Become a Railroaders Host Family!
Make Some Memories This Summer
In professional baseball, multiple individuals and groups help to ensure players have a positive experience as they pursue their dream of playing at the game’s highest level. One of the most valued roles here in the Railroaders organization is our Host Families. Host Families are an essential component in any team’s success – both on and off the field. The majority of players are not local to Texas, and some even come to Cleburne from foreign countries. A welcoming home and caring family can go a long way in ensuring a rich, positive experience for our Railroaders players.
What You Provide
A clean bedroom with a bed made for an athlete and access to a bathroom and laundry are crucial for our players. We ask that you live within about 25 minutes of the ballpark to minimize commutes.
Host families are welcome to invite the player to be a part of their family meals, TV time, or other activities. In most cases, as your relationship with your player grows, you will find him to be “one of the family.” These guys will keep odd hours with late-night games and a constant travel schedule. Players may also request an “open fridge” policy for after-hours eating to match this schedule!
The time commitment is approximately May 1 through September 10 (this will vary pending the player’s schedule, length of stay with the team, playoffs, etc.)
How the Railroaders Staff Helps
Both at home and on the road, the Railroaders get a pre-game snack and a full post-game meal. If a player requires transportation, we will try to place them near a player who has a car, so they can carpool to the stadium. Once the player arrives, they will be advised of their host family’s expectations, and we encourage you to do the same.
If issues arise between a host family and a player, we will solve the problem, move the player, or send the player home. These players have more than likely stayed with host families over the years. They should have a high level of respect for the sacrifice you, as a family, are making for the summer.
The Benefits of Hosting
We believe hosting a Railroaders player, or players, is a rewarding experience and hope you build a long-lasting relationship with your player to help them pursue their dream. Railroaders players can be excellent role models for young children and teenagers and are often great company for the summer. Other perks include, but are not limited to:
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Full season ticket for each member of the family living in your household
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15% off all Railroaders merchandise
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Invitations to Railroaders special events
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On-field recognition at a Railroaders home game
