More Than a Game — Building Champions On and Off the Field
Baseball is more than just a sport — it’s a way to build discipline, teamwork, and passion. At Diamond In The Rough, we are committed to developing young talent and creating opportunities for athletes to grow physically and mentally.
For years, we have worked to bring the community together through the love of baseball. From beginner training camps to advanced tournaments, our mission is to support every player’s journey — whether they dream of the big leagues or love the game.
Our team is made up of experienced coaches, mentors, and passionate volunteers who believe in nurturing every player’s potential. Together, we’re creating a positive impact, one pitch at a time.
Fueling Excellence On and Off the Field
Passion
We live and breathe baseball. From early training to game day, passion drives our every move.
Community
We build strong bonds with players, families, and fans to foster a supportive, united environment.
Commitment
We train hard, play harder. Every athlete is committed to constant improvement and discipline.
Growth
On the field and in life — we grow as players, leaders, and individuals every single day.
Integrity
We believe in fair play, honesty, and representing our team with pride — on and off the field.
Team Work
Baseball is a team sport. We win together, we lose together, and we always support each other.
Meet the Players Driving Our Baseball Legacy
Matthew Soren
Founder of Diamond in the Rough
Matthew Soren
Founder: Diamond in the Rough
Position: Pitcher • Coach • Global Baseball Advocate
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
Height/Weight: 6-5, 205lb (190cm, 98kg) (estimated)
Born: May 27, 1991 (Age: 34) in Roslyn Heights, NY, USA
Draft: 19th Round (2013), Philadelphia Phillies
College: University of Delaware (Division I)
Mission:
“Level the playing field. One diamond at a time.”
Career Highlights:
Professional Teams:
Philadelphia Phillies (Minor Leagues)
Long Island Ducks (USA)
GECEBS (Sao Paolo, Brazil)
Mid East Falcons – Baseball United (Dubai)
Team Israel (International, 2019–Present)
Founder of:
Team Siege (2018): Long Island-based travel baseball program focused on skill, integrity & character.
Diamond in the Rough (DITR): Nonprofit organization leveling the playing field for African youth through baseball.
Global Baseball Advocate:
Africa Baseball Development:
Coached/played 4 seasons in Cape Town, South Africa
Worked with PlaySport4Life (South Africa), IfWeBuildIt (Kenya), ECDC (Uganda), WBSC Africa
Donated 5,000+ pounds of gear, ran coaching clinics, workshops & youth programs
Tim Brown
Position: Starting Pitcher
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-3, 205lb (190cm, 92kg)
Born: March 20, 1987 (Age: 38-134d) in St. Louis, MO us
School: Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS)
Full Name: Tim Brown
A native of St Louis, Missouri, Tim is a graduate of Pittsburg State University (Kansas). He played 9 years professionally in the United States, including a brief time in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, before transitioning into baseball internationally. He has played coached, and volunteered in over 20 countries worldwide.
Tim Brown
15+ years pro pitcher in 10+ countries and BBJO advisor
Zach Penprase
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-2, 190lb (188cm, 86kg)
Born: February 16, 1985 (Age: 40-166d) in Moorpark, CA us
Draft: Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 13th round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft from Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS).
School: Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, MS)
Full Name: Zachary William Penprase
Olympian (Team Israel, 2021, Tokyo, Japan)
A mental skills coach and an Olympian in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics & Founder of connectedperformance.life
Zach Penprase is a 10+ year professional baseball player, Team Israel Olympian and current mental performance coach, where he helps teen baseball players train their mind to work for them instead of against them. Zach grew up in Southern California and played all sorts of sports and grew very competitive throughout those experiences. Once he gained a college scholarship to Mississippi Valley State university, he started to take baseball serious and also began to understand how important the mental game is to baseball, and also “real life.” After Zach retired from baseball, Zach realized he wanted to help make better humans, and teaches that it’s not just about your playing success but who you become in the process. He currently lives in California with his wife and 3 kids.
Zach Penprase
Olympian (Team Israel, 2021, Tokyo, Japan)
Transforming Communities — One Baseball Glove at a Time
We’re more than a nonprofit. We’re a movement — dedicated to giving youth in Africa the tools, mentorship, and global opportunities to thrive through baseball.
Empower Local Talent
We identify and support passionate young players from underserved communities and help them reach their full potential on and off the field.
Build Fields, Build Futures
We don’t just play the game — we invest in infrastructure, developing safe, accessible fields for training and community bonding.
Mentorship Beyond the Game
Through coaching and leadership programs, we equip youth with life skills, education, and confidence for a brighter tomorrow.