For Camhi, Strong Summer Sparks A Big Shift

Around this time last year, Jacob Camhi was nothing more than a wide-eyed sophomore willing to do whatever it took to be a member of the Calabasas High baseball team.

His responsibilities were rather simple: Show up on time for the Coyotes' games, tote a scorebook underneath his arm and keep accurate statistics. It wasn't a great job, by any means. But at least Camhi was a part of the varsity experience.

About 12 months later, things have changed; drastically changed.

Camhi received an opportunity to contribute for the Coyotes during Valley Invitational Baseball League play over the course of the summer and the underclassman made the most of his chances by playing well enough to become a full-time starter.

"Jacob brings a whole lot to the table. He has surprised us with how fast he's developed,'' Calabasas coach Ed Edsall said. "He was thrown into the fire and has done well.''

That was never more evident than during the early stages of VIBL play. Camhi started off well, making sound decisions on defense and driving the ball to all fields on offense.

He ended up making the VIBL All-Star team and finished the season with five home runs, second in the league to Steven Karkenny from Chatsworth.

In 13 summer league games, Camhi finished with 15 RBI, a total that ranked among the VIBL's top 10. He also had 10 runs scored, 14 hits and a .393 batting average.

"Really, everything has happened so fast, one minute I'm sitting on the bench figuring out pitching charts, the next minute I'm in the lineup on an everyday basis,'' Camhi said. "I don't think I could have ever imagined things working out this way.

"It's all about timing and being ready when the time comes. Playing at the varsity level was nerve-wracking at first, but I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable.''

The Calabasas coaching staff might have had an inkling Camhi was capable of making the transition after he filled in for an injured Josh Ehrlich at times last season. Playing sparingly, Camhi ended up hitting .275 for the Coyotes as a sophomore.

"Sure, Jacob was young and inexperienced, but you never know what a kid can do until you give him a chance, and he's delivered,'' Calabasas assistant coach Chris Sale said.

The Coyotes are currently in the midst of a break from the diamond, but once a week Camhi is working with hitting instructor Andy Bowman in Westlake.

As for Calabasas, the plan is to return for official practices in the first week of September. Winter ball begins in early November in preparation for the regular season.

"It's funny, when I first got my shot, I still can remember not being sure of what I was supposed to do,'' Camhi said. ''But once I finally got my chance, I made sure to capitalize on the opportunity. Now I feel like I can contribute on a consistent basis.

"Knowing what to expect changes everything. Things feel more natural for me these days. Everything is beginning to click and I feel like I have solidified my role on this team.''