2010 will mark the inaugural season of Walla Walla Sweets baseball, and preparations are well under way to bring a quality, professional-style game back to the valley. One question that has been asked frequently is, “Where are these players going to live during the season?” The answer is host families. Host families have the opportunity to “adopt” a player during the summer, establishing lifelong friendships, and in many cases, the chance to follow “your boys” throughout the career progression towards Major League Baseball.
“I stayed in touch with my host families from collegiate wood bat and minor league play,” said Sweets owner Jeff Cirillo. “It was great to get the occasional letter from them and to see them from time to time as I traveled around to different Major League stadiums during my playing career. They were a big part of my progression from college baseball to Major League Baseball.”
What is expected of a host family? Host families are to provide free room and board to these players during the 3 month West Coast League season, the ability to get to and from the ballpark every night, and a family environment to help players transition to a new and sometimes foreign community. While players are developing professionals, they are still young men who are learning to adjust without Mom or Dad to provide. Host families help bridge that gap. Players begin arriving the beginning of June, and stay through the middle of August.
What is the benefit provided to host families? As a thank you to opening up your home and families to these players, and allowing them to live free of charge in your home, host families are provided with the following benefits:
- A free Sweets family pass (so you can come cheer your “boy” on each night)
- A reserved parking spot (so you don’t have to worry about where to park), 20% off team merchandise throughout the season
- A party during the season with the players to say “thank you” for your generosity
- A night at the ballpark where host families will be welcomed onto the field and recognized for their contributions.
“Our players will be expected to be good, honorable members of our communities,” said Sweets GM Zachary Fraser. “These are solid young men, young men who will be role models for the youth in our community, and young men who will positive additions to your households.”
And who knows – the next future Hall of Famer to have started his career in Walla Walla may bunk in your home, play video games with your kids and share Sunday dinner with your family.
If you are interested in being a host family, please call the Sweets front office at
509.522.BALL or email us at
info@wallawallasweets.com. Give us a call today!
