Kobby Lopez headed to college, signs with SDSU
CALEXICO — Following an illustrious senior season at Imperial High, Kobby Lopez was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 21st round of this year’s Major League Baseball draft.
Lopez was also committed to NCAA Division I San Diego State University, forcing the 18-year-old to make a life-changing decision in only a matter of days.
At the time, Lopez described the situation as “win-win” noting that either path would allow him to keep playing baseball.
Yet in the end, the pull of playing close to home and earning a degree was stronger than going pro, as the Tiger graduate accepted the offer from SDSU.
Lopez signed his letter of intent on Sunday morning before family, coaches, teammates and friends at Mt. View Cemetery here in a bittersweet moment that paid homage to his mother, Karina Lopez, who succumbed to breast cancer in September 2017.
“My mom really wanted me to go to college and get my degree,” Lopez explained. “SDSU is also close to home and just overall it felt like a good fit and also a way to honor my mom.”
As noted before, the Aztecs nabbed a quality player in Lopez, who went 11-1 on the mound this season for Imperial.
The left-hander did not give an earned run all season until his 13th appearance on the mound to close his senior year with an ERA of 0.30.
Lopez finished the season with 130 strikeouts to earn a number of postseason accolades.
He was named to the All-Imperial Valley League first team for the second year in a row, picked up the IVL Pitcher of the Year honor and also appeared on the All-CIF-San Diego Section first team, while helping the Tigers to their first IVL title in school history and an appearance in the CIF-SDS Division III title game.
Lopez said it was this effort he’d remember most about his time in a Tiger uniform and was hoping he’d be able to repeat for the Aztecs.
“It felt really good to sign my letter and be done with it,” he said. “I’m excited to play for SDSU and hopefully help them get to Omaha.”
The Aztecs had a strong 2018 season, going 39-21 overall, 18-12 in the Mountain West Conference and an appearance in the NCAA playoffs, advancing to the Corvallis Regional.
Lopez thanked his parents and the countless coaches throughout his career that helped him reach the eyes of collegiate and professional scouts alike.
“My mom and dad used to argue about who signed us up for t-ball first,” Lopez said with a laugh.