Cape Cod Baseball League Seeks Host Families in Wareham

If giving back to your community and creating lifelong friendships is important to you, consider becoming a host family for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Why Host Families Matter in the Cape Cod League

"Younger kids especially seem to enjoy hosting, as they feel like a celebrity when their player acknowledges them at games," Director of Housing Jessi Merrick said.

Providing housing for young hopefuls is a long-standing tradition for the Cape League.

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It was even depicted in the 2001 film Summer Catch starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jessica Biel.

Proximity to Wareham is important.

"Host families are welcome from all surrounding towns, though we try to limit the player's commute to Spillane Field to less than 30 minutes," Merrick said.

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Think about it: not only will you be providing assistance to players in need, you may have a future all-star on your hands.

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MLB Stars Who Once Played in the Cape Cod Baseball League

A slew of Cape League players have gone on to play professionally. Here are just a few of the famous faces who took the field on the Cape before making it big:

• World Series MVP George Springer (Wareham Gatemen, 2010)
• Red Sox CF Jacoby Ellsbury (Falmouth Commodores, 2004)
• Red Sox SS and 1997 Rookie of the Year Nomar Garciaparra (Orleans Firebirds, 1993)
• World Series Champion and Red Sox Captain Jason Varitek (Hyannis Mets, 1991-1993)
• Red Sox slugger Mo Vaughn (Wareham, 1987-88)
• Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk (Orleans, 1966)

READ MORE: World Series Champs Have Ties to Newport and Cape Cod

What Cape League Host Families Can Expect

Merrick says the feedback from host families and players has been incredibly positive.

"Many have traveled to weddings, graduations, and MLB games to see their former Gatemen baseball players," Merrick said. "We routinely hear from former players: FaceTime calls at Christmas, birthday text messages and traveling to see each other around the country."

It's a special connection that you can create when becoming a host family. Those interested can email housing@gatemen.org.