When Pete & Cheryl Munoz signed up to host a 2007 Bomber player, they had no idea what they were in for. But after a few months, several home cooked meals, and one unique experience later they got more than they ever bargained for. The Munoz’s opened their home to not only one, but two players from last year’s team. Hawaii native Kip Masuda from Long Beach State and Texas native Clint Helms from Louisiana Tech. Coming from completely different backgrounds and areas of the country, the players and the family now share a bond that will not soon end.
Like many of the Bomber’s Host Families, the Munoz’s still stay in touch with the players they hosted through email, phone calls, and the occasional packages of goodies. The families and players all share their own unique bond. For Bruce & Fran Duane, they would have never imaged how attached their kids would have got to the player they hosted, TJ Mittlestaedt. Four year olds, Mason and Chloe, refer to TJ as their brother and eight year old Caleb can’t wait for TJ to come back so they can go to the batting cages together again.
With the 2008 season just five short months away, the Bomber’s are looking for new Host Families to host this year’s roster. Host Families open their home to players and provide them with a home away from home for the summer. Anyone from young to old, single to married, families with kids or empty-nesters can host a player. Host Families are required to provide their own bedroom and bathroom for a player, as well as provide meals while the players are home. They are also a place for the players to relax while they are not on the road or at the field, let them do laundry, and most importantly provide them with a sense of family for the summer.
On top of getting to know a member of the team and adding a member to your family for the summer; as gratitude for providing their homes, each Host Family is given free season tickets for their immediate family. There are also Host Family events, where families and players are able to get to know one another and spend time together. Becoming a Host Family is a unique experience that can last a lifetime.
If you are interested or would like to get more information, please click here. You can also contact Heather Okonski at [email protected] to get more details. The Bomber’s are looking forward to next season and can’t wait to see everyone back out at the ballpark for a great summer!