Rehabilitation, Sports in CDCR

Centinela hosts Saints Prison Ministry softball

A softball game at Centinela State Prison with Saints Prison Ministry as a rehabilitation effort in California.

Saints Prison Ministry visited Centinela State Prison (CEN) to engage incarcerated persons on three facilities in friendly yet competitive softball games.

Under the supervision of Physical Education Coach Manuel Altamirano, incarcerated persons practiced for weeks to prepare to take on the Saints. Their preparation paid off as they gave the Saints, a professional softball team, all they could handle during the March 4 games.

Incarcerated players at Centinela against Saints Prison Ministry softball team.

Since 1987, Saints Prison Ministry has played more than 5,300 softball games against incarcerated persons in 480 prisons and jails in 34 U.S. states and Canada. Through athletics, the ministry mentors incarcerated persons toward spiritual maturity and successful transition back to family and community.

A pitcher readies himself on the mound during a softball game at Centinela State Prison.

Story and photos by Ken Phillips, Community Resources Manager
Submitted by Lt. M. Ramos


Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Read more rehabilitation stories.

Related content

Second soccer tournament at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, with the Fresno Fuego team.

VSP hosts second soccer tournament

Valley State Prison (VSP) held its second soccer tournament April 25 in partnership with Fuego FC, a Fresno-based team representing…

WSP-RC incarcerated people donated money to the dog training program.

Rescue dogs graduate WSP‑RC training program

A partnership between Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) and PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter reached a milestone April 21 as…

An incarcerated mother blows bubbles with her daughter at CIW in Corona during Mother's Day visiting.

Visiting staff, volunteers make Mother’s Day special

From reentry facilities to conservation camps, CDCR prisons and institutions, visiting staff and volunteers made Mother’s Day special. This round-up…

Coach Chapin at California Health Care Facility in Stockton, or CHCF, teaches a physical education class to incarcerated people.

Watch: Coach Chapin brings energy to CHCF

After three decades as a teacher, Coach Carl Chapin is bringing energy to his second career as a CDCR physical…

A teacher wears a brightly colored shirt while in his classroom at CCWF.

Watch: CCWF marks Teacher Appreciation Week

At Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, Teacher Appreciation Week is a way to highlight success and teamwork. “I…

Students sit at desks while a teacher lectures in a classroom at Avenal State Prison.

By the numbers: CDCR teachers make a difference

In honor of Teachers Appreciation Week, CDCR recognizes the efforts and dedication of educators giving incarcerated students a chance to…