In their first season, the San Quentin Athletics came out winners.
Led by Managers Len ZeMarkowitz, Danny (Dano) Lepez, and Dick (Slick) Gilberti, the A’s finished with a winning record of 12-6.
Seeing a need for a second baseball team, inmates coordinated with S.Q.’s administration, who in turn contacted Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics’ equipment manager to see if they would be willing to donate uniforms, which they did.
“I have played baseball here for a number of years,” said Ke Lam, a player on the A’s, “and this has been the most cohesive and fun team I have ever played on.”
Led by inmate coaches John “Yahya” Parratt, and Jeff “Silk” Evans, the inmates were run through tryout drills before the team was selected.
“We have a lot of really good ballplayers,” said Parratt. “The players really get along well with each other. These men have risen above the prison politics to unite together as a team, working together to not only better themselves but also the team as a whole.”
“What I liked the most about this season was watching the camaraderie between the men,” said Evans. “Men who would not normally interact with one another came together to make this the funnest season of baseball that I have ever been involved with.”
The S.Q. A’s were led by three extraordinary volunteer coaches who have over 150 years of baseball experience combined.
“I have been coming to SQ to volunteer for over 20 years,” said Lepez, “finally the opportunity arose where we could take these men and help them to develop their skills (not just baseball) so that they will be better prepared upon their return to society. These men are learning valuable social skills and behaviors that will be instrumental in their success once they leave prison.”
If this past season was any indication, the S.Q. A’s will have a very bright future.
The A’s would like to thank S.Q.’s vice-principal Kellum, and coach Denevi for their support, as well as S.Q. Public Information Officer Captain Sam Robinson.