guys every day. It’s more fun than I could have ever imagined.

What did you enjoy most about your high school experience?

I had great friends that I grew up with. It was fun going through high school with them. Also having Cougar pride, high school sports were some of the best times of my life. I’ll never forget the people or the memories we made.

What WCS teacher made a difference in your life and how?

Rob Baughman. We still stay in touch and go out to eat. He taught me a lot about work ethic and perseverance. He has an incredible story, and I learned a lot by following his lead.

Do you have any advice for current WCS students?

Just that you are getting one of the best educations anywhere in the country; don’t ruin the opportunity you have. Take advantage of everything offered to you right now because those opportunities become few and far between the older you become. WCS has such great schools and people attached to them. Become involved and take pride in your school. I promise doing so will pay dividends down the road. I’m thankful for my WCS education, as it allowed me to successfully transition to a degree from Vanderbilt University. I wasn’t the smartest kid in class but I tried to apply myself and doing so allowed me to move into better things. I know if you apply yourself, great things are in store for you, as your education is second to none.