The San Quentin Giants defeated the Southern California Grays, 17-5, and, 7-4 in a double-header that brought more to the field than baseball.

On Aug.16, SQ Giants outside volunteer Coach Steve Reichardt addressed the crowd with a heartfelt pregame speech that enriched the lore of the 125-year-old organization.

Reichardt introduced Tony Thompson, the man who donated the kidney that saved his life. “The magic that happens because of this program is amazing,” Reichardt said. “Literally, this guy saved my life.”

Reichardt grabbed the crowd’s full attention as he told the story of how Nancy Mossa, a tenant in the building where he works, overheard a conversation he was having about the prison’s baseball program. As the conversation turned to Reichardt’s health issues, Mossa said, “I know a guy who might be able to help.”

That person was Thompson.

After introductions and multiple tests that confirmed Thompson’s kidney was a match for the coach, on December 2024, Reichardt received Thompson’s kidney.

Thompson said the idea of his altruistic organ donation came to him as he listened to a radio talk show over twenty years ago.

“When I heard this man [on the radio] described how he was willing to give up an organ unconditionally, for a chance to extend someone else’s life, it really stuck with me,” Thompson said.

Reichardt explained to the crowd that after the successful procedure, he offered Thompson a trip around the world, a new motorcycle, or a check for his generous donation.

“All Tony wanted was to come to the Field of Dreams and watch a San Quentin Giants Baseball game,” Reichardt shouted to the spectators.

When Reichardt fulfilled his obligation to Thompson, he filled SQRC’s baselines with the players who applauded for the visitors as they received SQ Giants jerseys and baseballs signed by the entire team, before the visitors threw out the game’s first pitch.

Reichardt completed the only request made by the man who saved his life.

“That was emotional,” Thompson said as he wiped tears from his face when he returned to the dugout to watch the game.

The visiting So Cal Grays, a mixed group of international and Southern California players, wore a classic uniform design that paid homage to the original Negro League “Homestead Grays.”

Starting pitcher for the SQ Giants Victor Picazo, led the home team to its first victory over the Grays, 17-5.

The visiting team roster included Grandpa Glenn Sailer, 86, son Glenn “Buzzy” Sailer, 62, who played college ball and on a Mexican league team, and Grandson Weston Sailer, 36.

A tearful Grandpa Sailer said, “When we come here, these guys act like professionals and they’re always so respectful, that’s why we love coming back.”

The Grays infield line-up included members of the Pone family. The father and son duo of Bobby and Tanner Pone covered shortstop and third base, while Bobby’s nephew Logan and niece Shea covered the first and second base positions.

Starting pitcher for the SQ Giant’s Patrick Poteat was victorious in game two which ended with a final score of 7-4.

The Grays team Manager, Dale Eby, said while playing in Cuba, he met Mateo Jackson, a European player who lives in France. Some Grays players then reunited with Jackson in Costa Rica to play another game.

“You never know who you are going to meet when you’re playing baseball,” Eby said. “The common denominator, in the one degree of separation, is the love of the game.”

Jackson said having the chance to play on the Field of Dreams gave him the opportunity to check of another box on his bucket list. “I’ve played ball in Cuba twelve times, Costa Rica a half dozen times, Spain, Mexico, and France, but it all started in the United States,” Jackson said.

He added, “I finally got called up to the ‘big show,’ and I feel this place seems like it’s helping people do better. It’s an honor to play here.”

Throughout the event, the SQ Giant players made their way over to Thompson to shake the hand of the man who went to such lengths to help another human being; their coach.

“Thank you for bringing our coach back to us” said a player, as he approached the donor between innings. 

“Your welcome,” Thompson replied as he continued cheering on the home team wearing his new SQ Giants Jersey while enjoying the game.