Former Astros prospect Jon Kemmer, 35, dies in rollover car accident

Former Minor Leaguer John Kemmer Dies in Rollover Accident

John Kemmer, a former minor league baseball player associated with teams like the Astros, Twins, and Dodgers, tragically passed away over the weekend after a rollover accident. This incident occurred while he was heading home from coaching a youth baseball tournament.

He was just 35 years old.

Reports indicate that Kemmer was returning from Houston, where he had coached the 14U HTX Battle Bucks, when his vehicle veered off the road around 6:09 p.m. local time. His car hit a utility pole before overturning on 2004 Farm to Market Road in Texas. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Astros expressed their condolences in a statement, conveying their sorrow about Kemmer’s untimely death. They noted that he was drafted in 2013 and progressed to become a prominent player in the organization, reaching Triple-A and participating in spring training games. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family and friends during this very challenging time,” they stated.

Kemmer, recognized for his talent during his time at Clarion High School in Pennsylvania, played college baseball at several schools, including Allegany College and Clarion University. He was selected by the Astros in the 21st round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

He spent his initial four years with the Astros, achieving promotion to Triple-A. His standout season was in 2015 with Double-A Corpus Christi, where he earned multiple honors, including Texas League Player of the Month in August and a postseason All-Star title.

In 2018, Kemmer was traded to the Twins before joining the Dodgers in 2019. He also played in the Mexican League that year.

Following his minor league career, which saw him hit 116 home runs with an impressive .283/.366/.509 slash line, he continued to display his love for the game. Kemmer is survived by his wife, Courtney, and their two children.