Spring training brought out 50 inmates to try out for 17 spots on both the San Quentin Giants and A’s teams.
The tryouts were held on the heels of Rugger Ardizoia Day, the former New York Yankee who visited and pitched in San Quentin back in 1952 and just turned 95 years old.
The tryouts lasted for two weeks and the best players entered into a draft.
The Giants received most of the draft picks to fill out their roster due to losing a lot of players recently.
“Spring training helps you get in shape for game day,” said Anthony “Saadiq” Redwood. He was drafted by the A’s for an infield position.
“I enjoy playing first base because of my age. The A’s are a solid team and we have camaraderie,” added Redwood.
Volunteers overseeing spring training were Commissioner Elliot Smith, Giants manager Mike Deeblo and A’s manager Steve Reichardt.
“I’d like to thank Lt. Sam Robinson (sponsor) for bringing us in,” said Reichardt. “I think everybody is ready for opening day April 18.”
Players fielded fly balls hit by A’s head coach, John “Yahya” Parratt. He hit balls to right field, centerfield and left to check the players’ fielding techniques.
Then the players were brought in for batting practice and base running. Any errors by a player resulted in running extra laps or pushups.
“We try the players’ abilities to field the ball. Can they make the proper decisions on the throw? Can they run the bases?” said Isaiah “Raheem” Thompson-Bonilla. “We check their baseball IQ and we want to see if they are coachable.”
Baseball IQ drills consisted of the field captain calling out scenarios. For example, with men on first and third base, where should the ball be thrown to turn a double play?
Then the players are trained on how to play long and short balls. Long ball is how to make plays off outfield hits and short ball is how to make plays off bunts and infield hits.
“We were looking for guys who work hard and we found four new additions to our team,” said Thompson-Bonilla.
“We have solid team chemistry,” said Reichardt. “The core of the team is returning – team captain Cleo Cloman, third baseman Royce Rose, second baseman Anthony “T-Tone” Denard and Thompson-Bonilla might be returning as pitcher; he is hurt but I’m optimistic. John Windham is also coming off of surgery, so we might just have him as the designated hitter and back catcher – he plays everything.”
Reichardt said his pitching lineup is Chris Marshall, the longest player on the A’s at five years, Gary Townes and Carlyle “Otter” Blake.
The whole team reminds me of the Philadelphia A’s of the 1900s; they are that good, said Reichardt.
Denard, known as the East Bay Legend, was drafted by two pro teams – the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Minnesota Twins.
“Bad choices and being hard-headed cost me an opportunity, but I’ve been playing this game since I was 2 years old,” said Denard. “This is my getaway tool. I’m in prison, but when I’m playing, I’m free. This team reminds me of family – we are close-knit.”
Marshall added, “These are my bros. I’m out here for them. We support each other on and off the field. This game teaches you ethics. The hardships, discipline and constant work ethic translates into your life. You have to follow rules, you have to follow instructions and you have to follow through.”
“Baseball is a journey of life in itself. There are lessons of social ethics, morals and education to learn. ‘It’s a game,’ as Hall of Famer Yogi Berra said, ‘that is 90 percent mental and the rest is physical,’” said coach Parratt.
–By Marcus Henderson
