These players are here to further their dreams of making it to the big leagues and although their dreams match the big leaguers, their salary does not. As a host family, we would ask that you help our players by providing them with a safe and comfortable living environment, their own private room if possible, the occasional home-cooked meal, and any other necessities that you see fit.
Our Host Family Coordinator will make all Host Family/Player Assignments. We will do our best to match your family up with players that seem to fit the best with what your household has to offer. We will house no more than 2 players with each family and put a player without a car with another that can provide him transportation. Although it is your house and things should be run your way, please be aware that the players, ranging in ages 22-26, have a rigorous schedule and will at times be leaving early in the morning and arriving late at night.
Communicate with the player. We have found it very helpful to sit down the first day that the player is in your home and communicate any house rules and find out likes and dislikes regarding food, etc. Let them know that you are going to communicate with their family. The players “real” family appreciates this contact and will feel good about where their player is staying. Each Host family should have emergency numbers for the players. Also, be sure to listen to the player. It may be the first time they have lived with a Host Family and the first time that they have played professional baseball. It is a very exciting time for them and they are usually very nervous.
Thank you for opening your homes to a Kings player; although Host Families are not compensated for the gift of a home to the players, they enjoy the experience of being part of the players dream. This inside look at professional baseball and the opportunity to meet young men from all over the country (sometimes the world) is a unique experience. Each Kings game is personal when YOUR player is on the field.
The Kalamazoo Kings Host Families are indeed a special group of people with big hearts to open their homes to players. If you are interested in this great opportunity please call the Kings office at 388-8326.