- Richard Todd for Phil Rognier

A remarkable new baseball program has launched in the last place you'd expect America's pastime to take hold - Vietnam. WebBall first got wind of this in a brief email from one of our long-time supporters and contributors, Phil Rognier...

"Am in Ha Noi teaching youth and coaches Baseball. Today just had a clinic for 150 kids...all "newbies" and they LOVE the game. Am also teaching in the University of Ha Noi in Sociology and World Civilizations..l.ectures and tutorials.  WOW..who would have ever thought!"

His second email was even more of a surprise...

"We will send a MLBer to the US...some day! No diamonds so I am making one ..."build it and they will come."  You should see their bats ...3 pounders from China!  I wonder what they did in Ha noi before cell phones and motorcycles.  Saw John McCain last night at the real Hanoi Hilton..irony?  GAGPTH!"

And more recently...

"Just returned and now have a Klouter 10U team in Ha Noi...we formed 6 total teams and we might be raw BUT we're quick and will not quit! - Phil"

So, what just happened here, how did it happen, and why Phil?


First, you need to know about Phil Rognier and the First Swing Foundation. The pop-up bio covers the basics. FirstSwing is a Washington State, non-profit organization, founded on the principal tenant that a sport is a process and not an end in itself. The goal is to establish a perpetual fund empowering boys and girls across the country to realize "life lessons" and personal development through the game of baseball/softball. FirstSwing will provide financial aid, donate equipment, and put on events that will benefit children of all ages and abilities.

But what doesn't come across in mere words is Phil's enthusiasm and resolve. Nothing else can explain the remarkable ability of FirstSwing to bring in corporate partners and raise the $Millions that have gone into funding baseball initiatives in U.S. inner cities, as well as global initiatives. So when the opportunity came up in April 2009, to be part of a program that has already received support from the MLB, plus donated equipment from the U.S., Phil has to be a part of it.


In typical Phil style, WebBall first heard about this while it was happening half a planet away. But it wasn't accidental or last minute. Here's an exerpt from the official announcement that launched this journey...

Medina, WA, January 31, 2009:  The FirstSwing Foundation, a Washington state non- profit, is proud to announce that it will be conducting baseball/softball clinics/camps in Hanoi, Viet Nam April 5-19 for youngsters and coaches. FirstSwing has an extensive youth baseball/softball program that provides camps, clinics, tournaments, and “special day” activities year round in the Puget Sound area.  It has also travelled to Portugal, California, Oregon, and other states to present its unique approach to teach youngsters not just the game but most importantly the “life’s little lessons” inherent in our national pastime! 
 
FirstSwing has joined with Microsoft and a number of local businesses in Hanoi to create two weeks of camps and clinics in order to teach boys and girls the basics of the game(s) and provide a safe and educational environment in which to have fun and recreate. Coach Phil will visit local schools, teach the game and provide equipment for the children. There will be two weekend camps, modeled after the local FirstSwing camps in the United States, that will provide more extensive drills, practice techniques, and games. The University of Hanoi is providing staff and logistical support for the camps, and Coach Phil will have a number of adult/university student clinics for those interested in becoming coaches and wanting to learn more about the games of baseball and softball. Each participant (youth and coach) will
receive equipment, a syllabus, a commemorative tee shirt, and FirstSwing wristband.
 
In baseball and life, it is necessary to discern between a good solid opportunity and one not so good, and THEN work very hard to succeed!!  FirstSwing empowers youngsters to create realizable goals, to aim high, and work hard to achieve these goals!  Hopefully, in some small way, a baseball/softball program in Viet Nam will not just be a good faith venture between two countries but will develop responsible citizens who will create their future rather than just trying to predict it! "PLAY and LEARN", what a concept!!! GAGPTH!

FirstSwing encourages any individual, business, or group to participate in the project. Needs range from baseball gear(new to “gently used”) to financial contributions!!

Coach Phil Rognier (center top row), Klouter Tournament Team/First Swing Foundation – Seattle, WA, with Hanoi Youth Team and other camp participants.


Hanoi Youth Team with Rick Dell, Director of Asia Baseball Development, Major League Baseball.