Host Families
2012 Loons Host Family Letter
We are now accepting applications for the 2012 Loons Host Families!
Hosting a Loons player is a really great opportunity! As a host family, you provide a player a “home away from home”. During the summer, you get an inside look at minor league baseball and have an incredible chance to help a young man follow his dream to make the “big leagues”. Most players and host families form bonds with each other that last well beyond the end of the season.
Hosting a player from another country is also very rewarding. Many of the Latin players have never lived in America before. Families are able to learn about other cultures and ways of life, meanwhile helping these young men through the day-to-day challenges of living in a new country. Most of them know enough English to get by and by the end of the summer their English is really quite good. They are also extremely appreciative of everything you do to help them.
The new Loons will be arriving around April 2nd this year, with the season wrapping up September 3rd. The Loons have about 140 games, with half of the games being on the road. The players have 1 or 2 days off per month and are usually pretty exhausted. The players range in age from 19-26.
Loons host families are only required to provide a bedroom with a bed and access to bathroom facilities. Players are responsible for their own transportation, phone calls, laundry, and dining. Host families are not compensated by the Loons, but they have the chance to experience the day to day trials and tribulations of a minor league ballplayer. It is an opportunity few people will ever get to have. Host families are allowed to charge room and board (maximum of $150), but are not required to as the players make so little money at this level. Minor league players are rising stars, falling stars, shooting stars, and athletes with stars in their eyes. You, as their host family, will be a big part of their success in Midland and in the beginning of their career as a professional baseball player.
We are also in need of temporary housing for players. Many times during the season players arrive on very short notice. The Dodgers provide up to 3 days in a hotel, but after that, the players are on their own. If you are not sure about a whole summer, and would like to try helping us on a temporary basis, just let us know.
For more information or questions regarding hosting a player, contact a Host Family Coordination Team member: Kathy Dahl — 989-708-9655, Penny Robinson — 989-859-0605; and Brooke San Miguel — 989-708-9471. Or email us at: hostaloon@gmail.com
Applications should be submitted by February 29, 2012 for full summer placement, but will be accepted throughout the summer for mid-year placement.