(WWJ) — The United Shore Professional Baseball League is looking for host families this summer as players come from across the country to play at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica.
Every summer top-level college baseball players come to the USPBL to chase their dreams of making it to the Major Leagues, sharpening their games during their college offseasons.
The USPBL launched in 2016 and plays games Thursday-Sunday every week from mid-May to early September. The league gives players top coaching, musculoskeletal training and strength and conditioning programs, as well as a focus on personal development off the field.
The league says “most of the players that come to the USPBL prefer to have a host family because of the family environment and support. Having host families that open their hearts and homes plays a critical part in the success of the program.”
Host families will welcome players into their homes and provide “a warm bed and the comforts of home,” as well as serve as “a supportive influence to a baseball player living away from home,” according to the USPBL website.
The host family application process is now open, which can be found on the USPBL website or by contacting Director of Baseball Administration Mike Zielinski at mzielinski@uspbl.com.
"Being a part of a USPBL player’s life and giving them a home to stay in while they are pursuing their dreams is a win-win situation for all! If you have the means, a place to stay and a love for baseball, being a host family is a blessing through and through,” host Wendy Kavulick said.
Host families will receive a slew of different perks for hosting players:
• Host Family Shirts - 1 per family member
• Host Family Lanyards
• 8 tickets per family per week
• $200 in vouchers to be used at the ballpark per season per Host Family
• 20% Discount at the ballpark
• Hungry Howie's Pizza gift certificates for 5 Large Pizzas per family
• 1 JAX Car Wash Card for 9 car washes per family
• MJR Movie Passes - 4 Passes per family
• Host Family Recognition before the All Star Game
• Announcement acknowledging the Host Families before every game
• Host Family Spotlight on Social Media - 1 per each family during the season
• Host Family Party at Simulated Game before the start of the season
• 1 Host Family Party at a game during the season