Hoping to make the 2026 San Quentin Giants baseball team, residents headed to the Lower Yard for tryouts.

Under a blue sky, with a well-groomed infield and a freshly mowed outfield, San Quentin baseball was back for one of two try-out days that began the first Saturday of March. Residents had two chances to impress the coaches and earn a coveted spot on the team and become part of SQ Giants baseball history. 

SQ Giants resident coach Richard “Will” Williams said, “Some former players may lose their positions if the talent dictates it. I’m emphasizing, don’t think you have made the team, [because] every position is open.” 

More residents showed up to try out than in the previous year. In fact, 40 residents showed up to showcase their skills in hopes of making the 2026 team. There were so many trying out that there weren’t enough cleats to go around for all the hopefuls.

Out of frustration, the SQ Giants’ assistant equipment manager, Johnathan “Goose” Martinez, quit as try-outs began. He quickly changed his mind before try-outs were over, which is the drama of prison baseball.

Passion and drama are part of San Quentin baseball as it is the oldest program in the prison. For over 125 years, at least 18 spots on the team roster must be filled annually, which makes it an honor to play for the organization.  

“No one gets to sit on the bench and rely on their reputation,” said Williams. 

After an hour of warm-ups and stretches the players gathered for a talk, then split into two groups. The former SQ Giants players played against the new players to see all the talent in action. It was old school versus new school.

First-time player SQ resident Shawn Lassen hopes to make the team. Lassen grew up playing baseball and said when he is playing it takes time away. “The vibes are good and I don’t feel like I’m in prison,” said Lassen. “I never heard about SQ Giants baseball until I arrived at the prison. I’m young and just want to play.”   

SQ resident Lee Bailey took a longer journey to play ball at SQ’s Field of Dreams. Bailey said it took him 18 years to finally make it to SQ. “I tried out for the 2025 team and made the cut and this year I’m hoping to get more playing time,” said Bailey.

Bailey said the team is excited about two games on this season’s schedule — the Oakland Ballers and Butte Community College. Last year, BCC beat the SQ Giants 18-0. “They [Butte] skunked us last year, we want our run back,” said Bailey.

Volunteer coach Phil Snyder said he has been coming into SQ for 15 years to play baseball. Snyder previously played on the Mission team, which plays many games at SQ every season.

“When growing up, I ate, studied and drank baseball,” said Snyder. “It was the love of my life.”  Snyder said an injury sidelined his baseball dreams and now he enjoys teaching. 

“Rather than trying to make superstars, I focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game,” said Snyder. “For 3-4 hours you forget where you’re at and who you are. It’s just playing baseball, [and] it’s a rehabilitation thing.”

The 2019 baseball season set the standard for prison athletics. The SQ Giants, known then as the Athletics, started with 33 victories in a row, and ended with an impressive 38-2 record.  

SQ resident Gary “Cool-Aid’ Townes was a pitcher for that team. Townes first made the team back in 2013, which makes him one of the veterans on the field.

At 61, fresh off a three-year break from the game, Townes grabbed a glove and tried out for the 10th time since arriving at SQ. He said there is a lot of talent here, but he hopes to make the team again. “I kind of lost my way, took ’23,’24,’25,” said Townes.

By the age of 10 Townes was playing Little League baseball and at one point he played on a team similar to the 2019 team, which finished a perfect season, 26-0. He also remembers being on a really bad team. 

“It’s always fun when you’re winning, [but] what really builds character is knowing how to lose and keep going,” said Townes.

Teammates said one of the marquee games of the season will be when the Oakland Ballers come to play for the first time. They said they hope it will lead to a new annual rivalry.      

The SQ Giants season opener is April 25th, and there are sure to be new faces on the team, as well as some old.