An ode to host families, the unsung heroes of every league.
Host families play an integral role in any minor league/professional baseball organization and the Mavericks League is no different.
Players come from all across the United States and around the world to play for us. When they get here they have no family, no roots, no connections. The only familiar thing they have is baseball.
Host Families are an essential part of making players comfortable, giving them human connection outside of the field, and integrating them into our town. We firmly believe successful baseball players are not just role models on the field but off it as well, and being part of a community contributes to that success.
Host Families not only get to help players assimilate into their new environment for the summer, they become part of players journeys and pro careers. Together they create rewarding, lifelong memories.
Our hosts get two season tickets for every player they host, a free parking pass for every game, and early entrance to watch players batting practice, but more than that, they become part of the larger league family for the summer.
Jeff Hooper, who’s hosted players for years, shares his own experience.
“The past three summers I’ve had the privilege of hosting many professional baseball players…We have had many barbecues, beach trips, and endless laughs. These young men are driven, kind, compassionate, passionate, and professional. I can’t say enough about them. They will fly around the world, to play a game they love, and stay in strangers’ houses. Their tenacity is so inspiring. So I will leave you with this thought – if you are ever provided an opportunity to host players coming to your area to play in a league – do it. Simply put, they will make your life better.”
Our family at the Mavericks League is taking this opportunity to celebrate all of the wonderful people in our community who have signed up to host this year’s batch of ball players — Thank you. This league and this game wouldn’t be possible without you.