By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer    

C.J. Enriquez admits, it sounds odd.

The Royal Oak Shrine senior started every game of her high school career at first base.

“I find it hard to believe that I was there every single game,” the Warren resident said. “No injuries, just scratches.”

The feat is even more impressive considering her streak started while playing varsity as a freshman when Enriquez came to the Knights as a catcher.

Perhaps in a sign of things to come, her catching glove was actually a first basemen’s mitt, making her move to the corner all the easier.

“We needed a first baseman, and she played every game … I don’t know if I can say that about any other position,” the team’s veteran coach, Rick Steinmetz, said.

“After the first game, we said, ‘We have our first baseman for the next four years. For the next 100-something games, I don’t have to worry about it.’”

Enriquez excelled in her senior year and was recognized by being named to the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association’s Division 4 All-State team.

She hit .438, with 28 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and one home run.

Steinmetz said Enriquez is a “natural athlete” and one of only two girls to hit a home run on Shrine’s home field.

“It’s rare, and we knew if someone was to do it this year, she probably had the best chance,” Steinmetz said. “You’re never looking for it, but the minute she hit it, everyone knew it was gone.”

“It was perfect,” Enriquez said of the pitch. “It didn’t feel like I hit the ball. It was effortless.”
                 
The same could be said for her transition from behind the plate to first where Enriquez finished her senior season with a .972 fielding average.
                 
“She’s just defensively as good of a first baseman that I’ve ever had,” Steinmetz said. “She just doesn’t drop the ball and she covers bunts well. She’s just a complete athlete.”
                 
Enriquez is heading to Loyola University Chicago next fall to study communications, but before that, she’s giving back to the community.
                 
She’s leading a baseball and softball camp July 21-25 at Jaycee Park in Royal Oak.
                 
The camp runs 5-7 p.m. and is for students in sixth through eighth grade.
                 
Enriquez is getting help from Shrine assistant softball coach Pat Cleary and Shrine baseball coach Chris Bailey, along with some former teammates.
                 
“I really like to help kids out,” Enriquez said. “Softball is something I love, and I’m trying to pass that down.”
                 
To register for the softball camp, call (248) 635-4245. For baseball, call (248) 521-0248. The cost for each camp is $50 per camper for the week.
                 
You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.