The San Quentin baseball season, has come to a close. The San Quentin Giants posted a very respectable 22-11 record.
With some perspective on the season, here is an interview with starting left fielder Orlando “Duck” Harris:
How long have you been playing baseball?
I grew up playing baseball from elementary school, all of my life basically, and while incarcerated.
Where did you start playing ball and around what age?
Initially I got into baseball with Little League, Pony League, and Babe Ruth in North Oakland at Emerson and Mosswood Park and then moving to Gerbers of the
East Oakland.
Who is your favorite team?
Oakland A’s.
How long have you been here at S.Q.?
I’ve been here at S.Q, for 18 months.
What were your thoughts when you realized you would be playing baseball again instead of softball?
I was totally ecstatic and a bit apprehensive, to play a game that I truly love yet haven’t played in 18 years, I must admit this experience have respectfully humbled me.
What was your mind set during the season, were you trying to adjust to hardball or was it easy?
Yes I had to adjust, because I had been playing softball and I was a little timid wondering if I could still play hardball at this level seeing I was only allowed to play softball at all other Institution.
And what is your opinion of the level of play at S.Q.?
I think you have a lot of guys that in their prime were very good players, basically dreams deferred. Now the level of competition that’s coming in is real solid. We’ve played a couple of college teams, One of the teams was (a college team from) Texas. They beat us in the top of the ninth inning. I think with the influx of the new guys that were included this year made a big difference.
Speaking of the new players added to the roster, what is your position on adding a new team to the program?
I personally welcome a new team, I think the interest is there; I believe it would be great for competition and we could develop two leagues, which would force a playoff type atmosphere. I believe the team everyone is mentioning is the Oakland A’s. Yeah, that would be great.
I notice you’ve been rehabing after having surgery. How is it coming along and will you be ready for next season?
Yes, it’s coming along ahead of schedule. And yes, I will be ready, but I plan on being home by next season!
Which one of your teammates would you say was the MVP of the season?
Red Casey, without doubt. We’ve deemed him the franchise.
What about fan support?
It’s mixed, at best.
Do you have anything to add?
Yes, everyone who gets the chance to come here should definitely take advantage of the baseball program, as well as all other programs offered here at S.Q. — Drew Piazza
