The players are housed by local volunteer families who allow the athletes to become part of the community during the season. They are a crucial part of the Bombers success.
The Importance of Host Families
A host family is one of the most important and influential aspects of a baseball player’s summer league experience. Many of the players on the Sedalia Bombers are in a brand new environment, away from both school and home. The goal of the program is to help players adjust to moving to a new area, assist them as they get acquainted with the Sedalia community, and provide a safe and stable living environment. It also provides an opportunity for the community to assist in the development of these players on and off the field. The Bombers organization strongly believes the relationships that are forged between players and their host families will be memorable and will last a lifetime.
Host Family Responsibilities
Host families are asked to provide housing for their assigned player(s) for the duration of their stay in Sedalia. Many players are expected to arrive by June 1, though several will join the team later because of their spring team’s playoffs and the College World Series. The Bombers season, including playoffs, should conclude no later than late July. During that span, host families should provide:
- One to two meals per day, depending on their schedule. Since games are at night, some players will sleep later in the day and not eat breakfast. You will not be responsible for dinner, since they will eat with the team at the ballpark.
- A bed and bathroom for each player you are housing.
- Access to your house, usually by key or garage door opener.
Host families are not required to provide a vehicle to players. Many of the players will have their own car, so a place to park will be necessary. If the player does not have a car, you may choose to lend him a vehicle, but that is entirely at your discretion and risk. Also, host families are not required to provide insurance for players; insurance is covered by the league and the player’s school.
Beyond that, we ask that you provide a welcoming environment for the players. For the two and a half months players are in the Sedalia area, host families are providing more than just housing, but a home. We simply request that you make them feel at home.
Host Family Benefits
When you become a host family, you’ll be adding a new member to your family, not just taking on a tenant. Bombers players are appreciative of the effort you will be making as a host family and can serve as positive role models for your children. Yes, these are college-age kids, but they are respectful of their environment – nothing less will be tolerated by the Bombers.
Host families will also receive 2 season tickets. Families are sure to love the excitement and entertainment of Bombers baseball, and the players enjoy seeing their adopted families in the stands. You will also be invited to any host family events on the schedule. But the longest lasting benefit of becoming a host family is the bond that will be forged between your family and a Bombers player, the sort of relationship that lasts for years. Players and their host families have been known to keep in contact long after playing careers ended, remaining friends and sharing family milestones.
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