ABOUT US
Founded by the Penney family to give every kid a chance to play baseball, regardless of their financial situation.
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. From the fields of Phoenix to the bateyes of the Dominican Republic, this is a family effort in every sense, and we'd love for you to meet the Home Team.
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.
