These Grizzlies Hope Fresno is Launching Pad to Houston

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 7 years ago on

April 5, 2017

The 20th Opening Day for the Fresno Grizzlies is Thursday evening. Once again, the team welcomes 25 men with Major League aspirations.

GV Wire chatted with three players: RHP Brady Rodgers (see interview above), 1B A.J. Reed and OF Jon Kemmer (see below).

Rodgers is the reigning Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year. He made his big league debut with Houston after a September call-up, posting a 0-1 record in five games. We talked about his goals after such a successful Triple-A campaign, which also saw him start the All-Star Game for the PCL.

Reed is a hulking 6′ 4″, 275 pound first baseman out of Terre Haute, IN. He too made his MLB debut with Houston last year. We talked about the other sport in high school he played (hint: it wasn’t football).

Kemmer is the only member of the trio who has yet to see big league time. He spent the entire 2016 season in Fresno, his first in Triple A, batting .265, slugging .477 with 18 homers and 69 RBI. He talked about growing up in western Pennsylvania and the best pranks he’s seen.

Contact David Taub

Phone: 559-492-4037 / e-mail

This story was not subject to the approval of Granville Homes.

DON'T MISS

IDF Chief Rebukes Netanyahu Over Absence of Gaza Postwar Strategy

DON'T MISS

Will Becerra Run for Governor? He Tours UCSF Fresno With Costa

DON'T MISS

Israeli Defense Chief Opposes ‘Israeli Military Rule’ in Gaza

DON'T MISS

Nelly Korda Triumphs at Mizuho Americas Open

DON'T MISS

Sheriff’s Office to Break Ground on Memorial for Fallen Officers. What Will It Look Like?

DON'T MISS

Hydrogen vs. Electric Batteries: A Case For Fresno’s Transportation & Ag Future

DON'T MISS

Operation Gridlock: 32 Arrests, 59 Gun Seized, Violent Gangs Dismantled

DON'T MISS

Bulldogs Blasted by Air Force, Fall to 4th Seed for MW Tourney

DON'T MISS

What Drives California’s Budget Decisions? A Lot of Politics, Not as Much Data

DON'T MISS

Brunson’s Broken Left Hand in Game 7 the Final Injury for Eliminated Knicks

UP NEXT

Brunson’s Broken Left Hand in Game 7 the Final Injury for Eliminated Knicks

UP NEXT

Clovis East Alum DeChambeau Puts on a Show at PGA Championship, Falls 1 Stroke Short

UP NEXT

Wolves Reach Western Finals With Talent and Tenacity in Quest for First NBA Title

UP NEXT

Ramos Homers, Hicks Earns 4th Win as Giants Beat Rockies for First Series Sweep This Year

UP NEXT

Ohtani Delivers Walk-off Single in 10th. Dodgers Have Won 20 of Last 26 Games.

UP NEXT

Jim Otto, ‘Mr. Raider’ and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Dies at 86

UP NEXT

Bulldogs’ Gilmore Named MW Softball Pitcher of the Year

UP NEXT

NFL Distances from Chiefs Kicker Butker’s Commencement Remarks

UP NEXT

Chip Foose: Maestro of Metal, Magic, Mind-Blowing Machines

UP NEXT

Timberwolves Force Game 7 by Blowing out Nuggets by 45 Points

David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email