The FirstSwing Foundation
P.O. Box 497
Medina, WA 98039
(425)451-8276
Baseball Connect: The REAL Value of
Youth Baseball
Having been in the game of baseball over 60 years, the one constant I have experienced has been
the value of the game of baseball in the development of good productive citizens, loving spouses,
and caring parents. Sport(s) is a process that allows each youngster to learn the “lessons of
life”,
to
include
decision-making,
a
strong
work
ethic,
problem-solving,
accountability/responsibility, etc., in a “life is not fair” environment. Baseball’s lessons are the
lessons of life; Derek Jeter has said on many occasions that while he thought he was learning a
game, he really was learning the way to succeed in his life! Coach Phil
In Hanoi, Coach Phil Rognier
holds up a table leg the boy
standing next to him brought
with him to camp as a bat.
Now that’s dedication!
The FirstSwing Foundation (501c3 non-profit) and Klouter
Baseball are two youth organizations in the state of
Washington(based in Medina) that have dedicated their resources
to create viable educational environment in which youngsters of
all ages/abilities may learn the mechanics of the game as well as
develop the mentality to achieve their personal goals. Although
the basis of both groups is to play baseball, the real mission is to
allow youngsters an opportunity to learn/develop the qualities
one needs to succeed in life as a productive and satisfied person.
The camps, clinics, tourneys, and other activities provided by
both FirstSwing and Klouter baseball are guided by fair play, the
meaning of hard work (in all aspects of their lives), passion to
succeed, and the availability of various non-school academic
offerings. The latter includes units on financial literacy,
procrastination, preparation, entrepreneurialism, perseverance,
nutrition, critical thinking, conditioning, the value of reading,
and most importantly the understanding of other cultures and the
value of adjusting to change!
The FirstSwing Foundation was originally founded to provide
resources for physically and financially-challenged youth in
order that they could experience a normal socialization process and be able to develop their
individual talents. The foundation has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that not only
provides for these youngsters but also has seven youth teams (6-18 years old), hosts 10-15
baseball camps per year, provides Coach/parent training for youth leagues, teaches “Small Ball”
(ages 2-6 with parents), has Skills’ Clinics throughout the year, sponsors a number of youth
tourneys, has a viable international Reading Club, and provides resources for other
groups/families/individuals needing ancillary support.
The newest and most global of the
programs is the Baseball Connect program
begun in 2008 in Hanoi, Vietnam. In
conjunction with Microsoft, FirstSwing
and Klouter baseball have created a viable
baseball program in Hanoi that began with
just a few youngsters and has evolved into
the development of youth teams, school
baseball curriculum, university clubs, a
Little League and PONY charter,
international tournament play, and an
Exchange program with the Klouter teams
in the state of Washington.
In April, Coach Phil Rognier will travel to Vietnam for his sixth trip (first in 2009) with 40
members of FirstSwing and Klouter baseball. The “Baseball Connect” team will help build a
playground for autistic children, host camps/clinics for players, coaches and parents. They will
also visit school and demonstrate the skill sets of baseball as well as interact in academic
classrooms. Moreover, the team will be selecting youngsters from Hanoi to travel to Washington
for a week this summer.
In order to raise the monies for this trip, FirstSwing has created a gofund.me/firstswing2015
account and is asking for assistance in their mission. If someone is weary of the internet,
donations may be sent to: FirstSwing, PO Box 497, Medina, WA 98039. Individual and/or
corporate help
would be greatly
.
appreciated! GAGPTH!
Websites: firstswingbaseball.org
Klouterbaseball.org
FirstSwing Executive Director: Phil Rognier (425)451-8276
FirstSwing is a registered federal non-profit (501c3)
Personal email: [email protected]
“Baseball may not change the world, BUT it may change a youngster’s life!”
Celebrating the first ever home
run, in the first ever Pony League
baseball game in Vietnam, hit by
Nguyen Tuan Anh.
He’s OUT at second! A great play
during the Friendly game between
the visiting HYBC Capitals and the
Klouters in Everett, WA.
Jordan “Jo Jo” Landel instructs players at a clinic
in Hanoi.
Henry “The Hammer” Pratt coaching at a clinic
in Hanoi.
Beau Turner gives some pointers at a
demonstration at the Vas Hanoi School.
players at a clinic in Vietnam.
Parent/coaches and Klouter players who
assisted in Hanoi: (l-r) Jeff Pratt, Hans
Landel, Henry “The Hammer” Pratt,
“C.T.” Tanner, Beau Turner, and Carolyn
Landel. (Jo Jo Landel missing)
An HYBC player
and a Klouter
participate in a
“woody” drill at a
Klouter Camp in
Everett, in which
fielders use a
wood “glove” to
improve fielding
skills.
Two HYBC players participate in a baserunning drill at a Klouter Camp in Everett,
with C.T. Tanner coaching.