SAN DIEGO – Jake Entrekin graduated in 2025 as Point Loma Nazarene’s all-time leader in home runs and runs batted in — but when he thinks back to his freshman year, it was a senior in the batting cage who caught his eye by setting the standard for how to grind: Otto Kemp.
“He was the model for how we were supposed to work, especially for the new guys like me,” Entrekin said. “It’s rare to get a guy who’s just addicted to the grind. He worked hard every day with a positive, humble spirit and always carried himself like a pro.
“It’s cool what he’s doing now, but it’s not surprising — we all thought of him that way. He always seemed like a big leaguer, consistent in his work ethic and attitude, and that’s why he’s been so consistent on the field,” Entrekin said.
Kemp, who graduated from PLNU in 2022 as a versatile right-handed, left fielder, third baseman, and first baseman, became the first position player from Point Loma Nazarene to reach Major League Baseball when he filled in for an injured Bryce Harper with the Philadelphia Phillies in June.
This weekend, Kemp returns to San Diego for the first time as a big leaguer, facing the Padres in a three-game series at Petco Park.
“It was an awesome four years,” Kemp said of PLNU. “I think it was foundational for my game. There are a lot of things that I learned there, and a lot of things that I went through that allowed me to be in this position today, stuff that I built upon. A cool stepping stone for this journey.”
At Kemp’s debut in Philadelphia on June 9, his wife, dad, three friends, and PLNU head coach Justin James were in attendance. That night against the Chicago Cubs, Kemp recorded his first Major League hit and went 3-for-5. He also laid down a crucial bunt single in the 11th inning — his first bunt since 2021 — that helped set up the go-ahead run in extra innings to secure the Phillies’ win.
“[Justin James] helped me a ton throughout my career,” Kemp said. “He believed in me from day one, giving me a starting role as a freshman because he saw something in me. Even now, our relationship is strong — whenever I’m in town, he encourages me to come hang out, work out, and stay connected as part of the program. We keep in touch regularly, and he’s been a big part of my journey.”
During his time at Point Loma Nazarene, Kemp, a native of Fullerton, was instrumental in leading the Sea Lions to a historic 2022 season, capturing both the West Region and PacWest Conference titles and finishing as national runners-up at the NCAA Division II World Series.
That same year, he showcased remarkable consistency by reaching base safely in all 61 games, extending a streak to 73 games that began the previous season.
Over his collegiate career, Kemp posted a .356 batting average with 33 home runs and 101 RBIs across 121 games, earning First Team All-West Region honors in 2022 and an NCBWA Honorable Mention All-American nod in 2021. Despite limited playing time due to a redshirt year and COVID-shortened seasons, he still ranks seventh in career home runs and tenth in batting average in Sea Lions history.
“I was a .270 hitter in high school and didn’t have any juice,” Kemp said. “That first year at Point Loma, I was just trying to get healthy and figure some things out. I gained about 15 pounds and started to see a little more pop. That’s when things started to click.”
“He just always seemed like a big leaguer,” Entrekin added. “It’s not super shocking to me he’s found the success that he has, and I don’t think anyone who’s played with or coached him would disagree.”
Since being called up in early June, Kemp has appeared in 23 games with the Phillies, logging 79 at-bats. He’s collected 20 hits, including his first Major League home run, and driven in 10 runs.
Through July 8, the Phillies sit at 53–38, leading the National League East by one game over the New York Mets.
Before his promotion, Kemp was one of the hottest bats in the Phillies’ farm system, hitting .314 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He also posted a .416 on-base percentage and a 1.010 OPS.
“The biggest adjustment is learning how to play a tick faster, allowing myself to speed up,” Kemp said. “Just locking in my timing with fastballs and playing the game quickly — but slowing myself down at the same time.”
During the travel day to San Diego on Thursday, there’s a familiar stop on Kemp’s itinerary.
“It’s a full circle moment,” Kemp said. “Crazy to think I graduated in ’22, and now, just three years later, we’re coming back to play. It feels pretty surreal. I’m going to make time on the off day before the series to visit Point Loma. There’s a lot to be grateful for, especially when I think about playing at Petco and all the people from Point Loma who’ve supported me.”
Only two pitchers, Marty Decker and Mike Ekstrom, had previously made it to Major League Baseball from PLNU.
