San Quentin correctional officers accepted a challenge from members of the incarcerated softball team. The game was part of the prison’s effort to elevate relationships between administration, correctional officers, staff, and incarcerated residents—a priority of the Reimagining San Quentin report, which is part of Governor Newsom’s California Model.
From warm-ups to the first pitch, the game was going to take a back seat to the change in San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s philosophy.
California Model CO S. Lopez said, “I think this is great and definitely a new experience, and a big change.”
The excitement felt by the teams and fans helped give shape to the long-term vision of Governor Gavin Newsom and Commissioner Ron Broomfield.
Teddy Brooks, a San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) resident since 2011 said, “I have never seen anything like this. I know most of the staff and residents who are playing. These events are way overdue as they bring structure between staff, and residents.”
“It was a great event staff and residents put out — a great model. We were able to just be out there having a great time,” said Officer Quach, who hit a homerun. “It’s almost like putting the gap or Bridging the Gap and it’s wonderful to see both sides competing equally … to see Lieutenants, Sergeants and Captains engaging with the incarcerated.”
Staff and residents participated in a hard-fought, seven-inning game. The COs jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning. But SQRC staff eventually lost to the more practiced incarcerated softball team.
Manager Rick Dias led the incarcerated softball team, which had star players Carrington “The Natural” Russelle, Jarrod “Deuce” Williams, and program ambassador Oscar Acosta singing praises of the California Model.
Dias said, “It’s never been done before, playing as humans, not just staff versus residents, but improving humanity.”
Josh Jones, a resident of CDCR for 27 years said, “It’s the first time I have ever seen this inside a prison. I’ve been to seven different prisons … for the first time, I feel they see us.”
The event drew as many spectators as the annual Golden State Warriors visit, but in a more relaxed, spread-out atmosphere.
Lieutenants Berry and Haub said they noticed the enjoyable atmosphere.
“This is a wonderful vibe and San Quentin is working towards changing the culture. I feel great and inspired. If someone asked me 10 years ago if I thought this would have been happening, I wouldn’t have seen it,” said San Quentin’s PIO, Lt. G. Berry.
“Just look at everyone out here having fun, smiling, and having a good time. It takes everyone out of prison for a while and bridges that gap between the incarcerated and the staff,” said Lt. Haub, who is assisting with the implementation of San Quentin’s California Model.
Star players for San Quentin’s correctional team included free staff shortstop Brittany C., CO A. Vasquez, Lt. Reynolds, and CO Quach, who played ball at San Francisco State University in his collegiate days.
Brittany C., an Office Technician at SQRC since last year, shined in the field as the team’s shortstop and spoke about Bridging the Gap. “It’s nice to give back to the population, to be able to enjoy the day like this in a positive manner together. I feel excited and pumped with being one of the only two women out here playing today,” she said.
CO Hunter, who has served the SQRC community for two and a half years, enjoyed the game. “I did not think it would be a big turnout, but the game shows officers in a different light. This game has been the biggest impact for the California Model and will ease a lot of tension, because it shows we can come together in a respectful manner,” said Hunter.
The CO said she would participate in other events.
Resident and program ambassador Oscar Acosta shared the excitement of the incarcerated population.
“In our community it is so rewarding to see everyone forget our pasts and enjoy the moment. This is how we heal. Events also let us see and feel the good times we took away from our victims, while showing us ways we may be able to make living amends to neighborhoods outside. SQRC and the California Model will make us all winners as we are able to work on ourselves,” said Acosta.
Lt. Reynolds, who is retiring after 33 years of service said, “The collaboration and fundamental shift that brings the incarcerated and staff together nowadays is huge. The incarcerated and staff didn’t talk and if they did in 1991, they were labeled as a snitch. CDCR is changing, knowing that when an incarcerated person is released, we are going to see them later down the road on the outside.”
As the game ended in a victory for the incarcerated residents, neither team wanted to leave, and the participants combined players for a quick glimpse of future games that Warden Andes said would happen at least once a month.
—Marcus Casillas contributed to this story.
