Each season, the Steamers search for host families to house our players and coaches for a twelve-week period from late May until mid-August. It is a crucial element to the success of summer collegiate baseball and The Old North State League. The league features top college players from all over the nation, who must be playing on their respective college or university’s baseball team. The young men that play in Edenton each summer provide fans with exciting, high-level competitive baseball, while gaining additional experience toward their aspirations to play professionally. The Old North State League is one of their best opportunities to showcase their talents for Major League scouts. In order to protect the players’ status as amateurs, those coming from programs and homes outside the immediate vicinity must be housed for the summer. Living expenses or a summer stipend are not permitted by the NCAA, who sanctions The Old North State League, creating the need for host families to act as the players’ support system away from the team.
Being a host family is typically very rewarding. In fact, it is not uncommon for a player to remain in touch with his summer collegiate baseball host family for years afterward, even when he has lost touch with the team itself. With so many alums currently in Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, how fun would it be to become close with one or more of these young men during their collegiate years? Additionally, your family is invited to several team functions throughout the season and gifted season tickets to each family member to Steamer home games.
Of course, host families assume an important responsibility. It is important to remember that host families are being entrusted by both the organization, as well as the players’ parents, with the essential comfort of the player(s). In the very least, a clean, comfortable (linens, air conditioning, etc.), and private space (for example, bedroom with a door) for the player is required in order to be eligible as a Steamers host family. It is expected that pleasant interaction will take place between the player and family members also. At the same time, these players are young adults and deserve a place in the house where they can go to rest, relax, be alone, or have a private phone conversation, etc. Beyond this rudimentary requirement, it is hoped that families would extend welcome courtesies to their player(s) much like a visiting guest, such as some meals (when not with the team), use of TV/internet, etc. Naturally, each player-family relationship will have its own dynamic, but the goal is for a mutually positive experience on both ends with the Edenton Steamers always available for support and/or guidance.
For more information on becoming an Edenton Steamers host family, please contact the Steamers office at (252)482-4080. There are opportunities to house a player temporarily as well as for the whole season. In addition, many Edenton Steamer players will seek to hold part-time jobs during their stay. Players are available to work mornings, some afternoons, and some weekends, depending on the game schedule. If you have a suitable job opening, please contact the Steamer office.
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