Jason Ferber and former Arizona Diamondback Chazz Meadows gave the SQ Giants and the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center community a rare treat by sharing their knowledge of baseball at the Field of Dreams.
Ferber, one of Instagram’s most followed baseball coaches, started his coaching career in 2011 by scouting for the San Diego Padres. Today, Ferber’s the co-founder of The Evolution Events, a recruitment agency that he built on the singular mission “to bring together like-minded individuals passionate about evolving the game of baseball.” Ferber streamlined the college recruitment and the professional draft process for many of the nation’s most talented players.
Meadows played shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks for five years, starting in 2017. Raised in the East Bay before he made it to the big leagues, Meadows said he learned to play ball on fields close to SQRC.
“When asked to come into the prison, I jumped at the chance to play with these guys and hopefully make someone’s day a little better,” Meadows said. He added that he visited the rehabilitation center for the first time because he felt curious and excited to have the opportunity to visit and take a firsthand look at the baseball program.
“What stuck with me was their humility as they came to see where we’re at with our game and help out where they can,” SQ Giants third baseman Eli Guerra said of Ferber and Meadows at the May 2 special instructional practice.
Meadows’ love for the game compelled him to pay forward what he learned by traveling around the country to coach, while inspiring the next generation of ballplayers on social media. “By sharing my experiences, techniques, and lessons on YouTube, it gives me the platform to spread my passion and joy of the game to other ballplayers,” he said.
In a strong Brooklyn accent, Ferber addressed the SQ Giants’ coaches and players before warm-ups began. “I didn’t grow up with a lot of money and having baseball as my safe place is why I fell in love with the game.”
Ferber said he believed baseball could make a great equalizer that does not discriminate against someone’s cultural or ethnic background. “This is a place where we can level the playing field and help build confidence regardless of where you come from or what you’ve done.”
After introductions and warm-ups, infield drills began, and both coaches jumped in to lead the morning practice. Meadows joined the rotation of players fielding balls from shortstop, as Ferber smashed grounders to the infield.
“Turn two, stay with it,” Ferber’s voice boomed as the players hustled to field the barrage of balls coming from his bat.
SQ Giants volunteer Coach Greg Snyder said having these coaches come out presented a great opportunity for the team. “There’s a difference between knowing the game and knowing how to coach,” he said. “To have the chance to interact and build new relationships with guys at this level is something special.”
Snyder said this kind of camaraderie showed the players and the San Quentin community that people on the outside care.
Batting practice started as Meadows threw from the mound while SQ Giants fielded balls, and Coach Ferber instructed from the third base box.
SQ Giants players and coaches circled-up every 20 minutes as Ferber and Meadows reviewed with them their observations. The two journeyman coaches revealed trade secrets and expressed joyful encouragement before quickly starting the next drill.
“Some of the tools and techniques will really help out,” said SQ Giants pitcher Robert Nash. “This is what these guys do, and for them to come in to coach us today means a lot.”