Since its inception, the Pit Spitters host family program has been pivotal in providing support to players who are far from the comforts of home. The Pit Spitters Host Family Program seeks to pair local Traverse City families, with incoming players who are looking for assistance with the cumbersome and often difficult transition to a new city. As a host family, we ask that you open your home, and your heart to these players so they can focus on their true purpose while in Traverse City- development on the field.
As a host family, we consider your commitment to the success of these players instrumental. In exchange for your participation in the Host Family Program, each member of your household will receive a season ticket to enjoy games at Turtle Creek Stadium, free parking when attending games, a 25% discount at our team store the Pit Shop, free access to Northwoods League stream (excludes ESPN+ games) – to enjoy road games when your player is out of town- and Host Family recognition throughout the season.
Although the things above are a tangible way to measure the return on your investment, the program often becomes more than transactional. Host families frequently find their lives enriched by the relationships they form with the players they host and vice versa. Becoming a host family is an excellent opportunity to engage your student-athlete with the amazing community in Traverse City and create a tie to the Northern Michigan area for a lifetime!
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming host family, has a rent-free bedroom in their home available for use from May to August, please fill out the application below. Once the Pit Spitters receive your application, we will conduct a site visit of your property to ensure the safety and comfort of our players. For questions regarding the program, please contact Austin Madagame at 231-943-0100 ext. 219.
Thank you for your consideration and go Pit Spitters!
TESTIMONIALS
“Being a Host Family this year was such a great decision for us. When we chose to open our home to the Pit Spitters players, we had no idea how much we would get in return. Not just watching them play baseball, but also getting to know them as young men. We also made lots of new friends this summer when we met the player’s moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings and lots of other extended family members. We are very excited about what the future will bring for Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball and can’t wait to host players again in the years to come! Whether you’re empty nesters, a family with little ones or anywhere in between, choosing to be a host family with the Traverse City Pit Spitters will be a truly awesome experience!”
-Colette & Tod Decker
“We were so blessed to be a Pit Spitters Host Family this season. Having a player in our home was an excellent experience for our entire family, from watching our player grow through the season, getting to know him as an individual and seeing him become a role model for my kids – the entire experience was truly a gift! In addition, the appreciation we felt from the Pit Spitters organization was truly top notch and we can’t wait to be a part of the Pit Spitters family again next year!”
-Scott and Kim Burch
“As a former Beach Bum Host Mom, this summer housing Pit Spitters, was as much fun and exciting as the previous years. We happily Housed a couple of great, courteous, friendly and fun to have around Pit Spitters and we added them and their families to our growing family of “Summer Sons”.
The staff was extremely helpful; answering questions and willing to meet any needs we had as the summer progressed. It was an enjoyable summer and we are looking forward to next year.”
-Dennis & Jan Curtice
“We have been a host family for several years. We were curious as to what the new team and younger players would bring this season. The young men that we had the pleasure of hosting, as in the past, were friendly and very respectful of our family and home. The players were very dedicated to their sport; working out every day and maintaining regular schedules (if you consider sleeping until 11:00 am regular) during an exhausting summer season (they only had a few days off this summer!) When asked to help out around the house or attend a family function they were eager to join in. We have two teenaged sons and they interacted appropriately and set good examples of what hard work and dedication can bring. They were all very understanding and loving toward our youngest son, who has Down syndrome (everyone on the team and the Pit Spitter staff was, too.) They loved talking about baseball! And the team… What a team! Awesome year, record setting, and championship winning; great baseball! We cannot wait until next year to do it again!!!”
-Richard and Susan Fall
“When we signed up to become a host family we had no idea that it was even going to be something we enjoyed doing, because lets face it who wants to live with a young family with 3 kids! We honestly went into our first season with no expectations. We quickly learned that these boys don’t care about what our home looks like or that we had kids running around! They love having a safe space to relax and a team to play summer ball with! Each player we’ve hosted has turned into more then just a player, they’ve become part of our family and our kids adored each and every one! We love spending our summers at the park and are already counting down the days until next season! GO PIT SPITTERS!!!”
– Ryan & Shawn Alderman
