SCHOLAR ATHLETE!

Matt Kemp (GSBM ’08) certainly had a busy weekend: In addition to working on a finance project, he also drove in three runs for the Dodgers against the Padres. The fact that the game was played in China makes the feat even more impressive. (Editor’s note: I’m not making this up. Check the sports pages.)

As he was out of the country and unavailable for comment, Fly On The Wall tracked down Mr. Kemp’s agent, Jason Faught (GSBM ’08) to learn more details about this most interesting discovery.

“Well, Matt got drafted by the Dodgers back in ’03,” explained Mr. Faught, “but he’s been keeping the whole thing on the down low.”

“Naturally it’s hard to juggle being a Major Leaguer and a full time MBA student. He’s had to cut back his involvement in the finance club, but luckily the professors have been cool about letting him leave early when there’s a night game.”

“Things got a little dicey during the whole insider trading scandal last year (See "Scandal: Insider Trading" 11/27/07). The Dodgers got nervous, and there was talk about Matt being traded. Luckily he was cleared in the end. After all that they wanted him to focus full time on baseball, but Matt wouldn’t give up his dream of being the first full time MBA in the Majors.”

When prodded for a comment about the possibility of Mr. Kemp’s involvement in the Steroid Scandal currently rocking Major League Baseball, Mr. Faught became visibly agitated.

“Steroids? Are you KIDDING me? Just *look* at the guy! Does he look like he’s using steroids??? Gimmie a break!”

Steering the conversation to a less controversial topic, Fly On The Wall then asked Mr. Faught to comment on Matt’s strengths as a ballplayer.

“He’s a five tool player: He might not hit a ton of home runs, but he can still hit for power. He can also run the numbers, field the tough questions, and be a team player when thinking up new strategies. In a pinch, he can also pitch new ideas.”

While chances are good that Mr. Kemp will make the team this season, he is still not guaranteed a spot on the roster after Spring Training.

“Matt understands better than most that it’s a business decision by the club. They might give him a starting position, but they also might option him to the Toledo Mud Hens. So he’s hedging his bets and interviewing with Morgan Stanley and Washington Mutual. He's keeping all his options open.”

Mr. Kemp is expected to be back on campus on Tuesday afternoon. He will be available in the cafeteria between 12:00 and 1:00 to autograph baseball cards.