It was a sad day in Mudville (San Quentin) when Mighty Casey (the San Francisco Giants) struck out in the playoffs (against the Los Angeles Dodgers).
At least that was the commentary of diehard Giants fan Brandon Riddle after the Dodgers ended the Giants’ spectacular season in the Division Playoff game.
Here are Riddle’s words leading up to that season of mourning:
TH: Brandon, so the Giants clinched the West when they beat out the Dodgers, something that you predicted. You seem to be pretty good at your Giant predictions so far. How long have you been a Giants fan?
BT: I’ve always been a Giants fan for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was young.
TH: Did you used to play baseball when you was little?
BT: Yeah, that’s my favorite sport, although I play them all. But I played Little League when I was around four or five years old. When I was in high school I played short stop and pitcher.
TH: Did you have a favorite player on the Giants when you was young?
BT: Yeah, Barry Bonds. But, I had a few others too. Matt Williams, Shaun Dunston and Bumgardner. I also like some guys on the Dodgers too: Mookie Betts and Corey Seagar.
TH: Yeah, I like the Dodgers too. My first team is the A’s though. Even though we did not make it this year. The Giants is my second and then the Dodgers. You ever wanted to take your talents to the pros?
BT: Yes, I did. But, the trip part is that since being here and playing baseball for the SQ A’s, I’ve had some good opportunities to meet some of the Giants staff and some good people that work in the baseball league, so I plan on being around some athletes even after I get out of prison in a year.
TH: That’s a blessing. What do you think about the Giants of today versus the Giants who dominated the early 2000s? How do you compare the two?
BT: They won the World Series three times during that 2010-2014 era. In order for them to do that they had to have some synergy in the locker room. The young players had to get along with the old ones but, the coaching matters, too. It feels the same as then. They just having fun and playing the game. Plus, they don’t have no big names like A-Rod on the team distracting them. Don’t get me wrong, Posey is a stud, but he’s no A-Rod. (Laughs.)
TH: You right about that. They do have some big names on their team, though. But I agree.
BT: The other thing that is good for them is that they switch up pitchers every day. It’s never the same one.
TH: Who’s your favorite player today?
BT: My favorite player today is the pitcher, Cameala Duval. He throws 100-plus effortlessly. I like his 100 mph sliders. It’s very exciting to watch him pitch.
TH: Do you look forward to playing again whenever COVID restrictions lift up in the prison?
BT: Yes, I do. I look forward to it. COVID did shut us down for now and we missed a whole season, but we still plan to push forward when we are allowed to. I just hope the Giants get to bring the trophy up here and celebrate with us. (Laughs.)
