Bringing Baseball to Egypt: Kemp Gouldin’s Vision
Kemp Gouldin might sound a bit like a character straight out of “Field of Dreams,” but he firmly believes in his mission. During a drive in South Carolina one evening in 2015, while listening to classic pop, a thought struck him: “Bring baseball to Egypt.” He envisioned children in Egypt playing baseball among the iconic pyramids.
“Whether it’s a divine inspiration or a manifestation of my past experiences, who knows?” he pondered. “But the outcome has been incredible.” While Gouldin had previously worked internationally and was somewhat familiar with Egypt, he had never considered introducing baseball there. Although he loved the sport and even interned with the San Francisco Giants, this wasn’t the path he initially saw for himself.
From that single inspiring moment, everything shifted for Gouldin. “It was a straightforward idea, clear and concise, not convoluted,” he reflected. To transform this dream into reality, he first researched the history of baseball in Egypt. Surprisingly, he discovered the sport had roots in the country dating back to 1889 and 1914, although those attempts were more promotional than foundational.
Gouldin learned about ancient illustrations showing Pharaoh Thutmose III playing a form of ball game around 1460 BC, emphasizing Egypt’s long-standing relationship with bat-and-ball games. “What started as an improbable idea suddenly gained historical context, and that energized me,” he noted. “We’re not just bringing baseball to Egypt; we’re bringing it back.”
After sharing his vision with family and friends, many found it audacious yet promising. With encouragement, he reached out to Major League Baseball, which supported his venture through its Play Ball initiative. He also connected with sporting equipment manufacturers to secure essential gear for the children. Next, he made contact with schools in Egypt to pitch his project.
In 2017, despite some apprehension, Gouldin boarded a flight to Egypt. By the time he arrived, 40 children had already signed up for baseball clinics, a number that grew significantly with each subsequent visit. His endeavor evolved into an organization called Because Baseball.
The program has since expanded immensely, with around 7,500 children participating annually across various schools and orphanages. Gouldin and his team now travel to Egypt multiple times a year, connecting with eager young players who look forward to learning the game. “We’re united through the love of baseball,” Gouldin said, emphasizing the significance of this sport in fostering joy and connection among diverse cultures.
