The SQ Giants’ toughest year appeared to be victorious as the 24-9-2 Giants Coach Richard “Will” Williams found the silver-linings that are made within the rehabilitative competitive relationships with each visiting team.
“Playing baseball in prison is different,” said SQ Giants’ manager Richard ‘Coach Will’ Williams. “To see the next generation of ballplayers come in here and carry that love of the game with such integrity is encouraging.”
SQ Giant pitcher, Patrick Poteat acknowledged the team’s fans and thanked the opposing teams that support the prison’s 124-year-old program. “Without outside support there is no program,” said Poteat.
The SQ Giants defeated the SF Pelicans 14-4 on May 10 to open the season, as the accolades from the visiting teams started from warm-ups to the last pitch of the year.
“Just being here with these guys that love baseball is awesome,” said the Pelicans catcher Evan “Gritty” H. “We don’t win all the time but we’re always laughing and having fun.”
The Pelicans’ three-year veteran, catcher James “Hollywood” S., said he comes back every year and feels comfortable because he recognizes the players and coaches. “Playing here has inspired me to bring in other teams from outside the state to share this wonderful experience,” Hollywood said.
During August the SQ giants played a double-header against the Coquitlam Angels who returned to San Quentin’s Field of Dreams. It was the Canadian team’s second visit to the prison to play against storied baseball franchise that again, hosted the international team, which no other prison sport has done before.
The Angels’ visiting player, Darren Honeycome was all smiles after he smashed the first pitch of the series over the right field wall. “That was awesome,” said Honeycome. “All I could think about was coming back here and trying to hit a home run. I couldn’t wait for the chance to relive the experience of playing at San Quentin.”
Brendan Lyons, the Angles starting pitcher, who brought eighty mile an hour gas to the yard, said the whole team had been waiting to return to SQRC. “We’ve talked about this game all season,” Lyons said. “It’s really big for us to come in here and share a bond for a couple hours, over a game we all love.”
During October, the San Quentin Giants lost to Butte College, who proved to be too much in the home team’s 18-0 drubbing.
The younger, Golden Conference Baseball team from Chico California was stacked with future draftees.
“This is probably the most well-rounded team we faced all year,” said SQ Giants outside volunteer Coach Steve Reichardt.
Playing at the prison for the first time, Butte’s Brent Gallegos, 20, said he usually pitches 90-95 mile-per-hour during regular season games.
Sadly, Gallegos blew out his arm in the third-inning and had to be replaced by a staff that continued his dominance over the SQ Giants. “Hopefully I get drafted this year,” Gallegos said. “Otherwise, I’ll play at a four-year and get my degree.”
SQ Giants pitcher Robert Nash, who learned about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat over the year, did not mind the losses in spite of his competitive nature.
“I think it is awesome that we get the chance to test our skills against teams with so much talent,” SQ Giants Nash said.
Giant rookie, Saul Moreno reminded the resident veterans of the magnitude of playing on the nations’ only prison baseball team. “It makes me feel alive,” said Moreno. “For a few hours it makes me feel like I’m not in prison.”
“The season went about how we planned it,” said ‘Coach Will.’ “We had a couple highlights throughout the season and that included competing against the talented Coquitlam Angels and Butte College ballclubs.”
Whether the SQ Giants won or lost, the traditional circle-up at the mound after the game included all participants from the game so the invitees could share their experiences, strengths, and hopes for the residents to return to society.
Two of the Giants’ team captains, former professional draftee Anthony “T-Tone” Denard and one-time collegiate player, Carrington “The Natural” Russelle often led the circle-ups and humbly spoke after the loss to the talented Butte collegiate ballplayers.
“Twenty years ago, we were both where you guys are now,” said Russelle. “It’s a fine line between being out there and being in here, so respect your love for the game and continue to make smart choices.”
The Coquitlam Angels right fielder Nick Theobald summed up the spirit of the season. “Regardless of where you’re from we’re all here together sharing the love of the game,” said Theobald.
Denard added that as the SQ Giants share their life’s experiences with the younger players, the incarcerated players hope that the young men who come in to compete would stay on the right path.
“No matter if we win or lose we are victorious, just by feeling accepted by all of you. That is the mission of SQ Baseball,” said Denard.