Let’s face it, Matt Kemp, regardless of where he has gone (or goes) after leaving the Dodgers as a free agent following the 2018 season, was – and always will be – considered a Dodger … even if it kills us. After all, he was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round of the 2003 MLB Draft out of Midwest City High School in Midwest City, OK, and made his MLB debut on May 28, 2006, right around the time that the famed “Jacksonville Five“ also made their debuts with the Dodgers, and around the time that the Dodgers acquired Andre Ethier from the Oakland A’s in exchange for Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez.

Of that bunch, Kemp, Ethier, and Martin became – and remain to this day – huge Dodger fan favorites, even after leaving, and returning, and leaving again during their respective careers.

On Sunday evening, (now) Colorado Rockies outfielder / designated hitter Matt Kemp slugged what would prove to be a game-winning two-run home run in the top of the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. And while Kemp’s blast, his fourth of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, undoubtedly stirred up a lot of emotion among Dodger and Matt Kemp fans, it is impossible to be angry at the very beloved former Dodger.

Perhaps not so much with 24-year-old Dodgers left-hander Caleb Ferguson, who served up an 85.9-mph meatball right over the plate and right in Kemp’s wheelhouse. Kemp promptly deposited Ferguson’s pitch into the Left Field Pavilion at his former home ballpark (for ten seasons) to give the Rockies a 7-6 lead and eventual final score.

In the 93 games in which Ferguson has appeared in his three seasons with the Dodgers and in his combined 110.0 innings pitched, Ferguson has now given up 18 home runs, including four this season. He has also blown both of his save opportunities this season and is now 2-1 on the season. His ERA is now at 3.31 through his 16.1 innings of relief thus far this season, and his four home runs allowed are tied with right-hander Dennis Santana for the most among all Dodger relievers.

“That one to Kemp, it was 0-1, it was down below the zone and he did a great job of hitting and hitting a homer,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame in Ferguson’s defense (and apparently without reviewing the video). “So, it was just one of those things that I want to keep Fergie confident, ’cause we’re going to keep running him out there.”

You have been warned.

Play Ball!

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