Former Post Falls Pitcher Resurrects Baseball Career

Here’s an entry for the Where Are They Now Dept.: Former Post Falls High School pitcher Ryan Kempton is back in baseball.

As early as today and likely by Thursday, Kempton could make his professional debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rookie club in Phoenix.

And you might be wondering one thing: How?

To review, Kempton was one of the top pitching prospects in the country two years ago. Then he lost the fast on his fastball and had a subpar senior year at Post Falls. Then he didn’t play American Legion ball last summer. Then he failed to make it academically at North Idaho College.

Along the way, his focus on baseball blurred as he worked at a grocery store and planned to be married.

That was then, this is now. Kempton is throwing 88 miles-per-hour heaters and his life revolves around the stitches on a five-ounce sphere.

“I’m loving it,” Kempton said from his motel room in Phoenix. “I had a lot of stuff going on (before). I just needed a break from everything.”

Probably not the first time a 17-year-old has uttered those words. About five months ago, Kempton, now 19, was approached by Post Falls-based Jesse Flores, a Diamondbacks scout, about a possible comeback. Kempton began running and throwing and eventually signed a free-agent contract.

“It took me about two months just to find him,” said Flores, who has lived in Post Falls the last two years. “I told him, I’d give him an opportunity if he’d promise to give me all he’s got.

“We started (working) out and he was throwing about 78-81 mph. The next time is was 83-84, the next 85-86. The last time is was 87-88.”

Flores explained that Kempton probably would have been selected in the recent amateur draft, but the pitcher was victimized by a computer glitch. “Every kid has a computer number, but he didn’t have one for some reason,” Flores said. “That happens sometimes.”

Kempton’s arm is returning to the 90-mph form he flashed as a high-school junior. Flores said Kempton’s delivery and mechanics were defective during his senior year. Those are slowly being corrected. Kempton also is relearning control of his pitches and, obviously, he needs game experience.

But Kempton’s upside remains considerable. He’s sleek at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds and draped with potential.

Kempton’s arm loosens up easily in Phoenix’s 100-degree temperatures. The Diamondbacks serve up three meals a day and, in return, Kempton gives the club complete devotion.

“We get up at 5 in the morning and don’t get home until 1 in the afternoon,” Kempton said of the heat-defying practice schedule. “I’m wholly dedicated. Baseball’s the No. 1 thing right now. I’m still engaged, but the wedding’s kind of been postponed.

“The Diamondbacks have treated me well. Everything’s class A.”

Which is precisely the playing level at which he’ll make his debut.

“I told our front-office people to take it slow with him, work on his mechanics,” Flores said. “His year out of baseball really ate at him. It was a rude awakening, but it really helped him out. He’s buckled down.”

Phelps sizzles

Former Lakeland High baseball star Josh Phelps has started his professional career swinging a hot bat. He singled in his first at bat last Thursday for Medicine Hat, Alberta, Toronto’s Single-A affiliate and finished the game 2-for-3.

Phelps, a 10th-round draft pick, went 2 for 3 again with a two-run homer on Sunday.

Alumni spikers

North Idaho College volleyball coach Carly Curtis is organizing the school’s inaugural alumni game, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31, at Christianson Gym.

Curtis asks interested former NIC players to telephone her at (208) 762-3148.

Triathlon set

The X-treme Sprint Triathlon in Lewiston and Clarkston will be held Sunday, July 28. The half-mile swim, 16-mile bike and 4-mile run is scheduled for an 8 a.m. start.

Information: Judy Smith (208) 746-9836.

, DataTimes