FIRST PITCH, THE US MANIPUR BASEBALL PROJECT, is a New York based nonprofit, nurturing the baseball culture of this isolated part of Northeastern India. In these Eastern Himalayan foothills, First Pitch will build a baseball center supporting Manipur's 20 clubs and 700 baseball players as a model for the rest of India.

First Pitch programs include a coaching program in partnership with Major League Baseball International's Envoy Program, the building of South Asia's first dedicated ballparks, and a strength initiative - all being documented by filmmaker Mirra Bank. A major donation of equipment from Spalding Baseball has been made for Manipuri players.

First Pitch is a "baseball diplomacy" honoring the passion, grit and talent of Manipuri ballplayers who have kept the game alive against the unthinkable odds of isolation, poverty, and strife. Built on Manipur's fabled athletic talent and culture, First Pitch's initiatives seek to steer Manipuri youth from violence, addiction and despair, towards peaceable engagements, strength and hope.

CAMP MANIPUR! is a joint initiative of MLB International and First Pitch with the support by Spalding Baseball and the U.S. Embassy. Taking place from November 5-13, 2006, CAMP MANIPUR! is an 8-day intensive camp to educate and produce Manipuri coaches.

After Camp Manipur!, the coaches and a First Pitch representative will travel to seven other Indian cities as guests of the U.S. Embassy to participate in workshops and training sessions aimed at popularizing baseball in India.

The Envoy Program, developed by MLBI in 1991, utilizes top high school, college, and professional baseball coaches who are selected based on their experience, expertise and passion for teaching the game of baseball to culturally diverse audiences in countries throughout the world.

Check the pictures in Sports Gallery here.