Homza collects 2 hits, 3 RBIs in pro debut in Arizona League
Jonny Homza
Not even the pressure of his professional debut could get the 18-year-old baseball star hot under the collar.
Known for his ice-cold, clutch performances as an amateur, Homza began his pro career with the same success as he finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs in his first game with the Arizona League Padres in rookie ball.
Batting No. 2 in the lineup and slotted in at designated hitter, the 6-foot, 185-pounder delivered a two-run single for his first hit in just his second at-bat.
Homza, of South High fame, later added a run-scoring single in the 10-9 loss to the Arizona White Sox.
He also struck out three times, including his first at-bat against teen phenom pitcher Edinxon Arias, who is already in his third year as a pro at just 19.
Homza, a two-time Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year, has seen his life drastically change in the last month – in which he went from graduating high school to being drafted in the fifth round of the San Diego Padres to reportedly signing for $250,000.
A star shortstop and pitcher as a high school player, Homza was drafted by Padres to play catcher, a position he did play sparingly in the past.
It’s probably going to take him some time to adjust to his new position, but his bat is always there, which is why Homza found himself at the top of the lineup on opening night.