Richard Neuburger and Bob Mayer have been coming into San Quentin for the past six years as volunteer coaches for the softball team. Both were asked why they started coming into San Quentin and what they get out of it.
Neuburger replied, “Two other guys who are brown card holders asked me to start a softball program and roped me into coming in. The same two guys dropped out and left me holding the bag so I stepped up to the plate and hooked up with Bob Mayer. I’ve tried to build camaraderie and eventually got the team nice uniforms.”
Mayer stated, “Anything that can be done to reduce the percentage of recidivism in California is important. Guys learn how to do things together and hopefully can take some of the things they learn to the outside. Plus there are some really good athletes that we get to see play!”
Neuburger added, “And there are no racial barriers on the team… It’s about helping others. Each time I go home I feel fortunate for the opportunity to help others…I tell people all the time there is more honor in a lot of you guys (prisoners) than a lot of people I’ve met on the outside.”
Neuburger noted that the biggest obstacle is the East Gate getting in, and stated, “It’s tough to get teams cleared to come into San Quentin.”
