Matt Kemp

Player: Matt Kemp
Team: Dodgers
Age: 29
Relationship Status: Single?!

When Matt Kemp hits the diamond fans cheer MVP… Most visually pleasing? I think so. Rumored Khloe Kardashian boo Matt Kemp is this week’s winner.

Matthew Ryan Kemp was born on September 23, 1984 in Midwest City, Oklahoma. His first love was basketball but ultimately best fit the baseball pants.
In 2003, Matt was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth round of the draft. After three years of the minors, Matt made his MLB debut with the Dodgers at the end of May 2006.

In 2008 Matt stole everyone’s attention… if his looks didn’t already. He hit .297 with 38 doubles, 18 homers and 76 RBIs. He finished second on the Dodgers in 35 stolen bases.

In 2009 Matt won both a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award, and in 2011 he added another golden glove to his collection. Kemp started the 2012 season strong 2012 winning the National League Player of the Week for the opening weekend.

Kemp recorded his 1,000th career hit on May 12, 2013. What will he do next? We’re all waiting to see.

Adam Wainwright

Player: Adam Wainwright
Team: Cardinals
Age: 32
Relationship Status: Married

Adam Wainwright, pitcher for the defending NL Champions , is stealing everyone’s attention with high hopes for the 2014 season.  Filled with confidence, Wainwright is predicted to be a huge part of the ultimate pitching trio for the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Adam hasn’t always had this confidence though. 

Wainwright grew up in Brunswick, Georgia and dreamed to play on the Braves team.  In 2000, he was named Gatorade’s Player of the Year for Georgia.  He was offered a full ride by Georgia Tech, and was also chosen by the Atlanta Braves with its top pick.

After bouncing around the Braves Minor leagues, Wainwright was traded to the Cardinals in December 2003, the same day he proposed to his future wife.

Adam struggled to make his ways up to the Majors, but finally in 2006 he was called up for good.  He explains, “Something inside told me I was mentally and physically ready to play up here. It’s one thing to tell yourself that, and it’s one thing to believe it. I think this year I believed it for the first time. Other years I was just thinking it.”

Since 2006 Wainwright has earned two Golden Glove’s, appeared in two All-star games, won pitcher of the month, received the Darryl Kile award, was named Pitcher of the Week and took home the World Series in 2006.   In 2013 he he led the National League in wins, innings and shutouts.

 

Dustin Ackley

Player: Dustin Ackley
Team: Seattle Mariners
Age: 26
Relationship Status: Married

This week we appreciate Dustin Ackley’s contribution to the field, if you know what I mean.   Dustin grew up in North Carolina where he played baseball at North Forsyth High School.  He went on to play at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  In 2009, Ackley was chosen by the Mariners in the first round.

Ackley was called up to the major league on June 17, 2011, and now plays second base.  At only 26, Ackley has much more time left with the Major League, and we look forward to seeing every minute of it.

 

Chase Utley

Player: Chase Utley
Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Age: 35
Relationship Status: Married

Wearing No. 26, Utley stands in the middle of the field at second base, and conveniently at our center of attention.

Chase Utley was born on Dec 17, 1978, in Pasadena, California. He grew up a hometown baseball star, and even entertained professional scouts at his high school games.  Both the Phillies and the Dodgers showed interest in Utley, but he decided to play at UCLA before entering the major leagues.

Utley was chosen by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round in 2000, and has remained with the team ever since.

His first major league hit was a grand slam on April 24, 2003, a sort of foreshadowing to his career.  Chase Utley has earned one world series ring, four silver slugger awards, made five all star appearances, and has captured our eyes over the last eleven years.