The San Quentin Baseball program hosted Lou Profumo Day between SQ All-stars and the visiting San Monica Suns in a double-header.
The first game ended in a 7-7 tie, while the Suns squeaked away with a 7-6 win in the late game.
“This program is over 100 years old,” said Mark Mac Rae, baseball historian, who attended the game. “California has always been a head of the integration curve with its teams since 1916. It’s it 100-year anniversary.”
The day was about honoring the Bay Area baseball pioneers. Profumo could not attend due to an injury.
Pat Irvine, sister of famed New York Yankees’ Manager Billy Martin, threw out the opening pitch and in his signature move, she kicked dirt on the umpire.
“Billy would have loved this,” said Irvine. “Everybody was so friendly. I’m very honored to come do this in his memory.”
Irvine shared stories about getting Billy from James Kenny Park in Berkeley for dinner. On how he recruited a guy from prison and how he had a good and funny spirit until dealing with the Yankees front office.
“We were raised to stick up for our rights and to like a person for that person,” said Irvine.
In the first inning the All-Stars took a 2-0 lead over the 2015 Triple A Pacific Coast Champion Suns.
The Suns gained the lead in the third 3-2. Tim Wayne doubled and Sanjay Naqarker singled for the score. Andy Greene singled and All-Star pitcher Ruben Harper walked the next batter and hit a batter to bring in a run.
“We drove six-hours; I wouldn’t miss this. It’s historical”, said Wayne. “Life is about experiencing things because you never know when it can be over.”
The Suns put up two runs in the fifth and sixth for the 7-2 lead.
The All-Stars scored one run in the fourth and rallied in the eight racking up four runs. Anthony Denard single and stole second, Joshua Burton singled. Harper singled past shortstop to bring in Denard. Cleo Cloman was intentionally walked. David Fraire hit a line drive, but Sun Will Greene couldn’t secure the ball and over threw first, allowing two runs.
“That was a key error,” said Greene. “But it’s great to play people who love the game and to meet Billy’s sister was cool.”
The Suns’ defense regrouped. Wayne struck-out a batter and caused two fly-outs for the tie.
There was no extra inning due to time restraints.
“I’m reminded how sports can help one forget their problems,” said David Turnbull, who played for the San Jose Bees from 1961-67. “These guys opened their hearts; there is no strangers only people who have not met.”
In the second game, the Suns were holding a 7-3 lead to close out. But gave up a run and Harper hit an in field homerun with a RBI to close the gap 7-6. The Suns finished with good defense for the win.
“We are keeping record,” said Sun Zach Mann. “The games mean more here, we are now 2-1-1. All ball players should do this; these guys just want to be seen as regular people.”
Basketball historian Coach Dick Mayberry added, “I will share this with the kids in my school. It’s about opportunity and your service to the world and the thing about games it’s never over until it’s over.”
Mayberry also played semi-pro baseball and he coach against Pete Rose and Tony Winn when they were in high school.
Denard added, “We fought to the end in both games and stuck together as a team.”
Even sponsor Elliot Smith got in on the fun and had two singles as he batted for the Suns.
“I felt a lot of pressure everybody was looking at me,” said Smith. “I showed them I can still play at 73.
Harper added, “It was good to embrace those pioneers. They shared a lot of baseball knowledge. It’s amazing for people to come out and have fun with us.”
The June 11 Profumo Day has now became a part of baseball history.
“No lead is safe at the Q,” said Suns Manager Bob Sharka. “I’ve been on both sides of the come back. That’s what makes this place special; next year can’t come soon enough.”