Butterfields turn Enochs baseball into family affair

The beach beckons the Butterfield family. Just not during baseball season.

Whenever possible, the Butterfields leave the mitts and spikes at home, and journey to the coast in flip-flops and board shorts.

Inevitably, young Chris bounces in the cold Pacific Ocean while his older brother Tyler is buried up to his neck in sand by his sister Marissa. And where are their parents? Parents Chris and Anna are close, soaking up the sun.

Whether it’s Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey, the salty ocean breeze provides a release, freeing Enochs High School’s first family of baseball of the sport’s many pressures.

And between game-planning, physical therapy and handling young success, there are many baseball pressures to be found in the Butterfield household.

“We try to do other things,” said father Chris, the Eagles’ third-year skipper. “Our family loves the coast. We try to leave the game on the field. As a dad and a coach, it’s hard to know when to do that. Sometimes, our lives seem to revolve around the game, but we like to do other things.”

Just not right now.

Enochs is in the thick of the Modesto Metro Conference’s crowded playoff chase. There are five teams vying for three Sac-Joaquin Section Division I South berths, including front-runner Beyer, Gregori, Modesto and Downey.

The Eagles’ hopes aren’t pinned to the Butterfield boys – coach Chris and sons Tyler and Chris – but each one acts as an anchoring point.

“It’s a great feeling to have my kids on the team,” said coach Chris, who also served as the Enochs softball coach while his daughter played. “I’ve enjoyed coaching them since they could walk.”

But it’s been a challenge.

On a number of occasions, Chris has tried to be just a father. He quickly learned that the bleachers were no place for him.

The former professional baseball player belongs on a bench, sharing the knowledge he gained during two seasons at Cal Poly Pomona and 10 more bouncing around the minor leagues with the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I’ve tried to back off once or twice, but I have a lot to offer,” said the 48-year-old, his hands as thick and as heavy as the catcher’s glove he used to wear. “I think they ended up learning that they liked me coaching them more than they originally thought.

“It drove me crazy not being on the field. I’m a coach. That’s what I do.”

And he has raised two of the top talents in the MMC.

Oldest son Tyler is a third-year varsity player with aspirations of playing at the next level. He spent his first two seasons behind the dish, appearing in 45 games as the Eagles advanced to the Division I South tournament each season.

However, a devastating knee injury in the fall has forced the senior to learn a new position: de facto quality control coach, one tasked with being a vocal leader.

“The other guys, they show their hard work through sweat and sore muscles,” Tyler said. “I show mine through a sore voice.

“There was a point when we came back from San Luis Obispo (for a spring break tournament) and I couldn’t talk. The guys count on me to be that positive guy in the dugout, whether we’re up or down.”

Tyler, who drummed on a jug early in a 20-8 loss to Downey last week, tore his ACL playing football. He wears gym shorts now and favors the surgically repaired knee.

“When I first heard the news, I think I cried for two hours at therapy and at home,” Tyler said. “As it has gone on, I’ve come to terms with it. It’s fueling me to get back out there. Every day, I miss it more and more. So I’m attacking therapy like I do everything else – full force.”

While his older brother patrols the dugout, sophomore Chris fills the family quota on the diamond.

Last season, there were three Butterfields in uniform: the coach, the catcher and the cousin, Payton Butterfield, a transfer from Florida. Chris was the only freshman called up for the postseason. He was 1 for 2 in a 7-3 loss to Tracy.

“Being a sophomore on varsity has been stressful,” said “baby Butter,” as he’s called by teammates. “I feel like I’ve had to prove myself to everyone, especially my dad since it was his decision to pull me up.”

Like his big brother, Chris anchors the Eagles’ middle defense as an underclassman. Unlike his older brother, though, Chris is a rangy center fielder with a knack for the spectacular catch.

“He’s made an impact on our program on defense and offense, and he’s made a pretty big splash in our league as well,” coach Chris said. “I believe he’s one of the top outfielders in our league. No disrespect to any upperclassmen out there, but he’s done a great job in center and really saved our pitchers.”

He’s not bad with the bat, either.

Chris was hitting .361 with 26 hits in 22 games. He has five doubles, one triple, 12 RBIs and 16 runs. He is second on the club in stolen bases with nine.

If his play appears fluid and natural, like a wave approaching the beach, well ...

It’s because it is.

Coach Chris has been grooming his kids as baseball players since they could walk.

“He’s the one that taught us to play; told us to respect the game,” Tyler said. “It’s great getting to spend every day with dad.”

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 2:44 PM with the headline "Butterfields turn Enochs baseball into family affair."