"Our goal," Kobza told The Chronicle, "will be to put the ball in play, to run the bases and make as many things happen as you can, and to put a strong defense on the field, especially up the middle at catcher, shortstop and second base."
Kobza spoke as he took over as Lamar Consolidated baseball coach outside Houston. He turned to coaching after a brief career as a player himself. Kobza played four seasons in the minors. He made it briefly to AA, but no higher.
Kobza's pro career began in 1989, taken by the White Sox in the 11th round of the draft out of Texas Tech University. He also attended Blinn College and graduated from Stroman High in Victoria, Tex.
Kobza started with the White Sox at short-season Utica, playing at first and third. He hit .215 over 68 games. He then moved to single-A South Bend, where he hit .268. He went 0 for 5 in an August game.
He played 1991 at high-A Sarasota, getting a game at AA Birmingham. He hit just .169 over 73 games on the year.
Kobza finished out his career in 1992 with the Brewers at high-A Stockton. He got into 57 games, hitting .198, ending his playing days.
He later moved into coaching. In 2015, serving as coach at George Ranch High School, one of his baseball former players went on to Bossier City Community College, the daughter of former major leaguer John Hudek, Sarah Hudek.
Kobza recalled to The Chronicle being unable to think of a reason why the girl couldn't play on his team.
Sarah Hudek's father recalled to MLB.com Kobza integrating her into his team.
Kobza "didn't make it easy," John Hudek told MLB.com. "But he doesn't make it easy on anyone. And she didn't want it easy. She just wants to be treated as one of the guys on the team. To see her out there, it's exciting."
- Houston Chronicle, Aug. 7, 2007: Kobza assumes command at Lamar Consolidated
- New Orleans Times-Picayune, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 6, 2015: Sarah Hudek signs baseball scholarship
- MLB.com, Feb. 11, 2015: Daughter of former big leaguer to make her pitch in college
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