Host A Player

Hosting a Big Train player is one of the most important and exciting ways to help support the team.  

While some of our players will be from the DMV area, many come from across the country and will be in a brand-new environment away from their school, home, friends, and family. The goal of the host family program is to help players adjust to moving to a new area, assist them as they get acquainted with the community, and provide a safe and stable living environment in an unfamiliar new city – their “home away from home.” Players are often more than just a guest, they become part of the family. The bond between many host families and Big Train players continues well beyond the summer and can last a lifetime.

What does it mean "to host" a player?

• While some Big Train players will be local, many are not and will need a place to live during the season.  To help us find beds for our players we reach out to the community and ask anyone who has a spare bedroom, an old office where a bed could be placed, or a broom closet under the stairs (not really) where one or more of our players could live over the summer.

What are Host Families expected to provide the player?

• As a Host Family, it is your job to help make the player's transition to a new environment
  and community easier. Most are new to the area and may need help with directions,
  finding restaurants and stores, and local amenities. Keep in mind they are college
  students between the ages of 18-22 still learning to adjust without their mother and/or
  father. You will help bridge that gap.
• Housing:
  You will provide your player(s) with a stable, clean, and healthy environment for the
  duration of their time with the Bethesda Big Train. Many Big Train players work
  (often at Big Train camp) during the day and play games at night. Therefore, their
  needs are relatively simple
  • a private room with a door (room may be shared with another player);
  • bedding and linens (fresh sheets; blankets; and towels);
  • access to a bathroom (players will be showering late at night after games);
  • access to a kitchen;
  • access to a washing machine and dryer;
  • access to internet/wifi;
  • breakfast food in the morning;
  • a place to park a car;
  • and a family to cheer them on
• Meals:
  At a minimum, Host families should have items and/or ingredients in the house for
  players to make their own breakfast. Outside of breakfast, players are responsible
  for their own meals, drinks, and snacks. Big Train does provide meals before all
  home and away games. Host Families are always welcome to provide more; some
  families ask their player for weekly grocery lists; include them when ordering in; or
  make extra at dinnertime so their player(s) can have leftovers when they get home
  at night. We realize that shopping for and feeding college-age young men is
  expensive so families should only do what is in their financial comfort zone.

Can I host more than one player? 

• Yes, of course! If you have the space, hosting an additional player or two is ideal for the
  players. When we can, we will pair up players from the same school; pitchers; field
  players; those who already know each other or pair a player who is bring a car with a
  player who is not.

Are host families compensated?

• The Bethesda Community Base Ball Club, Inc. (BCBBC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public
  charity as determined by the IRS, and stewards of the Big Train summer collegiate team.
  This non-profit, volunteer-based organization relies on the generosity of host families
  every summer. BCBBC does not have the funding to be able to compensate our Host
  Families. Host families are offered season tickets for all regular season home games they
  will be attending at Povich Field.

Have more questions?  Check out the resources on this page or fill out the short form at the top of this page and we will get in touch!