ABOUT US
The Home2First Foundation equips underprivileged kids in the Greater Phoenix area and underserved communities around the world with new and gently used baseball gear.
But our mission goes beyond gloves, bats, and cleats. We want to build real confidence, community, and opportunity through the great game of baseball. From local programs like the Balsz Home2First Baseball League (BHBL) to our work in the Dominican Republic (DR), we believe every child deserves a chance to play, grow, and thrive, on and off the field.
HOW WE PLAY
We partner with reputable club and little league teams to collect new and used baseball equipment.
We raise funds in a lot of ways, including donations, grants, and special events.
We empower underprivileged communities and kids with the equipment they need to play the great game of baseball.
A FAMILY MISSION
Home2First was founded by the entire Penney family (Paul, Kristin, Landon, and Ryan) out of a shared love for baseball and a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to play, no matter their circumstances. What began as one family's trip to the Dominican Republic has grown into a mission they carry out together, each member bringing a different strength to the same goal.
Baseball has always been central to the Penney family's life, and it taught them confidence, character, and community. That love for the game, and a belief that it should be within reach for everyone, is what brought the family together to start Home2First.
Their inspiration came from Coach Jorge Minyety, a Dominican Republic native and Scottsdale Heat coach, whose passion sparked the family's desire to make a difference. After a 2021 trip to the Dominican Republic, where they saw kids playing with heart but little equipment, the Penneys launched Home2First to help break financial barriers and open the game to more young athletes.
Today, the whole family works side by side to grow the game and its values (teamwork, resilience, and friendship) for the kids who need it most.
HEAD OF MEDIA RELATIONS
Landon is entering his junior year at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where he studies Business Administration and plays for the Cardinals as a left-handed starting pitcher in the Landmark Conference.
HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & AMBASSADOR RELATIONS
Ryan is a rising sophomore at Princeton University, currently studying Economics and competing as a Division I right-handed pitcher for the Tigers in the Ivy League.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & ARIZONA GROWTH AND HEAD COACH OF NJRL SELECT TEAM
Paul is the father of Landon and Ryan and played college baseball at Santa Clara University. His community ties run deep: he was a Big Brother for over a decade and served as board chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. A lifelong lover of the game with a deep passion for mentoring kids, Paul embodies the spirit that inspired the family to start Home2First.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SYNERGY & LOGISTICS
Kristin is the mother of Landon and Ryan and attended Pepperdine University. As a core part of the foundation, she helps run most of its operations and has kept Home2First going smoothly since 2021. She's also been essential in putting on all of our events.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
We sincerely thank our sponsors for supporting the new Balsz Home2First Baseball League (BHBL). Their generosity gives our growing teams the resources they need, so local Arizona kids can play organized baseball. Beyond the game, that support helps teach real life skills, build community, and instill lasting pride.
A youth baseball program with 4 teams across the 10u, 11u, 13u, and 14u age groups. The Heat organization is led by Jorge Minyety, whose deep understanding and experience in baseball comes from his many years playing in the Dominican Republic and professional baseball.
Established in 2010 to instill a solid foundation in young athletes through early instruction in the fundamentals of the game. Led by Head Coach Rex Gonzalez, T-Rex has successfully developed hundreds of players into well-rounded athletes.
Founded to share the expertise and philosophy of Freddy Sanchez, who had a successful 10-year MLB career with 3 All-Star appearances and an NL batting title in 2006, with players of all age levels.
A youth baseball program with 30 teams across the 8u–17u age groups. The Dirtbags organization, one of the largest and most successful baseball clubs in Arizona, is led by Paul Chavez.
