{"id":16247,"date":"2023-12-19T00:56:54","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T00:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northwoodsleague.com\/royal-oak-leprechauns\/?p=16247"},"modified":"2025-03-03T20:27:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T20:27:21","slug":"host-family-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northwoodsleague.com\/royal-oak-leprechauns\/2023\/12\/19\/host-family-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Host Family Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Host Families Wanted!<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
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Imagine you\u2019re watching a major league baseball game and you recognize the pitcher as the young player who spent a summer in your house years ago. This could be you.<\/p>\n

From the Northwoods League\u2019s inception in 1994, generous families and individuals have warmly offered their homes and provided welcoming food and lodging for student-athletes traveling from the far and wide. This has created an immediate \u201cbooster club\u201d and a dedicated fan base within each Northwoods League community.<\/p>\n

Numerous lifetime relationships have been forged between NWL players and their Host Families over the years and we expect more to develop in each future season. Graduations, weddings and holidays have all been shared by host family members and NWL players. Children of host families have been fortunate enough to receive baseball tutelage and view NWL players as role models not available to most youth. Becoming a host family is a commitment, but it\u2019s also one of the best opportunities and experiences we can offer for both our student-athletes and community members!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Host Family Benefits Include:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

*Host family shirts and hats<\/span><\/p>\n

*Full Season tickets for all members of the household<\/span><\/p>\n

*25% Merchandise discounts<\/span><\/p>\n

*Family recognition on field and social media<\/span><\/p>\n

*Pass for all the road games<\/span><\/p>\n

*Discount food vouchers<\/span><\/p>\n

*Special Host Family Appreciation Night<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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“This was our first year hosting a collegiate player and it was a great experience!!<\/p>\n

We love helping these young men attain their greatest goal of playing at a high level.<\/p>\n

We have 3 kids, Dylan 21, Devon 19, and Ava 17 and they enjoy having the players around also!<\/p>\n

We hosted Collin Overholt this year and loved having him, he was always very polite and quiet, even though we would go days without seeing him due to their schedule.<\/p>\n

I would absolutely recommend hosting!!!!!” -Traci M.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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This was our first year as a host family. Opening our home to college players was a great decision for us as empty nesters. We had the pleasure of hosting Nick Williams and Nate Ball the first half of the season and George Athanasiadis and Brayden Collett the second half of the season. All four boys were very polite and so respectful of our home. The boys schedule did not allow them much free time, but what time we had with them we truly enjoyed getting to know each one of them. We enjoyed spending the summer at the park watching them play ball. We are already looking forward to next year and being a part of the Leprechauns family again!! -Jen B.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our Testimonial: The Rewarding Experience of Hosting a College Baseball Player<\/p>\n

Hosting a college baseball player has been one of the most fulfilling experiences our family has ever had. When we first decided to open our home to a student-athlete, we were eager to offer support to someone who was dedicating so much of their life to their sport and education. Little did we know how much we would gain in return.<\/p>\n

From the moment Jayden arrived, our home was filled with a new sense of energy and enthusiasm. Watching him juggle the demands of a rigorous schedule with his intense training was truly inspiring. We admired his dedication and commitment to baseball and his daily workout routine. It was a constant reminder of the value of hard work and perseverance.<\/p>\n

Our interactions went beyond the typical host-guest relationship. Jayden became a part of our family. He was comfortable in the kitchen, did laundry, watched television with us and shared stories about his hometown. We loved hearing his perspective on our great state of Michigan as he compared his experiences to his hometown of California. It was incredibly rewarding to see him grow and thrive, both on and off the field. We celebrated his victories and supported him through challenges, building a bond that felt like family.<\/p>\n

Hosting a college baseball player also provided us with a unique perspective on the student-athlete experience. We gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices they make and the resilience they exhibit. It was gratifying to know that we were contributing to his success and helping him navigate a pivotal time in his life.<\/p>\n

Attending the games and cheering for Jayden was a highlight of our summer. The atmosphere at the Royal Oak Leprechaun games is so energizing and fun. We loved that Jayden shared his successes and disappointments of each game with us. The pride and joy in his eyes and his texts to us were priceless and a testament to the positive impact we had on his journey.<\/p>\n

In the end, the experience was as much about building connections and creating lasting memories as it was about providing support. Being a host family to a college baseball player has enriched our lives in ways we never anticipated. The friendship we’ve formed and the lessons we’ve learned have made this experience truly rewarding.<\/p>\n

We wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering becoming a host family to take the leap. The rewards are immeasurable, and the positive impact you can make on a young athlete’s life is extraordinary.<\/p>\n

Fondly,<\/p>\n

Linda & Mark<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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“In the spring, my husband and I decided to host a player, and I have to say, this has been the most enjoyable summer we have had in years!<\/p>\n

They were the most polite and respectful young men I have ever met.\u00a0 They truly appreciate anything you do for them.\u00a0 And they don\u2019t ask for much. Their schedule keeps them busy, so we hardly see them. They come in late from their games, sleep, grab a breakfast on the way out the door to play another game the next day.<\/p>\n

Most important, is the excitement that hosting has brought for us. Initially, we thought we would attend a few games throughout the summer, but quickly found ourselves going to every home game and watching the away games on the streaming app.\u00a0 You find that you are part of something much bigger than just having a player staying with you; you become part of the Leprechaun team. Each time we enter the ballpark, we are waved through the ticket line with free tickets, warmly greeted by the staff, meet other parents and host families, get to know the players, laugh at the antics of the unlikely cheerleaders, and truly enjoy the infectious spirit of the fans.” -Cindy C.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

“This was our first year as a host family and we had no idea what to expect, but the experience has been amazing. The young men are respectful, kind, personable and a real joy to watch. We look forward to keeping in touch and seeing where they end up in their baseball careers. We\u2019re hooked on the Leprechauns and can\u2019t wait for next summer”.<\/p>\n

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Ashley R.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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“We loved every minute of hosting our players! As empty nesters, it was fun having them around our house and they were a great addition to our family.<\/p>\n

They were polite, respectful and got along great with our dogs. It was fun going to the games and cheering for them and they really appreciated having a family to cheer for them while they were away from home.<\/p>\n

We cannot wait to host again next year!” -Kurt B.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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We could have never imagined how great the experience of hosting a player would be when we said \u201cyes\u201d to being a host family.\u00a0 This was our first year as a host family and we had the honor of having Riley Frost for most of the summer and Lucas Rick for a short amount of time.\u00a0 Our players and the rest of the team treated our kids like their little brothers, teaching them about baseball and taking time out of their busy schedule to attend some of their baseball games.\u00a0 \u00a0Even after late games and long road trips, they always made time to play whatever game our kids would ask them\u2026a lot of UNO was played, swimming and tag.\u00a0 Most of our summer was spent at the Lucky Corner, it was truly a rewarding experience; the coaching staff, players, front office, and everyone involved in the team (especially the interns) really made our family feel welcome.\u00a0 We plan to keep in contact with everyone, even traveling to see some of them play during the college season.\u00a0 We look forward to hosting another player in the upcoming year and spending more time at the Lucky Corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • The Altmans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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