in his own words I in every issue
Photographed by Jonathan Boatwright
Tripp Kelly
in the game of fatherhood
In 1997 after I graduated from high school, I accepted a baseball scholarship
to the University of South Carolina. enjoying the same sport I loved so much. If I could still play, I
That year was exciting, because I completed my high school
career in second place on the South Carolina High School Home
Run list. During my freshman year at USC, I won the Fall Rookie
of the Year award, something that truly meant a lot to me. The
summer following my sophomore year, I joined the Florence Red
Wolves as a first baseman. I was so excited to be playing for my
hometown team! I stayed with the RedWolves throughout my
sophomore and junior years, eventually making the All Star
Team. I made plenty of friends along the way. In fact, I still talk
to some of my teammates I played alongside 13 years ago.
Those summers were some of the greatest times I ever had
playing baseball. I played with some great guys who eventually
moved forward to the Major League.
During my junior year in college, I hit 22 home runs, which
placed me third nationally for home runs that year. After completing junior year, I was drafted by Oakland Athletics in the
27th round of the Major League draft. When I joined Arizona
Athletics, I hit five home runs during my rookie season. In 2001,
we won the league championship. In 2012, I was accepted into
the Chick-fil-A Florence Hall of Fame. I am honored to be a part
of such a special and truly talented group of athletes.
After my baseball career ended, I gained ownership of six
Little Caesars and Groucho’s Deli in Florence. Although I’m a
business man now, I haven’t completely walked away from the
sport I love so much. In my spare time, I am a volunteer coach
for city league youth ball, and I enjoy every minute of it. My son,
Coleman, is gaining interest in the sport… which is exciting!
He always wants to throw and hit after school. He’s currently
playing ball, and I hope he’s having as much fun with it as I did
back in my day. I enjoy coaching him and seeing him grow up
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June 2014
certainly would. I can’t think of anything better than playing
baseball for a living! I love my job as coach of the Groucho’s Deli
team, and enjoy teaching the fundamentals and other things
I learned while playing. I also love the competitive nature of
the sport. As with my own kids, I teach my team members to
give their all and to always exhibit good sportsmanship. It is
rewarding to watch them grow and develop into better players throughout the season. Even though my role differs now, it
is great to be out on the field. The most challenging aspect of
coaching is getting enough practice and teaching done in the
little amount of time we’re allowed each week.
With my busy schedule, it’s very important for me to balance
family time along with my many other activities. My dad was
a very hard worker when I was growing up, and he still is to
this day. He always managed to make time for his family, and I
strive to be the same way. In fact, when my wife and I found out
we were having our first baby, my dad advised me to always
make time for my family. As a working father, I’ve found that
good time management is truly what keeps me successful in
all aspects of my life. Balancing all of these areas is often quite
difficult, but with supportive family and friends, I am able to
live a fulfilling life. Dad also wisely told me that it would take
hard work to be successful!
My managers at Little Caesars and Groucho’s know that when
baseball season starts, they won’t see as much of me. They do
know, though, that if they need anything, all they have to do is
call me. Sometimes I think they like baseball season because I
am not around as much! Luckily for me, my family loves going
out to the field, even when we don’t have a game. They are just
as passionate about it as I am… or at least, seem to be. In the
Tripp with his chi ldren, Coleman
and Caitlynn
midst of running my businesses and coaching my team, I do
my best to instill good morals, such as honesty and respect, in
my kids just as my dad did for me. Often, I remind them that
hard work and dedication is a must, and that they won’t get
anywhere in life without trial and error. I also tell them that as
long as they keep a positive attitude and believe in themselves,
anything is possible. As my kids grow up, I just want them to
be happy and to have a successful career in whatever area
they choose - whether it’s baseball or not. The main thing is for
them to be happy.
For me, the most rewarding part of being a dad is watching
my kids succeed. Whether it’s Coleman winning the Maple Park
Home Run Derby or Caitlynn dancing in a recital, seeing them enjoy what they’re doing with smiles on their faces is the best thing
ever. Nothing compares to the impact Coleman and Caitlynn
have had on me. They are such an inspiration. From them I have
learned to take certain things in stride. I look forward to watching
them grow and develop into the individuals they are meant to be,
while coaching them as much as I can along the way.
Tripp Kelly resides in Florence with his wife, Jennifer, and their two
children: Coleman and Caitlynn. In addition to coaching little league,
Tripp is the owner of six Little Caesars and Groucho’s Deli in Florence.
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