"About 20 years ago, I started as a college player, probably a guy who was a fringe player," Kent said as he announced his retirement on Thursday. "For the kids who want to be a baseball player someday, there's a chance that you can play this great game. If you're not the biggest guy, if you're not the fastest guy, even if you're not the smartest guy, you can still play this game.
I believe I've played this game right and I believe I'm leaving this game right."
From '92 through '96, he was the definition of a fringe player. However, in 1997 something clicked and he proceed to rip off 100+ RBI's in 8 of the 9 next seasons, win the 2000 NL MVP and gain the statistical respect of his peers and fans alike. Though his relationship with his teammates and the media was cordial at best, none of that stuff will be written on his Cooperstown bust. In fifty years when the baseball world looks back at Jeff Kent they will see, in the words of Ned Colletti, "a great baseball player who finds himself to be the best offensive second baseman in the HISTORY of baseball."
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He might have been a jerk but he's headed for the hall. I always thought Kent tried to go about his business like a true professional. His glove was better than I thought it would be. He turned DP's well, but had poor range.
I remember being so upset after hearing that the Dodgers had signed Jeff Kent to play for them in '05. I had thoroughly despised Kent during his time with the Giants and couldn't believe that he would be wearing Dodger Blue. Despite his better-than-average offensive stats, he was an ex-Giant, and i didn't want to be forced to see him play every day.
However, being forced to watch him day in and day out for the last 4 years, i quickly realized how valuable he really was. I can't say that i ever enjoyed seeing him play in the Dodger uniform, but i made peace with it. Jeff Kent was the only constant during a time in Dodger history when much was unsettled.
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