TRAVERSE CITY -- The Traverse City Beach Bums are on the hunt for some new host families for the 2012 season.
The host family program is a vital part of every minor league team, and the Beach Bums believe the quality of people who live in the Grand Traverse area will set the host family program apart from the rest of the league.
There is some background information every potential host family needs to know before they sign up. Host families invite a player into their home for the duration of spring training, regular season, and through the playoffs.
Minor league ballplayers are paid on a seasonal basis, and unlike players in the Major Leagues they earn very little for their hard work and dedication. As a host family, it would be your responsibility to provide your Beach Bums with a stable, clean, and healthy environment. Additionally, because the players will be stretched financially to follow their dreams, host families with the ability, means, and thoughtfulness to provide meals to their players during home stands will be given first priority.
Host families need to be within a ten minute drive radius to Wuerfel Park. Players without cars will be paired with host families as close to Wuerfel Park as possible.
The most desirable host families are those that will take full advantage of their season tickets Light sleepers be warned - players will be leaving early in the morning and return very late at night Keep in mind these will be grown men from the ages of 22-26
Host families are not financially compensated, but the chance to experience the day to day trials and tribulations of a minor league ballplayer is an opportunity few people will get to witness. Minor league players are rising stars, falling stars, shooting stars, and athletes with stars in their eyes. You, as a host family, will be a big part of their success in Traverse City and in their career as a baseball player. The better the 'home' environment, the better the player's performance.
The Beach bums try to make players and host families as compatible as possible to avoid potential problems, and that requires an application process. Before applying to the program, please carefully consider the information provided. Then, if you are willing to proceed, please contact Joe Reeder at joe@tcbeachbums.com or call (231) 943-0100.
