Matt Kemp of the L.A. Dodgers is doing what he can and more to help Oklahoma tornado victims in his home state, pledging $250,000 and then some. The quarter-million pledge comes after Kemp, inexplicably, received backlash when he promised to give $1,000 for every home run he hit this spring. Kemp, of course, has hit only two so far this year in what has been a disappointing campaign, leading to the obligatory jokes and childish criticism. Until the Oklahoma native, announced plans to go far beyond that initial pledge. Far, far beyond it. The baseball star said in a statement Wednesday: “Dear Families of OKC, on Monday, out of concern and emotion I committed $1,000.00 for every home run I hit until the All-Star Break.” “It was a quick and small gesture in advance of what I knew would be my greater contribution through your rebuilding process.” “I am keeping my pledge and in addition, donating $250,000.00. May God bless you through this and the many generous donations coming to your aid. “Sincerely, Matt Kemp #PrayforOklahoma” Cynics, of course, will say that public sniping got to him, but the 28-year-old seems like a man of his word who would absolutely do what he can. Did you see what Matt Kemp did for that fan just this month? Enough said. He’s a standup guy, people, even if he is only hitting .265 in 2013.
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Matt Kemp Pledges $250,000 to Oklahoma Tornado Relief