Once, long ago we all were young and anxious, waiting for winter to end and spring to come because the American pastime is coming!  Yes, baseball will be here at S.Q. and there are those who can’t wait and those who would rather see something else. But those of us that still believe that we are capable of throwing a ball, catching a fly, or making contact with their bat believe that this game is the greatest and are thankful for those who brought this game back to life here at S.Q.
The San Quentin Giants have had their ups and downs, but have managed through it all to never have a losing season since reinstatement. The challenge comes to those who know how to play, and want to play, but believe they don’t have a chance because the team is already chosen. That, guys, isn’t true.
The truth is that everyone must try out, and, if your skills are more so than others, then you may get the call or you may not.  What matters is that you give your all, and do what you are supposed to do and your chances increase.
I treated people poorly at times because it was who I was.  It sometimes seemed my strength.  I always came to play, and came to win.  I would try ways to sometimes fit in with those who weren’t to my liking and that their demeanor wasn’t best.  I’m still that competitor.
Now, here I am over 50; one who knows how to win and having that same intention of wanting to be the best, and that comes with consequences. As with a lot of my failures and a lot of other things, baseball has always been my passion and will remain, as I feel fortunate that I can still play!
I always want to give back to this game I love; it’s this game that I was challenged to play at an early age and can think on how it began.
 

The San Quentin Giants have managed to win more than they’ve lost, so far. This past Saturday (May 31, 2008) there was a sense of “wow” that the “Santa Monica Suns” had come over 500 miles just to play the game we all love, Baseball!
While the San Quentin Giants have plenty of dirt to overturn before they can claim they’re real contenders, thoughts of the Suns seemed to be that of, “No problem here.”
The Suns had their struggles, as did the San Quentin Giants, but, after 5 innings, it was 9-0 (San Quentin Giants). With Chris Rich on the hill, it was the 3rd time around for the Suns batting order, and they got to Chris and produced some runs. Our coach, Kevin, pulled Chris to be succeeded by Marvin, who pitched for 2 innings, and walked 5 batters, and hit 2 batsmen. Marvin appeared upset the coach pulled him, but what coach wouldn’t.
The Suns scored, San Quentin Giants then tacked on a few more, and it came down to the 8th and 9th innings. San Quentin Giants up by 7 runs, the Suns rallied for 3 in the 8th, and 2 in the 9th. With the score 13-11, San Quentin Giants, the Suns had the tying run at 2nd base, 2 outs, and the count 3-2. The Santa Monica Suns popped up to end the game, final score 13-11, San Quentin Giants.
It seems that all the San Quentin Giants want to do is just play baseball, the re-living of that old childhood game. Those flashbacks of fame, and the need for trusting each other and the losing of sleep about this or that. Really, though, what San Quentin needs, is the best 9 threw 9 innings.