Two teams of young offenders launched their Kid CAT softball festival with smiles and laughter and a 17-4 score. “The same skills used in softball are the same skills applied by the Kid CAT organization, such as when working together planning and organizing events here at San Quentin,” said Kid CAT Chairman Si Dang, 43.
After that, the Junglecat’s offense roared to life, scoring one run in the first inning, four in the second, two in the third and three in the fourth. The defense held the Wildcats scoreless in the first three innings.
The game featured the Jungle cats versus the Wildcats on a breezy evening, with Mt. Tamalpais peeking out from the clouds in the background. The goal: to build community solidarity among the men who committed their crimes as minors.
“Building community and team dynamics of working together as a team,” Dang said. “We have new members coming in. This is an opportunity to connect with them, to bring out their abilities in sports and otherwise at the emotional level and spiritual level. This will really help to empower us as an organization.”
Kid CAT member Ronald Carter, 54, commented, “It’s important to show unity, to show that we can get along with one another and to just have fun.”
The game began with the Jungle cats up to bat. The Wildcats defense appeared to get off to a good start, by getting two easy outs, but things quickly shifted when Riddle-Terrell Brandon hit a line-drive into left field, then scored off an RBI error at first base.
After that, the Junglecat’s offense roared to life, scoring one run in the first inning, four in the second, two in the third and three in the fourth. The defense held the Wildcats scoreless in the first three innings.
