CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (EYT) — Clarion Native Jon Kemmer is one of the top three right field prospects of the Houston Astros, according to the House of Houston, a Houston news and opinions website.
Kemmer, a Clarion Area graduate, was an under-the-radar draft pick in the 21st round out of Brewton-Parker College in 2013 by the Houston Astros organization. He played last year with the Astros’ Tri-City Valley Cats, a short season affiliate of the Astros and continues his move toward the majors this year with the Class AA Corpus Christi Hooks.
“I am pleased with my progress so far as a professional, but know I still got to continue to be better,” Kemmer told exploreClarion.com.
“I am glad that I keep getting better as a player and as a person. My goals are very simple for this coming season. I plan to keep moving through the minor leagues system to become the player that I know I can be.”
The House of Houston described Kemmer as “assigned to Tri–City following the draft and hit .221 with 4 HR, 16 RBI in 65 games. In 2014, however, he made nice improvements in all areas, especially in power. KemKem (as referred to on Twitter) is listed at 6’2″ and 220 lbs., so it is obvious to see where the power comes from. Kemmer actually played 24 games at 1B, 23 in RF, and 20 in LF. He hit well in Lancaster last season, which is known to be a great hitter’s park.”
(For those who are interested in stats, his 2014 record included: .291 BA/. 345 OBP/.523 SLG, 25 2B, 2 3B, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 24 BB/72 SO in 91 games.)
As Kemmer advances up through the various leagues he knows there will be challenges.
“The different challenges I would face along my way through the organization is the level of competition I will face,” said Kemmer. “These are the best of the best through the world. The biggest challenge is that we all want the same thing, to play in the MLB.”
“Throughout the levels, the pitchers learn to command more then one pitch. Some pitchers have as many as four different pitches they can use to get you out. The biggest difference I face is I might only get one good pitch an at bat and if you miss that pitch you are in battle from there on out.”
“I myself have to command the strike zone much better then I have in the past, be a more patient hitter, and not miss my pitch is what will take me the rest of the way.”
He also thinks his experience at Clarion Area will help him in career.
“Clarion has helped me in many ways,” continued Kemmer. “The things that Clarion is teaching are very similar to what we learn in pro ball. The good plays and average players are determined by if they buy into what the coaches are telling them. My dad is the hitting coach at Clarion Area and has taught me everything I know, and those players are in great hands if they buy into what they are teaching.”
