TUCSON, Arizona — Amphi's Julian Encinas never intended to be behind home plate.
"I actually didn't want to be a catcher," said Encinas. "They just told me I was too slow and I ended up having to go behind home plate and it stuck.
Combining defense with offense, Encinas amassed 96 career hits.
"I was for sure going to get to 100 the following week."
That's when the season was cut short due to coronavirus.
"I was really disappointed because I'll never get to play with my friends again."
But, Julian will get to play baseball again. He and his uncle, Anthony, a Panthers assistant coach, reached out to Los Angeles Valley College, and it was a perfect fit.
"They were looking for a catcher. I'm a catcher. That's where I'll be next year. Squatting when my legs were hurting so much paid off."
