The Texas Playboys baseball team travel from Austin to San Quentin to play the SQ Giants in a historic double-header that build bridges, provide fellowship, and a chance to experience social justice through the beloved sport.
The Playboys plays games in Austin and throughout the world against all comers. They donate proceeds from their games (concessions, ticket sales, etc.) to charities that include devastated communities as well as marginalized cultures.
“Baseball is the framework to building a community and bringing people together,” said Greg Taylor, a fifteen-year member of the Playboys. “Our team allows us to leave those every day moments behind and be a part of something bigger.”
The SQ Giants won a lopsided 3-hit shutout over the Playboys with help of the SQ Giants Vic Picazo and Patrick Poteat.
“The Southern Hospitality is real, as our new friends treated us as such. Total strangers made us feel human and I think that was amazing,” said SQ Giants catcher and leading hitter, Aaron “June” Miles. “It’s people like our Texas Playboy friends that give us hope.”
The Playboys travel with approximately 20-25 players and an entourage of 20 family members who support the athlete’s hobby.
Lulo, who traveled as a fan from Texas and was inspired to come to SQ to show support for the social justice movement.
“The fact Texas still believes in putting people to death is gut wrenching. That is why I came in to provide inspiration to those who may be hopeless,” said Lulo. “I understand how life and short comings can lead to bad decisions, but redemption should always be an option for those who earn it.”
The Playboys arrived at San Francisco the night before the games and on Saturday was held up at the entrance portal for 3 hours due to a delay in the Lower yard.
After the delay, the Texas players and their fans were able to walk down to the yard and fellowship with the inside players.
“We saw Texas as a no nonsense state that believes in the Death Penalty, pro NRA, pro-life, and lock ‘em up and throw away the key mentality,” said SQ Giants’ center fielder Kameron “Cam” Hamilton. “As well as builders of the wall to stop immigration, but these people were the most openminded and compassionate group we have seen.”
Sarah Jones, who made the trip from Texas and her mother Kim Allen-Jones, who lives locally, came in to support the Playboys. Allen-Jones said she is a baseball expert and the sister-in-law of San Francisco Giants hall-of-fame announcer John Miller.
S. Jones said her trip to SQ reminded her of her father who was formerly incarcerated.
“I know people who’ve been incarcerated,” Playboy fan Shannon Southerland said. “I believe communities are needed that will slow down the cycle of victimization.”
Playboy teammate Nathaniel added, “We are you and you are us; we just had different circumstances.”
SQ Giants Eli Guerra, originally from Texas, reminisced about his life in the Sunbelt state. “Being from Texas and playing against the Texas Playboys makes me feel right at home,” Guerra said.
Brandon Riddle-Terrell, former resident and San Quentin Giants Captain, said he had invited the Playboys to introduce them to social reform accomplished by the prison’s baseball team.
“I know the impact of what bringing people in can do for those incarcerated,” said Riddle-Terrell.
John Davis, another local Playboy guest “hung-out’ and visited the prison for the first time added, “I hike up to Mt. Tamalpias and admire the view, while thinking to myself about you guys in here … And I wish there was more that I could do.”
The senior Playboy player Taylor concluded that he believes traumas of the incarcerated need to be addressed.
“How you react to what’s being thrown at you is what matters and understanding that circumstance can set you free.” Taylor said.
