San Quentin News

Written By Inmates - Advancing Social Justice

In Depth: Kenneth Dozier Sr.

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Kenneth Dozier Sr. is 49 years old from Los Angeles. He was convicted for attempted murder in 1997 and is serving a 38-to-life sentence, having served 24 years thus far.

He and I met on an unusually hot Saturday morning on West Block yard to do this interview. I had approached him about being featured in the newspaper a few months back, but I also wanted the timing to be right. This interview was conducted in the midst of the Intramural League playoffs, where his former team, The Franchise, is in the second round of the playoffs and have an opportunity to win a fourth title in five years.

AT: How long have you played organized sports?

KDS: Since the age of 10 or 11, playing basketball for Bethune Jr. High in South Central, Los Angeles.

AT: Basketball is only one sport you played growing up?

KDS: I also played Pee-Wee Pop Warner football for Jefferson High.

AT: So, you get to prison in ’98, and you’re at CSP- LAC (Lancaster), Level IV; what was the sports atmosphere there like?

KDS: It was high quality and big. A lot of participation amongst all the races.

AT: So, in the late ’90s, on the Level IV’s, it was well understood about interacting in sports with different races?

AT: Now, I know that you could’ve made the SQ Warriors as a power forward in 2012-14, but you never chose to go out for the team. Why?

The Franchise was down 2-1 in the finals. In that pivotal fourth game, your team was down by 28 points halfway through the third quarter; in the final 20 seconds of the fourth, you had two steals and two three-pointers to get your team into overtime and eventually win that game. What did that feel like?

KDS: It felt good being a part of a winning community.

AT: Yeah, I get that, but that was some Reggie Miller v. New York Knicks type stuff in that game. What do you remember about the moment?
KDS: I remember everybody hollering about we was going to lose.

AT: You’re in school now, getting that GED. What’s the drive behind that?

KDS: In 2006, my daughter asked me to help her with a math problem and I couldn’t help her. In that moment, I said that’ll never hap- pen again. I needed to better myself. When I was young, I didn’t have a chance to really get an education. Now, I have kids and grandkids. At Sole- dad, I started after the GED, but was transferred (to The Q) in 2011. Right after I arrived in West Block —before I was even classified—I went.

AT: Okay, test time! Name your all time all-star Los An- geles Lakers team…Go!

KDS: Huh? What? Point guard: Magic. Shooting guard: Nixon. Small forward: Cooper. Power forward: Wor- thy. Center: Abdul-Jabbar. Off the bench, I’ll get Kurt Rambis, AC Green, Jamal Wilkes, Brian Shaw, Byron Scott, Kobe Bryant and Glen Rice.

AT: You get the chance to talk to a 13-year-old Kenneth Dozier…what’s one sentence that you say to yourself?

KDS: “Be true to yourself.”

AT: Thank you for giving this interview. Many people don’t know we’ve known each other and have been friends since 1998 when we met at Lancaster, so I ap- preciate you sharing some of who you are. You get the clos- ing statement.

KDS: No matter where you may be in life, you can always become a winner within yourself and with those that love you. Push forward, push forward, push forward, push forward…keep pushing and you will win.

San Quentin Hardtimers Round Up

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Prison Sport Ministries, 16 vs. SQ Hardtimers, 23

Hardtimer Oscar Acost swinging away
Hardtimer Oscar Acost swinging away

Prison Sport Ministries took an early lead against the Hard- timers, and fell 23-16 in the end. Richard Zorns led the way with a home run in the bottom of the 2nd inning, followed Brandon-Riddle-Terrell who homered in the the 4th ; Oscar Acosta hit a home run over the ARC trailer in right.JuanNavarro had 4 hits & 4 runs to help secure the victory.

North Bay Bombers, 6 vs. SQ Hardtimers, 26

The North Bay Bombers Softball team
The North Bay Bombers Softball team

The Hard timers scored another victory in their 4th game against the North Bay Bombers, 26-6. After the game, in a show of sportsmanship and brotherhood, both teams gathered around the pitcher’s mound and Terry Kitchen and Brandon-Riddle-Terrell shared their heartfelt testimonies of what it meant to play against people from the their home town of Santa Rosa.

Prison Sports Ministry, 15 vs. SQ Hardtimers, 38

Ricardo “Rico Suavemente” Romero scoring on a play
Ricardo “Rico Suavemente” Romero scoring on a play

Prison Sports Ministries came out swinging in the first inning, scoring 4 easy runs, but went on to lose the match 38-15.

The Outsiders, 4 v. SQ Hardtimers, 16

The Outsiders came in The Q with two first time visitors, and looking to extend their season run of 7-1 playing against other teams, but came up short against The Hardtimers.

“Coach Matt gave me an opportunity to come in and play,” said Gus who played in right field. “I was excited because I love this game.”

Melissa said she had to get pass the jitters. “Once I got a hit, got on base and scored, all the nervousness was gone,” she stated. She scored three runs and shook her head, say- ing “No, No, No! You’re out!” as she caught several pop ups to first base where she played the entire game.

The game ended with both teams meeting at the mound, sharing a prayer, and The Outsiders promising to come back and tie the series 1 – 1 on their return.

Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”

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Judge Craig Mitchell with Coach Frank Ruona (back)
Judge Craig Mitchell with Coach Frank Ruona (back)

An award winning coach, a humanitarian judge, and two former San Quentin residents came together at The Q July 20, 2019 to participate in the 2nd Annual Skid Row Running Club One Hour San Quentin Fun Run.

The Skid Row Running Club was founded by Los An- geles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell, whose mission is empowering the most marginalized. Mitchell believes that by giving people more opportunities, they make better decisions. The Skid Row Running Club seeks to elevate the human condition one mile at time.

Phillip Peng with the Skid Row runners on the Lower Yard
Phillip Peng with the Skid Row runners on the Lower Yard

“We just finished a documentary on The Skid Row Running Club. Its about Judge Mitchell, who trains drug addicts, homeless people, criminals and others to run marathons.” Said Gabi Hayes, a documentary Film-maker. “If the participants stay out of trouble, stay clean and train hard and stay with the program. Judge Mitchell will take them on a marathon some where in the world.” Gabi and her husband have followed The Skid Row Running Club to Rome, Vietnam, Jerusalem and headed to Ecuador to film the Club’s run in the Marathon de Guayaquil in October.

“We brought about 20 people with us today. I talked with many of them as I ran the track, and they all said they were having a wonderful time,” said Judge Mitchell.

Skid Row and 1000 Mile Club runners at the start of the race
Skid Row and 1000 Mile Club runners at the start of the race

During the event, Coach Frank Ruona was presented with the Jefferson Award by KPIX CBS for community service. “This is the first time 1000 Mile Running Club has had any outside running club to come in and run with us,” said Coach Ruona “I know these guys really appreciate it.”

Ralph Ligons, who is an original member and co- founder of The San Quentin’s 1000 Running Club with Coach Ruona in 2005 said the club is open to everyone who wants to join. He said that running improves your physical, emotional and mental health.

Eddie Herena 36, a alumni member of The San Quentin 1000 Miles Club and former San Quentin News’ Camera- man, was very instrumental in bringing awareness to SQ’s 1000 mile club during his time at The Q, Herena returned to support both Running Clubs and to encourage many of the men that he had come to know that they too could make a successful transition back into society as he has done so.

“Its not even about the run- ning club. Its beyond that. Iwasinthisplaceforeight yearsandIgottoknowalotof the people,” Eddie said. “It’s good to see them, but sad to see them still here.

Markelle Taylor 46, also a former resident of the Q and an alumni member of The San Quentin 1000 Mile Club, who won the 2018 Skid Row One Hour SQ’s Fun Run with a distance of 9.3 miles, returned this year to give back to the club that he got so much from. “I am not lying, I am happy to see you guys. I wanted that experience of being able to come in and then been able to just walk right back out prison,” said Markelle who paroled five months ago. “I do race on the weekends. I’ve ran a full marathon and a to- tal of 25 races since I’ve been out.” Since his release Makelle has ran in the Dip sea Race on June 9, 2019 and the 2019 Boston Marathon April 5, and it showed, because he ran a blistering 10-1/2 miles plus in 60 minutes to win this years SQ’s Skid Row Fun Run.

SQ’s 1000 Mile Club Coach Kevin Rumon, said that try to keep every member after they are parole connected to the Club to the extent they want to.

A total of 62 runners completed the race. After the race, every one chatted for a while as all the runners total laps were being counted, before making their way up to North Block Dining Hall.

“When I get around mile 20 in a Marathon. I say a prayer for the murder victims, be- cause I want in some way for their presence to empower me for the last 6 mile of the race.”

Judge Mitchell said addressing the crowd as everyone was socializing over a San Quentin Sack lunch.

—Leonard F. Brown contributed to this story

The other “Jerry Brown” offers some insight

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Jerry Brown is the head coach of the Intramural League team Hit Squad.

Before Brown arrived, the team was a group of players that didn’t have any direction. After he agreed to coach the team, he taught them the fundamentals of playing a 2-3 zone defense. He also taught the team basic dribbling and passing drills, as well as in- fusing his decades of experience with local Oakland players (some who have went on to play professional) and AAU.

Brown is 52 years old, and in December 2009, he was sentenced to 44 years to life for kidnapping, of which he’s served ten years.

AT: How long have you been involved with organized sports?

JB: I’ve been coaching for 30 years. I’ve been involved with sports all my life.

AT: Is it just basketball? JB: Yeah, just basketball. AT: Where does the love of the game come from?
JB: It comes from being a part of the game for so long. I have a son that played pro (Jerry Brown Jr., Fresno State 2010-13; played with NBA star Paul George).

I’m looking for cohesive- ness in anything I approach, and that includes basketball as well as life. I like to bring players together to learn the system, but that involves buying into the basketball philosophy and building unity.

AT: Your intramural team, Hit Squad; How did you get them to buy into coming to practice so that they would improve?

JB: It was me using the love of the game as well as their love of the game. They wanted it, but didn’t know how to play it right. I had guys that wanted to learn and that’s was key.

AT: Any educational pursuits since you’ve been incarcerated?

JB: I have a business certificate from Coastline College, 70 units of coastline. I need two math classes for an AA from coastline, and I’m taking English 99b in Patton right now.

AT: Any self-groups?

JB: Elite and Criminals and Gangsters Anonymous; Alter- natives to Violence Program & Cage Your Rage.

AT: So, you get to choose your all time all-star NBA team, but here’s the twist: You pick one team that represents 1970-95; then, pick a team that plays them that represents 1996-2019…

JB: Okay, team of OG’s are PG: Earl the Pearl Monroe; SG: Rick Barry; SF: Julius Erving; PF: Wes Unseld; C: Kareem. Off the bench, I have Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, David Thompson, George Gervin, Pistol Pete,

Bob Cousy & Dennis Johnson.

My YG’s are going to be PG: Michael Jordan SG: Scottie Pippen SF: LeBron James

PF: Karl Malone C: Olajuwon and on the bench are Pat- rick Ewing, Steph Curry, John Stockton, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant & Allen Iverson.

AT: You’re sitting in a room by yourself, and you journey back in time and see yourself at 13 years old; what one sentence do you tell yourself at 13 to prepare you for the future?

JB: “Seek a higher education.”

AT: What’s the one thing about basketball that transfers over to everyday life experience that you teach the people that you coach?

JB: Trust. I teach them to trust in your teammates and that transfers over to trust in family because teammates become family.

AT: I want to thank you for taking time for this interview. What’s one thing you want to close out with?

JB: I just want the players to know to respect the game. If you truly love it, play the game right. Play it with passion, honor and integrity. Just play the game the way it’s meant to be played. Channel that negative emotion into a positive place and elevate.

—Aaron Taylor

The ReBirth of Cool

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The United States Women’s Soccer team are champions of the world again.

It’s the fourth time. ’91, ’99, ’15 and ’19.

Their co-captain, Meagan Rapinoe, is the coolest of them all.

No, not the Swaggiest, she’s the Coolest.

Meagan Rapinoe exudes The Cool.

The shades. The hair. The self-confidence. The articulation.

As an athlete, Rapinoe is a fierce competitor and a leader on and off the field. During her post-game interviews, she resonates the definition of “Cool.”

No, not “Swag,” she’s “Cool.”

Miles Davis had an album titled “Birth of the Cool.”

Meagan Rapinoe is the “ReBirth of Cool.”

She voices the frustrations of any athlete—man or woman—who feels they aren’t receiving their legitimate financial worth (especially when you’re a champion), and, she asks the simple question that doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out:

“If we have more championships, a bigger view- ing audience, and we bring in more revenue, how come we’re paid less than our male counterparts? How come we are treated as if we aren’t the best on the planet?”

Those are legitimate questions. She’s not ranting or raving. She’s not shrill. She’s not screaming.

She’s Cool.

Even more, they deserve an answer worthy of the team and all women.

The WNBA isn’t bringing in the revenue through their viewing audience, so if they asked for bigger contracts, The response would be “Huh?”

However, these women of the US team are four time world champions. Even more, they actually have Haters. Some people hate the way they celebrate their goals; Some people hate that they’ve sued for equal pay.
Some people really hate that Rapinoe doesn’t sing the national anthem on the international stage – in front of a television viewing audience (she was the first non-Black athlete to kneel with former NFL QB Colin Kaepernick).

However, when you’re competing on the field against the world’s best athletes, and you have to step off the field and fight for your rights with- in the country that you represent on the world stage, and you even have the President of the U.S. criticizing you?

Don’t forget, Rapinoe and the team are fighting not just for them, but for all the young kids coming after them—to be treated equally no matter their gender, what they worship, their political association or who they love.

To engage in these types of battles, you have to be “Cool.”

And, that’s why Meagan Rapinoe is the “ReBirth of Cool.”

Imago Dei routs the Warriors … but our very own G. Derrick is the star

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George Derrick and Leonard King
George Derrick and Leonard King

From a wheelchair on the sidelines, Leonard King got to watch veteran San Quentin Warrior Allan McIntosh put up 32 points but still fall short to Imago Dei, 119-102. King got to attend the game because Inmate Disability Assistance Program worker George Derrick, who also plays for the Warriors, used part of his day off to stop by the fourth floor of the infirmary and picked him up.

“George is a good per- son; he’s made getting out here really easy,” King said. “It’s a mental struggle losing something you had for 62 years to a fungal infection (which was compounded by having diabetes) but I get encouragement from the people around me and that has made the transition easier.” King lost his leg in April. It would be another month before he could get fitted with a prosthetic. In the meantime, with the help of Derrick, he comes to yard at 8 am on Saturdays to watch the Warriors play.

“It’s good entertainment,” King said. “There’s a lot of talent out there. Makes you think what could have been.”

Imago Dei came down the hill with six players, including sixty something year old Don Smith. On the surface, it may have looked like the Warriors had the advantage, but the least athletic player in the starting five for Imago was a legend at Grinnell College for his three point shooting ability. Steve “Raise a J” Diekmann dropped 21 points, including nailing five baskets from behind the arc. But it was former St. Mary and ABA player Teohn Conners and former New Mexico State player Jon Williams who lead Imago with 38 and 30 points respectively. Conners added a whopping 25 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists, and 2 blocks.

“They put up a fight,” Williams said. “We were limited but we made shots when it counted.”

In the first quarter, the teams traded baskets with Warrior Rick ‘Rick Rebound’ Joseph, a six-foot center, snatching rebounds and adding a couple of scores.

“I worked hard and it feels good,” Joseph said. “I just want to play and do my part.”

Imago broke away with the hot shooting of Williams and finished the quarter up 31-24.

After two quarters, Imago led 65-51.

Williams had 24 points in the first half.

“I’m going for 50,” Williams, who just came back from vacationing in Cabo, Mexico, said.

At half-time, both teams circled around center-court to share.

Derrick, a 6-foot-4, 38 year old from San Francisco, said, “It’s an honor to play with great players. It brings out the best in me and teaches me to deal with not getting what I want, like not getting to play today.”

Imago Center Ervin An- derson, a former ABA player, gave a short sermon about how “God is love.”

Warriors Coach Tony “Barefoot Tone” Evans added, “IDAP workers don’t have to bring people to the yard. George is expanding the program and that touched my heart.”

In the third quarter, Donte ‘Twin’ Harris came off the bench to run the point and hustled hard, attempting a Warriors comeback. Every time the Warriors got within four points, Imago pulled away again.

In the fourth quarter, up 104-91 with 3:55 points Imago sat power forward Brett “BC” Collins, who also played for St. Mary’s, and put the 5-6 Don “Donnie Fabulous” Smith in the game.

“Lay off him on offense and go at him on defense,” yelled SQ Warriors fan Ceasar ‘C-Money’ McDowell.

That plan didn’t work. Smith found himself open and nailed two short-range set shots.

Three Warriors, beside McIntosh, scored in double digits including Anthony Ammons with 23 and 10 boards, Walter Cook with 10 points, 5 assists and 2 steals and Harris with 10 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Joseph had 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

For Imago, all five starters scored in the double digits. Collins added 17 points, 8 re- bounds, 4 assists and a steal. Anderson added 12 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks.

The tequila and tacos Williams enjoyed in Cabo kicked in during the second half –after starting with 24 points first-half points, he added only 6 points in the second period.

“Jon ran out of gas so I had to take a couple of shots,” Diekmann said after the win with a big smile on his face.

Correr le ayuda a superar la vida en prisión

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Fidelio Marin corriendo detrás de Markelle Taylor
Fidelio Marin corriendo detrás de Markelle Taylor

Fidelio Marin nació en 1970 en el ejido San José, cerca de Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla en México, y su niñez fue muy parecida a la de otros niños de su pueblo, con pobreza, limitaciones y quehaceres en casa sin tiempo para estudiar. El creció sin aprender a leer ni a escribir pues no había escuelas ni maestros en su pueblo.

Marin, se encuentra actualmente en la Prisión Estatal de San Quentin cumpliendo una condena de 16 años a vida, de los cuales ya lleva 11 años cumplidos. En sus primeros años en la prisión sufrió de tensión-nerviosa y obesidad llegando a pesar 205 libras en el 2013.

Marin llego a San Quentin en agosto de 2018 y en poco tiempo se dio a conocer por su dedicación al deporte como corredor y su deseo de superación. Actualmente estudia inglés y matemáticas en la clase ABE 1 del programa educacional de San Quentin, donde acumula créditos “Rehabilitation Acheivement Credits” que se dan a los alumnos por su dedicación en las clases.

Como miembro del club de corredores de las 1000 mile club, Marina completó las primeras mil millas en un tiempo record entre octubre del 2018 y mayo del 2019. El club de corredores de San Quentin le otorgó el certifica- do, “Completion Award” por su esfuerzo.

Sus conquistas más notables como corredor han sido el 1⁄2 maratón (13 millas) con un tiempo 1:22 horas; las 10 millas las corrió en 1:04:28; en la carrera “The Skid Row Running Club One Hour Fun Run” en San Quentin el 20 de julio quedando en segundo lugar, solo unos cuantos pasos atrás de “La Gazela de San Quentin”, Markelle T. Taylor. Taylor se anotó 10-11/16 millas; seguido por Fidelio Marin con 10-5/8 millas, siendo su nuevo record en una hora.

Antes de que empezara la competencia, Taylor se refirió a Martin como “el próximo nuevo campeón”.

Su más reciente hazaña la consiguió el 2 deagosto en el Décimo Medio Maratón
Anual de San Quentin, donde Marin obtuvo el primer lugar.

En el reporte del San Quentin 1000 Miles Club, el entrenador Frank Ruona escribió, “Fidelio Marin continúa su dominio en las carreras del club competecia en San Quentin, desde que Markelle Taylor recibió su libertad condicional en marzo 2019, ganando fácilmente su tercera carrera seguida con un tiempo sobresaliente de 1:24:05 que es el tercer Medio Maratón mas rápido de San Quentin”.

Marin es reconocido por los que conviven con él como una persona muy jovial, humilde y amistosa.

“ El entrena fuerte y escucha; está aprendiendo la técnica de un buen corredor”, dijo Darrell Mora, uno de sus compañeros. “Él es probable- mente el nuevo líder; lo que me gusta es que es humilde”.

Durante el tiempo que Marin ha estado en prisión ha participado en “Programas de Ayuda Personal” (self-help programs) como: Alcohólicos Anónimos (AA), Manejando el Enojo (Anger Management), Justicia Restaurativa (Restorative Justice), y Estudios Bíblicos en la capilla, entre otros.

“Gracias a Dios y a los programas ofrecidos en San Quentin he logrado superarme y he aprendido a tomar buenas decisiones en la vida; y los programas han sido de gran ayuda en mi rehabilitación diaria”, comentó Marin. “Y le agradezco a San Quentin por los programas de rehabilitación que están disponibles; pues en otras cárceles que he estado no tienen los programas que hay aquí”.

Marin ha estado anteriormente en Wasco Reception Center y en Soledad State Prison que fue donde empezó a prepararse como corredor.

“Estando en prisión he decidido y he logrado dejar los vicios, los malos pensamientos, los rencores y las impaciencias en el pasado”, dijo. “Aquí también he aprendido a leer y escribir en español que es mi idioma natal”.

Reñido partido entre SQ Earthquakes y el equipo de administración de SJ Earthquakes

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El equipo visitante con los Earthquakes de SQ en la cancha de fútbol de San Quentin
El equipo visitante con los Earthquakes de SQ en la cancha de fútbol de San Quentin

Los representantes del equipo de fútbol profesional San Jose Earthquakes visitaron por cuarta vez en dos años la Prisión Estatal de San Quentin para enfrentar a los San Quentin Earthquakes, el martes 23 de julio.

Entre los visitantes se encontraban dos jugadores es- telares profesionales, Tommy Thompson #22 carrilero derecho y Shey Salinas #6 mediocampista.

La competencia futbolística arrancó con una gran energía. Los visitantes ya habían jugado en este campo de uso deportivo múltiple y contaban con el apoyo de un gran número de fanáticos.

La estrategia de Refugio “EL Tuca”, entrenador del equipo local, fue presionar la salida desde la porteria al equipo de los visitantes formado por la administración de los SJ Earthquakes para impedir que el equipo saliera jugando y organizara su ataque.

Tommy Thompson JugadordeSJEarthquakes
Tommy Thompson JugadordeSJEarthquakes

A tan solo 5 minutos del encuentro, el jugador Chris Macdougal sufrió severas raspaduras al resbalarse en un terrero arenoso. Dario Abranskiehn, quien fungío como entrenador, no tuvo otra opción que sacarlo del juego.

Al minuto 17, el árbitro marcó un penaltí a favor de los SQ Earthquakes, después que un jugador cometiera una mano en el área chica. El entrenador decidió que el jugador Tare “Cancún” Beltranchuc cobrara el penaltí, quien con un potente disparo pega- do al poste derecho anotó el primer gol del partido ante el júbilo de los aficionados.

Después de la anotación, los San Jose Earthquakes adelantaron sus filas y empezaron a sofocar a la defensa local. En más de una ocasión el portero Brian Holliday salvo su portería. Sin embargo, al minuto 29 Tommy (No Thompson) recibió un pase largo y con gran técnica individual le

dio un pase a su compañero Rohan Dorairaj, quien con pierna derecha venció al portero para empatar el marcador 1-1.

Al término de los primeros 45 minutos el partido estaba empatado. Mientras los jugadores se hidrataban, los entrenadores daban indicaciones para la segunda mitad.

El partido se reanudó y ambos equipos trataron de capitalizar los errores del equipo contrincante. Al minuto 52 el portero local hizo una atajada espectacular, pero el balón le cayó al delantero de los equipo visitante quien inmediata- mente le dio un pase filtrado a Tommy, quien tuvo que barrerse para anotar el segundo gol para los visitantes.

Con el marcador en con- tra, los pupilos de Refugio “El Tuca” avanzaron su alineación para empatar el marcador. La estrategia dio resultado y al minuto 59, los de casa orquestraron una jugada genial que culminó en gol. Huizar, unos de los jugadores estelares los SQ Earthquakes, se quitó a dos jugadores y envió un pase filtrado para Luna, quien sacó un disparo potente. El balón le rebotó al portero quedando entre varios jugadores, pero Tare “Cancún” Beltranchuc, se barrió e hizo contacto con el esférico venciendo al portero de los visitante para igualar el marcador a 2-2.

A escasos minutos del final, los de casa tuvieron dos grandes oportunidades para vencer por primera vez al equipo visitante y hacer historia, pero les falto precisión a la hora de definir. El partido culminó con un empate 2-2.

A pesar del resultado, el encuentro fue muy divertido y emocionante.

Shey Salinas Jugador de SJ Earthquakes
Shey Salinas Jugador de SJ Earthquakes

Al término del partido, los jugadores intercambiaron experiencias y aprovecharon la oportunidad para tomarse fotos con Thompson y Shey Salinas, dos figuras del equipo profesional San Jose Earthquakes.

“Es un reto venir a jugar aquí porque los jugadores son muy competitivos”, dijo Thompson.

Por su parte Salinas mencionó, “Quería venir el año pasado pero no pude. Sin embargo pude ver el video y me prometí venir este año”. Respecto al nivel de juego, Salinas expreso, “están en buena forma y son rápidos”. Ambos jugadores expresa- ron su deseo de jugar pero las cláusulas de sus contratos lo impiden.

Antes de culminar la visita los jugadores locales expresaron su agradecimiento por la bonita experiencia y oportunidad de jugar al futbol, el rey de los deportes.

The A’s Are Undefeated 17-0!

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Robert Polzin on the mound at San Quentin
Robert Polzin on the mound at San Quentin

I have a lot of opinions about sports, especially on the professional and collegiate level. However, I’m going to use this opportunity to talk about a team inside The Q.

For the past several seasons, San Quentin State Prison had two baseball teams, The Giants and The A’s. Over those seasons, both teams were mediocre at best. Splitting the teams meant splitting the talent and both teams struggled. 

However, during the 2018 off-season, the program made a radical shift. There would be one team. That team would consist of the top players on the yard. 

The team manager is now Richard Williams. 

His assistants are the top veteran baseball managers at The Q: 

John Parratt 

Anthony Caravalho 

Terry Burton 

Doug Abineau. 

The equipment manager is Michael Pulido. 

The only baseball team now at The Q is the San Quentin Athletics and that team is undefeated. Their record is 17-0 as of 7/10/2019. 

O. Acosta 

A. Chan 

A. ‘The Professional’ Denard 

T. Halfin 

C. Hickson 

John James (i.r.) 

Angelo Mecchi 

Juan Navarro 

Leigh Olden 

Brandon Riddle-Terrell 

Jessie Rose 

Randall Stockton 

Michael Stone 

Austin Thurman 

Mark Wiley 

There are five pitchers in the rotation. Rob “Big Smooth” Polzin, Royce “Gator” Rose (i.r.), Gary “Cool Aid” Townes and Carrington “Suit & Tie” Russelle and Riddle-Terrell closes games as well. Between these five pitchers, they have collective era in the low 3.0’s. 

Can you imagine an MLB club with a pitching rotation that had that kind of earned run average? 

The team is averaging 14.5 runs per game. The closest game this season was a 9 inning 5-3 win over the Santa Monica Suns, the first game of a double-header on 6/29. Other than that, every contest has seen The A’s in the mid-teens in runs each game. 

The teams defense is stellar to say the least. Double plays have become the norm. At every position on the field, the defense is backing up the pitching, to the point that Townes went into a sixth inning of game with a no-hitter earlier this season. 

Thurman is a player with multiple talents who has a legitimate shot at playing on the professional level when released. The team also has Denard, who was a draft pick to the Toronto Blue Jays, along with returning MVP from last season Riddle-Terrell, they make up a powerful and formidable line up to visiting clubs. 

If you haven’t had a chance to come out and watch the A’s this season, you should find an opportunity to attend a game. 

This season, The A’s are the truth and being undefeated means my opine is fact based. 

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