CMC Home Run Derby swings toward rehabilitation

August 20, 2024

The CMC Home Run Derby.

California Men’s Colony (CMC) kicked off a series of Home Run Derby events taking place at several institutions.

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Mastery Prison Ministries provided several days of softball and fellowship through their Home Run Derby, coordinated through CDCR coaches. The CMC event was held July 30.

Ministry builds relationships

Two men, one of them incarcerated, hold a baseball bat at California Men's Colony. — James Campbell was the Home Run Derby champion at CMC.

Incarcerated people and CMC staff watch the derby. — James Campbell was the Home Run Derby champion at CMC.

“Through our ministry and our building that bond between us and those men, breaking down the religious barrier and presenting to them the relationship that we have with Christ, that’s made all the difference in our ministry. We are here today, 21 years later, because of that one thing,” said Michael Hamilton, founder of Mastery Prison Ministries.

Home Run Derbies like the one held at CMC reinforce normalization, a foundational pillar of the California Model, which seeks to create a prison environment that more closely resembles California communities.

“It’s something that we don’t always get to experience. It’s always good when someone from the outside can come in and bring a little bit of the life that we had out there inside here,” said Kirk Muro, Home Run Derby participant.

Outside organization helps with CMC Home Run Derby

“This is the first time an outside agency has come in, and they are loving it. They are having fun,” said Bruce Ferral, CMC’s coach.

As part of the strategic plan, recreation programs like the Home Run Derby can provide release and inspire athletes at the institutions.

“It’s a big stress reliever. I think without recreation there would be a lot more problems,” said participant Andre Crisp. “I try to encourage people to get out of their cells, at least walk a couple laps. You know, we have some new equipment that people can use, so that’s probably the biggest thing for mental health.”

Sports, recreation are important pieces of rehabilitation

“Sports is a release for me (and) something where I know (to) avoid trouble I can go on the basketball court (or) play football. (This way I don’t) necessarily release my rage, but release my feelings,” said Keeyon Neal, Home Run Derby spectator. “I’ve learned throughout this time that feelings are everything. How you feel and how a person makes you feel dictates your whole day. Doing that, I can make a positive impact on my community.”

Recreational activities allow the incarcerated to form bonds and support one another. While helping them focus their mind and body towards rehabilitation behind prison walls.

“We will come back next year, this yard will be that much more unified, relationship wise. We will hear more stories (and) will build bigger bonds with the men who are really looking for help. I mean the real guys saying, ‘I want to rehabilitate, to be reconciled (with) my family, (and) to reconcile (with) those I’ve hurt,'” said Hamilton.

Carrying message of hope to others

Participants, staff and volunteers at the derby at Salinas Valley State Prison. — Salinas Valley State Prison Home Run Derby

Soledad prison participants and volunteers at the derby. — Salinas Valley State Prison Home Run Derby

The ministry also hosted Home Run Derbies at Salinas Valley State Prison and Correctional Training Facility.

“I have worked with Mike Hamilton and his team at Mastery Prison Ministries. (I) continue to be amazed at his impact on the incarcerated population,” said Heidi Wippel, head physical education and recreation coach. “His presence and ministries instill hope for the men and women he serves. Sports and recreation are a universal language for most of the population. Through sports he can connect in a way that truly is a catalyst for change in the rehabilitation process.”

Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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