Warden Ron Davis showed he had some power in his arm throwing out the opening pitch in the season opener.
The San Quentin All-Stars baseball team beat the visiting Bay Area Mission 5-2.
John Windham, All-Stars power hitter, smashed a deep double to center field that started a rally in the bottom of the eighth with the score tied 2-2.
Windham scored off a Richard Zorn single. Zorn stole second base to put himself in scoring position. Rubin Harper’s single past the shortstop drove in Zorn. Harper stole second and moved to third on an error. Veteran Anthony Denard’s line-drive past third brought in Harper. With the bases loaded, Mission’s pitcher caught Chris Marshall leading too much off of third for the final out.
“That happens every year,” said Elliot Smith, All-Stars sponsor and manager. “We will work on that, but I’m happy that we played hard to the end.”
All-Stars premier pitcher Dewey Dumont sealed the game with a pop-up and by striking out the last two batters.
“It’s good to get the first game jitters out the way,” said Denard. “Now we can focus on getting better. I’m just thankful for everything everyday.”
Duane Harris, Mission’s first baseman added, “The wheels just fell off. We made a lot of defensive mistakes, but we are very honored to have played the opening game.”
The Mission stayed in the game, down 2-0 in the fourth. Shortstop Chris Powell singled and stole second. Mitch Burnham walked, setting up first time visitor Elan Lavie, who hit a deep ball in the center field gap. Lavie drove in Powell, but injured himself running to first. Burnham made it to third. Pitcher Sean Presley substituted for Lavie. Presley sacrificed himself by getting caught on a fake steal to second, allowing Burnham to come in for the tie.
“I remember that play from high school,” said Burnham. “I’m just glad to be back. Every time I come, I think about the criminal justice system. All the reforms coming are for the better. I hope to see more on the state level.”
Lavie added, “This is a unique experience. It’s good people and a great view here with Mount Tam in the background. I think it’s healthy to have sports in prison.”
It was particularly healthy for All-Star David Fraire. He was just released from the Security Housing Unit (SHU) after nine years.
“I appreciate the institution and especially the guys who have been out here paving the way for this type of program,” said Fraire. “To play and socialize with people from the streets, this is real life. I’m enjoying this atmosphere of brotherhood without the prison drama. Now I can work on going home.”
The April 30 event started with the San Quentin color guard walking down the first base line and presenting the flags in front of the pitcher’s mound. Inmate Barton “Sky” Buenavista belted out a beautiful national anthem. The All-Stars also debuted their new uniforms.
Mission Head Coach Greg Snyder received a baseball signed by all the All-Stars players in recognition of his service and dedication to the program. Snyder has consistently brought teams in over the years. This was their first opening day.
“I like the ceremony and receiving the ball,” said Snyder. “It was sweet; I thank everybody. I like this program; I think everybody deserve some breaks. These guys make the games fun, and I like playing with people with good attitudes. I congratulate them on their win.”
The game bought out a large crowd of prisoners and staff. It was witnessed by a reporter from the Marin Independent Journal newspaper. The perennial hecklers let both teams know that they were involved in every play.
Matt Goldman, first-time visitor and Mission player, said, “These guys are better than most teams we play on the outside.”
He is the varsity coach at a high school and a sports writer for SB Sport Blog Nation. He went 3 for 1 for the game.
“This was a good win,” said All-Stars inside Head Coach John “Yah Yah” Parrett. “This gave a lot of former (SQ) A’s players a chance to face Mission. We are still young, but as time goes by, we will get better. We will never take any team lightly.”
–Marcus Henderson
