Tony Kemp is one of the most exciting players to watch in the country. The Nashville product is the 2013 Southeastern Conference most valuable player. Tony hit .400 this season with 31 stolen bases. Tony is a junior at Vanderbilt. Vandy had an impressive 53-9 season this year going 26-3 in the tough SEC.
You were named the SEC player of the year. That’s quite an accomplishment. You’re the second Vanderbilt player to win the award. What does the award mean to you?
It’s a great accomplishment, but it’s really a team award. I’ve had my whole lineup behind me produce all year long. I don’t score runs if my teammates don’t get hits, and they’ve done a great job with that all year long. My coaches have put me in great situations to succeed, and I truly thank them for that.
What has your experience been like at Vanderbilt?
I couldn’t have made a better choice in a school or baseball program. It’s been an amazing 3 years so far, unbelievable really. I can’t say enough about the university and the support they give to all students here. We really are not just a university but a community, and I love that about this place.
You’re from Nashville. Was Vanderbilt your number one choice out of high school?
It was up there. I was committed to East Carolina where my brother played. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the academics Vanderbilt has. But after talking to Coach Corbin I was willing to give everything I had in the classroom and on the field.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Going to Omaha my freshman year was awesome. Working hard all year with a group of guys, and then realizing all your hard work together paid off. That was pretty special. To see the look on Coach Corbin’s face when we made it there was priceless. I was so happy for the team and for Coach.
What advice would you give younger players?
To have fun. This is still a game no matter what level you are playing. If you can’t have fun with this, then it may be time to do something else. I would tell younger guys to enjoy the time they spend doing this because you never know when it might end.
You were the president of your FCA chapter. Talk about your faith and how it translates on the diamond.
I try to put God first in everything that I do. I know that my abilities are all because of Him. I just try to be a light on the field to whoever may be watching. I just hope that people see Christ in me when I play, and I hope people understand that nothing is possible without Him.
Vanderbilt came out West to play in Oregon. What was that experience like?
That was an awesome time, I’m so glad we got to go out there. The fans out there were awesome. They were so into the game and their team and I always love seeing that. We were lucky enough to get to go tour Nike and Oregon’s football facilities and everything was amazing. They have built an incredible place to play sports.
Growing up who were your influences?
I would say my brother Corey. We did so many things together and I always looked up to him. I just wanted to follow in his footsteps. He always told me that he didn’t want me to do that. He wanted me to make my own way and just be myself. He really helped understand the game of baseball. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
Final question, what are your top five songs of all time?
Tough question. Here it goes:
Stomp; Kirk Franklin
Ordinary People; John Legend
Brighter Day; Kirk Franklin
Hosana; Kirk Franklin
First Breath after Coma; Explosions in the Sky