Kemp living the baseball dream

Topping 2009 won’t be easy for Brian Kemp, but the Rockville Centre native isn’t about to stop trying.

The list of baseball accomplishments for Kemp last year includes becoming the first batter in Citi Field history, being drafted by the Houston Astros, and appearing in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game.

“It has been an amazing ride,” said Kemp, who plays in the Astros farm system for the Lexington Legends (Class A) of the South Atlantic League. “I’m still a little far from the big leagues, but everything is great.”

A sprained ankle cost Kemp a month of action earlier this season, but he’s starting to get into a groove at the plate. Between July 27 and Aug. 2, the 21-year-old outfielder went 6-for-15 with four runs scored and two stolen bases. “I’ve been more comfortable at the plate, and hopefully I’ll stay hot,” he said. “I just want to play every day and contribute.”

Kemp’s game relies on speed and defense. His talents caught the eye of longtime Major League Baseball scout John Kosciak, who compares the former St. John’s University and Chaminade High School standout to one-time Yankees outfielder Chad Curtis. “I saw Brian play more than 20 games over a three-year period,” Kosciak said. “He’s a good athlete; a blue-collar type of outfielder from a high-profile college program.”

Heading into last Friday’s series opener with Delaware, Kemp appeared in 48 of Lexington’s first 110 games this season and was batting a shade under .240 with 12 RBIs and eight steals. Last year, with the Class A Tri City ValleyCats, he swiped 16 bases, batted .259 with 11 RBIs and was selected to the league’s All-Star Game.

“He’s just starting his journey,” Kosciak added. “The idea is to progress at every level.”