After being left undrafted in 1988, Robbie Kemper found himself at spring training with the Giants in 1989 after the organization invited him to camp, The Shreveport Journal wrote.
He then won a spot at single-A Clinton. But he also knew a big thing he needed to work on, he told The Journal.
"Confidence," he told The Journal. "Talent-wise, you've got to make yourself believe that nobody is better."
As good as he was to make it to that point, his time in the Giants system proved brief. Overall, he saw two pro seasons. He topped out at single-A.
Kemper's career started that year in 1989, signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent out of Centenary College.
At Centenary in April 1988, Kemper had success at the plate as he hit .355 on 39 hits, after hitting .353 the previous year and .339 before that, The Journal wrote.
"I really don't know why I've been a good hitter," Kemper told The Journal. "I don't try changing too many things. I just concentrate on the ball."
After getting passed over in that year's draft, Kemper played the summer with the semi-pro Bossier Mets. The Giants came calling by November, offering a shot at spring training, The Journal wrote.
"They needed a first baseman," Kemper told The Journal then. "They told me they evaluated what they had and what they needed. And they needed a left-handed first baseman."
Kemper eventually made the single-A Clinton Giants. He saw 42 games and hit .248. He then moved mid-year to independent co-op Boise. He got 25 games there and hit .221.
Kemper played 1990 at co-op short-season Erie. He got into 62 games and hit .234. That season proved his last as a pro.
Kemper has since returned home to the Shreveport area. In 2023, he's listed as a partner in a benefits company there.
- Shreveport Journal, April 8, 1988: Kemper hits it off with Gents
- Shreveport Journal, Nov. 2, 1988: Kemper going from Gents to Giants
- Shreveport Journal, March 28, 1989: Kemper
Made the Majors:1,385-32.7%
Never Made Majors:2,857-67.3%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:562
10+ Seasons in the Minors:345
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