The North Bay Bombers helped San Quentin’s Hardtimers softball team open their season in a celebratory fashion. Soon thereafter both teams rolled their sleeves and competed in a game with an outpouring of runs.

The visitors spoke about the importance of the friendly rivalry that has been embraced by both teams, the incarcerated and the free.

“This is the brotherhood that doesn’t break; the bond that is built [here] I wouldn’t miss for anything,” said second year-returnee Wraith Breyer. 

Courtney Sully from the Bombers became the first base runner of the year after she singled in the first inning hit.  

“This is the best day of the month,” said Sully. “I’ve been coming in for years and will continue to as long as I can. I feel grateful to be here today with the SQ Hardtimers.”

In the bottom of the first, Anthony Pinaterelli of the Hardtimers hit the season’s first home run as his drive cleared the right field fence. His was just the beginning of the scoring, as the Hardtimers opened up a 10-0 lead.

Rick Dias hit the team’s second home run of the year in the second inning.

The Bombers battled in the third inning when they scored three runs. Sully got her first RBI of the season in the top of the fourth, when she hit a blast to the outfield that drove in another teammate.

“A diverse team playing ball brings people together, building community,” said resident Hardtimer Pearley, a second year-returnee. “I started playing softball when I was younger at church picnics. When we are able to compete with outside guests, I feel treated as a human being. [Baseball] gives me a sense of normalcy which takes me out of prison for a couple of hours.

During the fifth inning, Breyer’s blast scored two runs before his teammate Chris hit a shot to right field to bring Breyer to third base.

Breyer was not only the offensive star for the visitors. He shined in the field as he stopped Hardtimer Michael “DT” Soutar’s long fly ball to end the fifth inning.

The Bombers offensive drive continued into the top of the sixth as Breyer hit the first grand slam of the season, which brought the game to a tie before the visitors took a 13-12 lead to end their half of the sixth inning.

The game continued to be a nail-biter in the bottom of the sixth, as the Hardtimers scored four runs led by Pinaterelli, who slammed his second home run of the day to put the home team back in the lead 19-13.

Hardtimers new coach Patrick Poteat shared his enthusiasm. “I’m really excited about this season [because] this is the first time I’m coaching instead of playing ball.” 

As the game wound down, happiness could be felt in the air as the Hardtimers came out with a victorious season opener to win 33-17. The teams circled around and gave praise to one another at the mound.

“I am proud of my team and the hard work they’ve done leading to today,” said Poteat.