Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp recently signed an eight-year, $160 million contract extension—the largest deal in National League history. Despite his record-breaking salary, the 27-year-old Oklahoma native remains grounded thanks to a close-knit family and strong faith. The charming player chatted with us about his new contract, his dream of being a father and what he looks for in a woman.

How does it feel to sign a history-making contract with the Dodgers?
MATT KEMP: It feels pretty good, and it’s very exciting for me and my family. This is where I’m going to possibly be for my whole career.

Coming from Oklahoma, what do you love about L.A.?
MK: The atmosphere: L.A. has beautiful people and it’s a beautiful place with a lot to do. There aren’t many places where you can just sit at a café, eat lunch outside and people watch.  Being young and single here is fun, too!

What do you look for in a woman?
MK: Confidence. Someone who works hard and wants to be successful at life and enjoys helping others.

What do you like to do in your downtime?
MK: I like to eat! I like to go bowling. I’m a big kid at heart. I just like to have my friends around, and as long as they’re having fun and enjoying life then I’m good.

What would fans be surprised to know about you?
MK: I love singing R&B. Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross are just a few of my inspirations. Music is very important to me. It helps me get ready for baseball games and to get up in the morning.

Throughout your career in baseball, what has been your greatest inspiration?
MK: My family has been an inspiration of course, but God is definitely the big inspiration. He’s the one that put me on this earth and gave me the opportunity to be here and to have this success and he’s given me the strength to keep going.

What are your personal goals?
MK: To be successful and help as many people as I can. I’ve been put in this world to help motivate people to follow their dreams. I also want to be a good husband, a good dad—all of those things.