Baseball is in the genes of Millville's Buddy Kennedy
The sage advice from the grandfather and former major-leaguer was simple but poignant. "If you can hit, they will find a spot for you," said Don Money, a/k/a the grandfather.
The sage advice from the grandfather and former major-leaguer was simple but poignant. "If you can hit, they will find a spot for you," said Don Money, a/k/a the grandfather.
Through the years, the grandson has certainly taken his grandfather's advice. And now the grandson is one of the most feared hitters in South Jersey.
Millville junior third baseman Buddy Kennedy has been torching some of South Jersey's finest pitchers this season. When the high school season ends, he will be going around the country in high-profile baseball tournaments or tryouts. For instance, from June 21-26, Kennedy will try out for the 18-under national team at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.
"It's a big summer for me, and hopefully I can make Team USA and represent my country," Kennedy said.
While the summer should be big, the spring has been super-sized. Kennedy is batting .545 (36 for 66) with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 32 RBIs.
Money is a former Phillie and the answer to the trivia question: Who hit the first home run at Veterans Stadium? He played 16 major-league seasons and was a four-time all-star with the Milwaukee Brewers. While Buddy's father, Big Bud, and his mother, Shannon, have done so much to help his success, his grandfather has also played a major role.
"He is really special. I love him, and if I need help with anything, I come to talk to him," Kennedy said about Money. "Not many people have a major-league grandfather, and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps."
Kennedy made an oral commitment to North Carolina in October, but he could bypass college if the Major League Baseball draft comes calling next season, similar to another Millville product. You might have heard of Mike Trout, owner of one MVP award and three runner-up finishes in his first four full seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Fairly or not, any player who is talented in baseball and attends Trout's alma mater will at least draw those comparisons.
Millville's Roy Hallenbeck coached Trout and Kennedy, and he also understands it is unfair to compare the two. But he ends up saying the same things about his current star as he did about his former standout.
"There are good players and great players, and guys who are just a little different and harder to define," Hallenbeck said. "Buddy is different, a truly special player."
What Kennedy likes most is that he got to work out with Trout in the winter.
"He was awesome and helped me out if I needed anything," Kennedy said. "To have an MVP help you is awesome."
There was one other awesome experience last summer when Kenney tagged along with Money, who was a minor-league special instructor with the Brewers. Money, who retired from coaching after last season, would spend about 12 days with each of the organization's minor-league teams.
He took Kennedy to Helena, Mont., with the Brewers rookie team. Kennedy saw what life in the low minors was all about, and he got to take the field.
Money told his grandson to just hold his own. Once again he dutifully followed his grandfather's advice.
"I am looking around and he was hitting the ball the same distance as these guys," Money said. "He was 16 and the youngest guys there were 20, 21, so he was holding his own."
The experience helped Kennedy gain more confidence and a true appreciation for the chance his grandfather presented him.
"A lot of kids don't get to do that, and to have that opportunity was awesome," Kennedy said.
Kennedy never takes for granted the tremendous opportunities he has been afforded - two caring parents, including a father who throws endless batting practice; a current four-time all-star and a former four-time all-star serving as mentors.
Most of all, he has heeded the advice of his grandfather. And because he can hit, there is no shortage of suitors willing to find a spot for Buddy Kennedy on their team.
@sjnard