Everyone has heard of the San Quentin Giants, well, almost.
One team that is not illuminated is the San Quentin Pirates
softball team.
Quiet as it’s kept, a lot of fans and prisoners come out regularly on Sunday afternoon to umpire, cheer, and sometimes express the intention of playing.
The San Quentin Pirates played hardball in 2006 and 2007, coached by Kent Philpot. Stan-the-Man is the trusty bench coach, and two men in blue, Frankie Smith, and Will Packer, assisted in the management. Briefly, in 2007, they had a fast pitch league. So behind the scenes there are some very talented players having fun making great plays and hitting their fair share of home runs (the pinnacle of the game). Mr. Rich and Bob Mayer, the San Quentin Pirates sponsors and coaches from the free world, obtained the helm of the team in 2006, and make it possible for the men to play in a league all of their own. These sponsors take time out of their busy lives, and for this we thank them deeply.
Big Dan, prisoner/assistant coach, protects the dish at home; Big Ron Dalton” is anchored to 1st, and has a snow shovel for a scoop. Anyone on the yard who follows sports has witnessed the notorious long ball hitting Southpaw in action Ke Lam, (a.k.a. “Mighty Mouse”) exhibits inhumanly long ball power to both sides of the diamond. “Lam patrols centerfield with excellent speed and an accurate arm – his territory is known as the “Noflyzone.”
John Harper, our sure-fielding 3rd baseman secures the hot corner. Kevin Carr patrols left field with a strong arm and swings hard at the plate. Big Shawn, who just joined, plays right-center, and can place the ball with authority anywhere. Little Laos patrols a dangerous right field, with mixed terrain, and sprays the ball all over.
Paul Jordan plays the hot spot at short, and leads the team in averages with his phenomenal bat. Fernando Lemus is our utility player covering 3rd, 1st, and pitching; he is an asset to the team. Thacker, Davis, and retired Giants player Dave Marshall play 2nd and share time. Marshall is a crafty player who swings left-handed at the plate.
Not to be counted out, Tony, our newest addition, switches off at the mound with Junkyard who has patiently waited on the side until his debut. They both sport a decent bat, and, finally, Big Mario, who was injured and is still on the D.L. has a huge bat with enough pop to all fields, and can play any position. The Pirate Players thank the Athletic Department at SQ.
