Our host families are the lifeblood of our operation. Host families open their homes and hearts to our players, helping them connect to our community and provide a space where they can relax, reflect, and socialize.
The Host Family Program is comprised of local Charlottesville-area families who open their homes and hearts to the players and coaches participating in Charlottesville’s collegiate summer baseball program, the Tom Sox. The host families are one of the most important and influential aspects of a baseball player’s summer league experience. Many of the players are in a brand new environment, away from home and school. The goal of the program is to help players adjust to moving to a new area, assist them as they get acquainted with the Charlottesville community, and provide a safe and stable living environment. The relationships that are forged between the players and their host families will be memorable and last a lifetime.
The season begins right after Memorial Day and continues through the first week of August, including playoffs. Players and coaches will arrive in late May; some may arrive later depending on their college team’s schedule and/or postseason play.
Host Families’ Responsibilities
- Provide a bed and access to a bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Providing a list of house rules is highly encouraged.
- Allow access to your house via key, garage door opener, or code.
- Provide parking for one or two vehicles. We encourage carpooling. Transportation is not provided by host families.
- We encourage family meals with players when possible. Snacks and breakfast foods are appreciated but not required.
- Players appreciate host families attending games to support them. Home games are played at CHO Airport Field at Charlottesville High School.
What to Expect
- Games can be as frequent as six nights a week. Players will be gone most afternoons and evenings, and those who have internships or jobs will also be gone during the day.
- Players may be returning from the games very late at night.
- Remember, baseball is their passion. There will be good and bad days. The host family often plays a critical role helping them to navigate those not-so-good days.
- We cannot guarantee that a player will stay with you the entire season. Injuries, pitch count limits, performance issues, or other obligations may result in a player leaving during the summer. Players may be replaced, with permission.
