With Opening Day nearly upon us, the Foresters again seek HOST FAMILIES for our wonderful players. It’s a big part of the Foresters success, and every Host Family has loved having a player stay with them for a few weeks in the summer. Along with seeing their player in action, they have developed lifelong relationships. This year’s team needs hosts . . . can you help? Here’s the contact info plus some more thoughts on the benefits of being a HOST FAMILY (along with, of course, the FREE Season Pass that comes with it!)
If you have an extra bedroom, an ADU, a loft, a garage apartment . . . anything—contact the Foresters at [email protected]. You can also call the office at (805) 684-0657 or 2023 coordinator Laird McLain at (805) 452-1855. See you at the ballpark . . . and ’STER IT UP!
The Foresters play in June and July at Pershing Park, and more than 60 former players have made it to the Majors, including about a dozen still active, while hundreds more have enjoyed minor league careers. And it would all be impossible without the generous support of Host Families.
“We have been a host family since 2008 and it has been a great experience,” says Christina Songer, a longtime team leader and volunteer. “[Foresters manager] Bill Pintard always gets great guys for his team, not just great players.”
Foresters players stay with local families during their brief time in Santa Barbara. Host families provide a safe place to sleep; the players are responsible for their meals and transportation. Host families also get a Season Pass to all games, so they can cheer their new family member on.
“One of the highlights of our summer was watching our player, Nick Griffin, pick up a win in the NBC World Series tournament. It was a thrill to see his success after getting to know him at our house,” said Patty Kelley, a first-time host in 2022.
“The players are all such good people, we’re happy to have them around,” adds Kirk Peacock, whose family has hosted several players. “When our son was younger, he picked up some great baseball tips from the Foresters, too!”
It’s a big benefit for the players trying to make their Major League dreams come true. “John and Gina Nisbet were unbelievably gracious hosts when I played in Santa Barbara,” said Ryan O’Hearn, who now plays first base for the Kansas City Royals. “They were a major part of why I had the best summer of my life and even came back for a second year. I stay in contact with them and get to see them at least once a year.”
For the Foresters players (and their families watching from cities around the country), having a Host Family is a safe and welcoming way to spend a few weeks far from home. For the Host Families, it’s a way to create and lasting friendships. “We’ve gotten to know many players and they become part of the family,” adds Songer. “We still keep in touch with them, so when they experience life’s milestones they share them with us. I would highly recommend hosting players.”
If you have an extra bedroom, an ADU, a loft, a garage apartment . . . anything—contact the Foresters at [email protected]. You can also call the office at (805) 684-0657 or 2023 coordinator Laird McLain at (805) 452-1855. See you at the ballpark . . . and ’STER IT UP!
