The Northwoods League highlighted on May 22 the experiences of families who open their homes to collegiate baseball players through its Host Family Program. Families like the Schirados said they expected to provide a place to stay, but did not anticipate how quickly players would become part of their lives. “I was surprised at how even for a few months, the players become a part of your life and someone to stay in contact with,” they shared.
The Host Family Program matters because it creates meaningful connections between athletes and local communities. The Schirados described how these bonds form almost instantly, recalling, “He came in and ate supper with us, then our son helped him carry all of his stuff to his room.” They added that from that moment on, the player was not just a guest but became family.
Beyond what fans see at games, host families witness daily life behind the scenes. “They don’t see the laughter and hardships of the players,” they said. “We get to share the joys and trials in their lives.” At home, athletes learn everyday skills such as cooking or doing laundry while spending time with children who look up to them. The Schirados recounted late-night conversations about both baseball and life: “We’ve spent many nights staying up late talking to them about the game and about life.”
Meals have also become central memories for host families. The Schirados explained that feeding collegiate athletes is an experience in itself: “We have learned that athletes always seem to be hungry,” they exclaimed. Hosting two players once led them to make chicken alfredo five times during one stretch. Traditions like movie nights and backyard baseball games are cherished by both hosts and guests.
A favorite memory for their family involved sharing moments outside baseball: “Our son had his first year of t-ball, and our player got to come to one of his games. We all went out for supper after; that was something that was talked about for a while in our family.”
The Northwoods League offers elite collegiate baseball competition while enriching community life through family-oriented events and public service efforts, according to the official website. More than 370 alumni have reached Major League Baseball after playing in this league’s teams across former professional ballparks throughout the Midwest and Canada.
