Host families play a crucial role in summer collegiate baseball, as many of the players are not from Holly Springs. As NCAA student athletes, Salamanders players are not allowed to accept pay for play. In effect, summer collegiate baseball leagues rely on local families to house their players.
The Salamanders have players in need of host homes for this summer! The players are from schools including UNC, NC State, East Carolina, Cincinnati, Princeton, and San Diego State. Most players will be in Holly Springs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-August.
Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions related to becoming a host family. If you are interested in hosting a Holly Springs Salamanders player or want more information, contact Michael Villafana at [email protected] or (919) 249-7322 ext. 2
The CPL is a collegiate summer league that gives players a chance to develop and showcase their skills in a minor league-type setting. The league was founded in 1997 in cities with vacant ballparks after minor league teams change location. Devoted to affordable family entertainment, the league has expanded to 16 franchises throughout Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Each franchise relies on community support along with being active in the community. A large part of this support is a quality team of host families.
To play in the CPL, each player must be active on a collegiate roster with at least one year of eligibility remaining. As an organization, we strive to put a quality product on the field. We also understand the importance of brining a quality citizen into the community. Each player comes to use at the recommendation of his college coaches. It is in each program's best interest to send good human beings as ambassadors of their school, and encourage us to take more players from their program in the future.
All we ask for is a clean bedroom with access to a bathroom and laundry. More is always accepted, but not required. Host families are welcome to include the player in family meals and activities. Most players keep odd hours due to the nature of games and the teams' travel schedule. Odd hours result in odd eating schedules, so being okay with a midnight fridge raid is encouraged.
The season runs from the end of May through early August. Players will start showing up mid-May, or whenever their college season ends. The CPL regular season ends July 31, with postseason ending August 7. Players would stay no longer that the end of the CPL postseason. We will also need temporary hosts throughout the season for players who are not with the team the full season.
Whether we are at home or on the road, the players get a pregame snack and a postgame meal. If a player does not have transportation, we will try to place them near a player who does, so they can carpool to the field. Upon arrival we will address with the players the expectations of their host families and we suggest that you do the same. If any issues arise, we will solve the problem, move the player, or, if need be, send the player home.
Hosting a Salamanders can be a rich experience. We hope to foster a good relationship for both the player and the family. Salamanders players are excellent role models for young children and teenagers, and are great company for the entire household. Often players and host families share a friendship that lasts well beyond the end of the season.
The atmosphere at games is one of a community, with host families at the heart. Each host family will receive a pass that gives access to all home and away games. The Salamanders will host a dinner for the host families and players during the season, and will recognize host families on the field at a Salamanders game. Hosting a players comes with the outside chance of hosting a future big-leaguer, but the guarantee of helping a young man chase his dreams and is sure to be rewarding.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to you being part of the Salamanders family!
Whether you are ready to host or are looking for the answers to more questions, contact Michael Villafana at [email protected] or (919) 249-7322 ext. 2.