San Quentin kicked off its first Youth Offender Program resident kickball game on the Lower Yards’ “Field of Dreams.”
The event was an effort put together by resident mentors Ralph Hamby and George Lopez who are the YOP activity coordinators. The game was mentors versus mentees.
The mission is to provide the new arrivals between ages 18-25, with positive guidance and access to institutional resources at a critical time in their lives, when they’re most receptive to change and growth through rehabilitative programs.
“I’m feeling happy to see all the laughing and camaraderie, I’m here to support in any way I can”, said YOP sponsor Nicole Wilbur . As the game started, cheerful spirits could be heard cheering about whom was going to win, with the mentees thinking they had the game in their hands.
“We [mentors] are out here showing the mentees how to have natural fun,” said mentor Gregory St Mary. “When you follow the rules in the game, you can win. The same applies to life, so we are teaching how to do it as a team”.
Mentee Tory Christopher was the first to score. There was no stealing bases and a player was considered to be out if they were hit by a thrown ball by the defense running to first base.
The Warden, Chance Andes, had a chance to drop by and get a glimpse of the action for a bit. “It’s another great day, especially for the youth to channel energy in a positive way. It’s keeping the youth out of trouble and it’s good for the mentees to be seen,” Andes said.
Mentor Fred Catano was the first to score for the mentors, he was a pitch runner for Will Harris who was injured at 3rd base.
Mentee Roberto Rivera had shared his experience, “I feel excited to be out here having fun with all races as a whole [YOP] with no judgments.”
Mentor Steve Wright saved a mentee from scoring an in-field homerun. Each team battled out with all their efforts to come out on top, scoring one after another run. Dirt can be seen swaying into the air at each base as sliding was at its finest to try to pick up their points.
“Today’s event is an awesome example of community, equality and rehabilitation. The fun, competition and team work is a sample of the amazing days to come. It’s been a major league atmosphere,” said mentor Brady Godoy.
George Lopez [mentor] was set at first base on offense. A hard kick sent the ball into the outfield which allowed him to run all the way. sliding into home base, which enabled the mentors to bring the game score to an 8 to 8 tie.
“It doesn’t always have to be about business. Emotions run deep while doing the work in the classrooms, so today showed we can have fun out here. It took a lot of work to get here,” said Mrs. Wilbur.
