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| Kevin Kobel / 1991 Mets WIZ Card |
The Brewers drafted Kobel in the 11th round of the 1971 MLB draft out of Saint Francis High School, New York in the 1971 MLB Draft. After three seasons in their farm system, the Brewers made Kobel a major leaguer at 19.
Eventually Kobel left the Brewers after he got arm troubles in 1975. He returned in 1976, but he did poorly in a few appearances; however, that didn’t end his career. He returned in 1978 to the majors when the New York Mets purchased his contract. He pitched well his first two seasons, becoming a full-time starter in 1979.
Kobel found himself one of few decent players in two particularly dark seasons for the New York team; however, when the 1980 season played out, he fell behind with an ERA of 7.00 and was subsequently removed from the pitching rotation.
One of the main oddities with Kevin Kobel’s career is his downfall with the Mets. Despite playing well in the 1978 and 1979 season and being one of the few good players in an otherwise disastrous season, he still lost his position as a starting pitcher in 1980.
Greg Prince, author of Faith and Fear in Flusing, says the reason can be found in Joe Torre’s search for more reliable players in his quest to improve the Mets’ pitching staff.
“Joe Torre judged others as more reliable starters and Kobel seems to have gotten lost in the bullpen shuffle,” Prince said via e-mail.
This significantly impacted Kevin Kobel’s career as he was no longer regularly used as a pitcher:
“He didn’t get the regular work in 1980 that he got in 1979, especially as a starter, and pitchers tend to thrive on consistent use,” he said.
After this ordeal, Kobel pitched briefly for the Kansas City Royals, Omaha Royals and the Portland Beavers. He retired shortly thereafter.
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