Once, long ago we all were young and anxious, waiting for winter to end and spring to come because the American pastime is coming! Yes, baseball will be here at S.Q. and there are those who can’t wait and those who would rather see something else. But those of us that still believe that we are capable of throwing a ball, catching a fly, or making contact with their bat believe that this game is the greatest and are thankful for those who brought this game back to life here at S.Q.
The San Quentin Giants have had their ups and downs, but have managed through it all to never have a losing season since reinstatement. The challenge comes to those who know how to play, and want to play, but believe they don’t have a chance because the team is already chosen. That, guys, isn’t true.
The truth is that everyone must try out, and, if your skills are more so than others, then you may get the call or you may not. What matters is that you give your all, and do what you are supposed to do and your chances increase.
I treated people poorly at times because it was who I was. It sometimes seemed my strength. I always came to play, and came to win. I would try ways to sometimes fit in with those who weren’t to my liking and that their demeanor wasn’t best. I’m still that competitor.
Now, here I am over 50; one who knows how to win and having that same intention of wanting to be the best, and that comes with consequences. As with a lot of my failures and a lot of other things, baseball has always been my passion and will remain, as I feel fortunate that I can still play!
I always want to give back to this game I love; it’s this game that I was challenged to play at an early age and can think on how it began.
