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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have been a host family since 2008 and it has been a great experience,\u201d says Christina Songer, a longtime team leader and volunteer. \u201c[Foresters manager] Bill Pintard always gets great guys for his team, not just great players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne 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,\u201d said Patty Kelley, a first-time host in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe players are all such good people, we\u2019re happy to have them around,\u201d adds Kirk Peacock, whose family has hosted several players. \u201cWhen our son was younger, he picked up some great baseball tips from the Foresters, too!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a big benefit for the players trying to make their Major League dreams come true. \u201cJohn and Gina Nisbet were unbelievably gracious hosts when I played in Santa Barbara,\u201d said Ryan O\u2019Hearn, who now plays first base for the Kansas City Royals. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s a way to create and lasting friendships. \u201cWe\u2019ve gotten to know many players and they become part of the family,\u201d adds Songer. \u201cWe still keep in touch with them, so when they experience life\u2019s milestones they share them with us. I would highly recommend hosting players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Host](\"https:\/\/sbforesters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/05\/Host-Family-C-1.jpg.webp)
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