The Trappers host family program gives the fans of Trapper Nation a unique opportunity to get to know our players on a deeper level. Host families play an integral part of our organization by providing players a place to call home for the summer. These players will play a grueling 64 game schedule over the course of the summer with few days off. 32 of these games will be played on the road, with the remaining 32 played at glorious Hyde Stadium. These players are looking for a home to relax and sleep when home during the long summer that is collegiate wood bat baseball. We ask that host families provide a place to place to sleep, do laundry, a hot shower, and a place to call home.
The Expedition League provides these players with experience and exposure to one day move on to the next level. These players may one day be playing for your favorite Major League Baseball team. Players are very grateful for their host families and often keep in touch throughout their careers. Wouldn't it be awesome to host a potential major league player?
SEASON TICKETS AND BENEFITS:
Being a host family comes with many benefits, including
- 2 season tickets to all home games.
- 20% discount on all Trapper merchandise.
HOST FAMILY EXPECTATIONS:
- Provide the player(s) with their own room and bed.
- Provide the player with what your expectations are. Explain to them what the “house rules” are. They are your guest, and have been instructed to adhere to what your rules are for your house. They are expecting to have this conversation with you.
- Provide basic food for your player. Easy “grab and go” items work well like bread, lunchmeat, peanut butter, milk, cereal, fruit, etc. An occasional home-cooked dinner with the family is also a nice treat for the player. (Post game meal will be provided every home game.)
- Provide a place for the player to do laundry, players will be responsible to do their own laundry. Player's uniform laundry will be completed by the Trappers.
- Please interact with your player. Many host families and players develop lifelong relationships.
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS:
- Keep their room clean. Players are held responsible for any damage done while staying in your home.
- Provide their own personal care items.
- Pay for their own expenses.
- Maintain minimum noise levels while in your home. Be aware, players will be arriving home from road trips late at night. We strive to have players home around midnight if at all possible. Please be aware that certain circumstances may arise which may result in players arriving after midnight.
Be respectful, courteous and helpful to the host family.
PLAYER ARRIVALS:
Many players will drive their own cars upon arriving to Pierre. If a player plans on flying, we ask that they fly into the Pierre Regional Airport. We ask that you please coordinate with your player on how they will be arriving to town. We understand that you may live a busy life, so please do not hesitate if you need assistance in helping your player get to town.
ALCOHOL:
Most of the players in the Expedition League are under 21 years of age. Because of this, the Pierre Trappers organization does not allow host families to provide alcohol to players regardless of their age. If you do have a player that is over 21, please be direct and clear as to what your “house rules” are regarding alcohol.
DISCUSSION POINTS WHEN PLAYER ARRIVES:
Please be aware that the player is a guest in the host family’s home. The host family is opening their home to the player. The player MUST respect ALL house rules and wishes of the host family.
- Food arrangements. Host families will provide basic food needs (fruit, milk, cereal, bread, sandwich items, dinner, etc).
- Late night arrivals. Where to enter? Keys? Parking? Late night showers?
- House rules regarding guests. What does the host family request? Friends spending the night? Female guests? Host family sets these rules and player will comply with the host family’s wishes.
- Laundry usage. Certain times of day that will work.
- House rules for when host family is out of town.
- House rules regarding alcohol.
- Any other requests that the host family wishes to convey to the player?
Host families will host a player for approximately 10 weeks. Dates for hosting are mid-May to mid-August, exact dates are TBD. We are looking for host families to commit to an entire season. Please be aware that some players may only be able to play a partial season and some may need to leave early for commitments with their schooling.
The level of player that you would be hosting has ambitious goals to play Major League Baseball. You are a major part of their success as they pursue their dreams. The more comfortable you make their “home” life, the better their performance is on the ball diamond. Most of these players will be monitored by their current college coaches on their performance in the Expedition League both on and off the field. These players are recruited through their respective college coaches. As members of these teams, they are held to an extremely high standards by their current college coaches.
All players who play in The Expedition League have signed a Code of Conduct as part of their contract. We expect all players to maintain the highest standards, abide by NCAA guidelines and be a role model for the city and youth of Pierre. If any player’s actions do not meet the standards of the Expedition League or the Pierre Trappers Baseball Club, they will be removed from the league and will return to their home. We believe that living in a family’s home is a privilege that the players must respect.
If being a host family is something that interests you please fill out the Host Family Application. Host families are very important part of our organization and without you we wouldn't be able to provide Trapper Baseball to the great city of Pierre.
