Kemp excited to start with childhood team

ATLANTA — Matt Kemp is a former MVP-caliber player whose stardom with the Dodgers enabled him to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood lifestyle. But those past thrills might have been trumped by those he experienced on Tuesday, when he donned a Braves uniform for the first time and immediately realized those childhood dreams that materialized from those countless hours he used to spend watching Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Chipper Jones on TBS.

“It feels awesome,” Kemp said. “It’s a good day. I’m a little nervous and excited at the same time. But this is it. This is what dreams are made of right here.”

Kemp has been overwhelmed by the excitement he has felt dating back to Saturday night, when he learned the Braves had acquired him from the Padres in exchange for Hector Olivera. Still just 31 years old, the two-time All-Star will now have an opportunity to prove just how valuable he can still be while playing for that same Braves organization that he loved during his childhood days in Oklahoma.

“I’ve been dreaming about putting on this uniform and being a Major League Baseball player,” Kemp said. “That dream has come true. I’m very excited about this opportunity to come here and help this organization and try to turn it around and make this happen.”

When this trade was completed, Braves …

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