We might host a minor-league ballplayer for the season. Thoughts?

[bertha katzenengel]

We haven't made up our minds yet. These guys make next to nothing, and the article is right, especially in this area, about how hard it is to find temporary housing.

"The Blue Crabs are looking for Southern Maryland residents to host a player during the 2008, inaugural season. This is a chance of a lifetime to live with a professional baseball player this summer for local families, couples or individuals. Participants in the host family program are literally part of the team. The Blue Crabs are looking for Southern Maryland residents, who have a spare bedroom, basement/attic or any comfortable living area that is not currently being used."

Hmmm...

http://somdbluecrabs.com/news.cfm?newsID=63

[KamaAina]

1. The ballplayer in question would probably end up being nicknamed "Kitty"

"All right, guys! Kitty's up! Meow! Meeeeooooowww!" :-)

Sound like a Good Thing for a Hardcore Baseball Fan with a Big House (and, of course, cats) To Do.

[bertha katzenengel]

23. Why would that be?

;)

We don't have a big house, but we have a nice guest room and he'd have a private bath. I wish the team would get back in touch with me about the possibilities.

[Oeditpus Rex]

2. I dunno, girl

The Atlantic League is about 'A' speed, yes? That'd mean these guys are like 19, 20 years old. I've known a lotta guys in A-ball, and I wouldn't want most of them living with me.

[bertha katzenengel]

10. You and Lib Sailor make great points.

Both added to the "pro & con" list. Thanks!

[madinmaryland]

3. Make absolutely sure he is not related to John Rocker.

:scared:

[SKKY]

4. As a former baseball player who would do just about anything to play right now...

...I doubt anyone will ever appreciate you putting a roof over their head more than this guy will. These guys are chasing their dream, and it often seems like the odds are stacked way against you. At the very least, you'll probably make a friend and learn a great deal about baseball (if you aren't already a fan). You also just may be able to possitively affect the attitude of someone who otherwise might not have had that opportunity, if you know what I'm saying.

[bertha katzenengel]

11. . . . and you & Rex have both made good points

and again, both are in our "pro & con" list. Thanks!

If we do this, we will stress - either to the Blue Crabs or to the players themselves - that we are a gay couple and we expect that they have no problem with "people like us."

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Eh, what does it hurt to entertain the idea?

There may be a reasonable mature player who would be a fun house guest for a few months, especially if you can define a bedroom and bath as his private space./

[mainegreen]

6. A lot of people here in Portland do that, and the feedback has been positive.

Plus you never know, you might be hosting the next major leaguer. Could help you get good tickets down the road.
:D

[Tommy_Carcetti]

7. Where abouts do you live?

Charles County? Calvert County? St. Mary's County? Prince George's County?

Curious, because I grew up in Calvert.

How far along are they on the new stadium?

[bertha katzenengel]

13. Charles, about two miles from the stadium.

:7

I don't know how far along they are because they've got the road blocked on both sides of it. They're working on the road too (ostensibly, she said with suspicion).

They have a construction cam on the web site www.somdbluecrabs.com

I expect they're pretty close; home opener is May 2. And of course, I'll be there. :7

[ceile]

8. I think that sounds great..

Talk about an opportunity of a lifetime. You could be hosting the next Sosa or Biggio.

[Forkboy]

9. That was real popular on Cape Cod every year.

A ton of people did that for players in the Cape League. Never heard anything bad from it.

[MrCoffee]

12. A friend's brother was a minor leaguer

I say go for it. Who knows, you may host a future World Series MVP!

[bertha katzenengel]

14. I wonder if Eck ever stayed w/ a family when he was in the minors.

David Eckstein = one of my all-time faves

:hi:

[Richardo]

15. See if you can trade him for cash and a left-handed closer to be named later

:thumbsup:

Will you get tickets to the games? I love minor league ball. :patriot:

On edit: I'm with the ones who say it sounds like a very cool experience for both parties - do it!

[bertha katzenengel]

17. Will we get tickets, he asks. Pfft.

:hi: Richardo

We bought a ticket plan that's just one level short of season tix. 25 games including opening day, July 4, last game. Oops, just realized we might be* in CA for July 4. Well, if things don't work out, we'll see a game on July 4.

We also go to see the Bowie Baysox, the Orioles' AA team. GOD I love minor league ball. :patriot:

* I've been laid off. Three headhunters are beating the bushes for me, so I'll be working in no time. But this certainly puts a crimp in our vacation budget.

[Richardo]

19. Good luck with the headhunters, Bertha - that's great news.

:bounce:

You'll be back at work in no time!

PS: I'm jealous that you have two minor league clubs so close. Ours is 80-90 miles away. WE've got pretty good college ball, tho.

[bertha katzenengel]

21. What is that "closest" team?

Is it worth the long drive?

[Richardo]

24. Round Rock Express - AAA Astros (owned by Nolan Ryan!)

I'd rather go to A or AA is I had my druthers. Got to see the San Antonio Missions a few years back with my dad. (AA Dodgers at the time, I think.) That was a blast.

[harmonicon]

16. why not?

If it wouldn't put a strain on your household to have someone else living there, go for it. I'm sure they'd really appreciate it. I met a pro baseball player from the US who was playing in Europe last summer, and he seemed like a great guy. So, maybe that was the one nice pro ball player, but I doubt it.

[Phillycat]

18. I would totally do that!

That sounds like so much fun. My husband and I both love baseball too, so that would be a no-brainer.

[leftofthedial]

20. stock up on sunflower seeds

and a good mop





go gor it! It would be a major blast.

[bertha katzenengel]

22. *snort*

:rofl:

[Blue_Tires]

25. learn the espanol

[Midlodemocrat]

26. I say go for it.

We're getting ready to host two students from China and really looking forward to it. We hosted a boy from France several years back and it was a really positive experience, especially for my kids.