Two games into his junior season, after missing the first two games of the year entirely, Javier Felix picked up where he left off as a sophomore, collecting three hits, drilling a home run, and scoring every Santa Cruz run in a 3-2 win over Soquel. It was just the kind of performance that the Cardinals, and all of Santa Cruz County, have come to expect from Felix.

Felix’s junior year started later than most, after leading the Cardinals’ basketball team to the top seed in the CIF NorCal playoffs, which extended his winter sport season well into the spring. Showing his all-around athleticism, he was an all-league selection on the hardwood. Additionally, this year took on a different twist for Felix, after he decided not to pitch, following a bout of impingement in his right armpit.

Without his strong pitching to fall back on, Santa Cruz needed every bit of Felix’s production at the plate, and he did not disappoint. The verbal commit to San Diego State hit .410 with three home runs, six doubles, and 26 runs scored, leading the Cardinals to an unbeaten mark in SCCAL play and a berth in the CCS Open Division playoffs. In the playoffs, Santa Cruz fell to San Benito in the quarterfinals, but Felix was his usual self, getting on base three times and scoring one of the Cardinals’ two runs, but the effort fell just short in an extra-inning loss.

Despite Felix’s arm troubles, and a move to first base during the season which was designed to reduce strain on his throwing arm, his bat stayed hot until the end, even with opposing teams finding ways to pitch around him. The 6-foot-2 junior hit safely in seven of his final eight games, and in 11 of his final 13. He crossed the plate in all but two of the games in which he played, and also drew 15 free passes during the year, finishing with an on-base percentage north of .500 and adding seven stolen bases.

For his efforts throughout the season, we are pleased to recognize Javier Felix as our Central Coast Section Junior of the Year.

Other players considered include Valley Christian’s Coleman Brigman, Aragon’s Camron Grant, and Monterey’s Michael Carnazzo.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of CCS baseball.