My son was supposed to leave today for his summer assignment but at this point he still does not have a host family. There are about 12 players at this time who don't have a place to go. How common is it for something like this to happen? I'm assuming it's not. He was told to come on and call when he gets to town-I assume pull over to the side of the road or into a McDonalds and call? And what then? He's going to be put with someone who agreed last minute, literally, to do it or had to be talked into it but doesn't really want to do it? He was looking forward to going until this happened and now, he's worried about it of course! I don't know what to tell him but it's definitely not turning out the way he (or dad and I) expected. He's waiting until tomorrow to leave but their first game is Sunday so he needs to get there. Again, I'm assuming this is not common but what does he do?

Are your son's college coaches aware of this situation? If not, they should be so they can make some calls and hopefully resolve things for your son. Also, they should know so they don't place future players on that team.

You are right to be concerned. I assume you are talking about college summer ball since you are referring to him having a host family. I think I would go with him and get a hotel for the first weekend. Make it a family event. Meet your coaches, host family and enjoy the first couple of games. If you don't get a good feeling, then I would rent an apartment for him for the summer.

quote:

Originally posted by Infield08:
Are your son's college coaches aware of this situation? If not, they should be so they can make some calls and hopefully resolve things for your son. Also, they should know so they don't place future players on that team.

I would definitely be letting the coaches know about this. That is unacceptable for a college summer league. Your coaches may be able to set you up with another team. If they are starting off this disorganized, it may be a long unenjoyable summer.

Mom,

Try NOT to stay worried.

It is a common occurrence.

Would you feel better, if I promised you this situation will work itself out?

It always does.

And your son will have a summer he will remember for many years.

Heck, if he's close to Balt, he can sleep in my garage! It's warm, dry, clean, has a refrigerator
and has internet access (as well as a battle tunnel and pitching mound).

cheers

Last minute-but I'm happy to report my son now has a host family! He's back to being excited so all's good for now! This is a team his coach has sent players to for several years so I don't think they've had a bad experience before. He had mentioned it to his coach two days ago at his meeting and coach said that wasn't right-so I don't know if he called... The family has a high school baseball player so maybe they hit up the high school booster club-who knows! Thanks everybody-

Speaking only for Valley League experience, many teams are looking for 2-3 more host families right about now. It's pretty normal, but as Bear says, it always works out and they always seem to find folks.

Season openers are Saturday night.

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I would add my voice to the chorus...Housing is ALWAYS and issue for most every team. Ans be assured, all this stuff works it's way out in the end but it can be VERY stressful for parents when a son is across the country...You have to believe in the humanity of people, that most all teams are acutely aware of housing issues...and other issues....are working hard to solve them...and CARE.

However be warned...the stresses can just keep coming....Together the two boys have had 6 summers worth of summer college ball and here are some ACTUAL phone calls...(and this is just the NON baseball stuff)...


- "Dad, I have been sitting in the airport for a hour and a half and no one has come to pick me up"...This after a 6 hour flight to a part of the country he has never seen.


- "The family is great, but the Pit Bull hates people and bites. But it's OK, If I catch him when he's not looking and I run, I'm pretty sure I can beat him to my room" ....


- "Dad, do you know anything about Tornado warnings?"....This from a CA kid and family, who only knows earthquake and fire.


- "This really sucks, I'm 45 minutes away, I have no transportation, and I have no access to weights".... This after his college coach told him his MAJOR goal for the summer was to work hard on the iron.


- "It's OK, I'll just bring all my laundry home at the end of the summer."


- "This really sucks, Everyone else on the team is in town."....This from a very social kid.


- "Dad, you know that address I told you to send my computer to?..." ...uh Oh...Followed two weeks later by..."The Dad told me he doesn't believe in the internet"...Every college kids worst nightmare.


- "Well Dad, they finally got me a car, it's a 1986 Honda civic, and seat is welded in the front position...the steering only wobbles a little, it doesn't have a second gear, and the tires have no tread...But it's really cool!"....This from a 6'6" 250.

Followed two weeks later by....

“NO! NO! Don’t call them! I need this car! No, Really I can live without the brakes. MY real question is Do I use the emergency break or is it better to throw the car into park when I have to stop quickly?”....again,

Followed a few days later by...

“Oh, and Dad, another quick thing before you go. Uh, exactly what does it feel like when you hit someone? I think I swerved and missed them when the brakes failed, but I’m not sure. Now I’m sitting in the car in the middle of a bush. What do I do now?” ...double


- "Dad, do I have a passport? They say I need it to get across the border" Followed a few days later by "Did you know it's legal to drink in Canada when you are 18? This is the bomb!"


Got a bunch more, but you get the idea...

One thing you CAN do that will make a difference find a local team (they are ALWAYS looking for housing), and house SOMEONE ELSES young man on your end for a couple months. Doesn't do a thing for yours directly, but there can be great peace of mind and satisfaction (as well as good Karma) knowing that you have some other families back and are treating their son well. Maybe mine!


44

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Priceless stuff 44.

Those are classic!

Since mine is heading out on Tuesday 3,000 miles away , that is totally hilarious to me, I had quite a few similar calls from college, can't wait to see what goes on this summer. You have just inspired me to start a journal, 44 !

Well, y'all were right it does work out. My son's been there only three days but I can tell his host family has made him feel right at home. He seems to be having alot of fun both with his new teammates and his host family's sons. Such a relief! Now I can only hope I don't get any of O44's phone calls or the like...Thanks again...

44 -- those were absolutely hilarious! Thanks for making my day.

ORMom -- glad to hear everything worked out fine. My son has a GREAT host family as well. I'm very thankful!

My son flew out east for his summer assignment at the beginning of the week. After not hearing from him for 2-days I tracked him down and spoke with him. It went like this:

How was the trip? ... Fine
How is the home that you are staying at? ... Fine
What do you think your coach? ... He's OK
What is the town like? ... Nice
What is the field like that you will be playing at? ... It's OK
Do you need anything? ... No
Will you call us after your first game? ... Yes

So what do you think the odds of him calling after the first game? ..........I think it is a long shot at best.

ILVBB...

Are you absolutely certain you called your son and not mine???

For the most part as others have said it works out.

But realize there are stronger leagues organizationaly then others and there are stronger volunteer on certain teams. For future reference once your Son is assigned I would contact team GM or Housing person well ahead of time just to touch base and get a feel for how they run things. It will either give you piece of mind or help your Son prepare for contingencies.

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ILVBB...

Hilarious and so true...but not to worry...as you know, the conversation gets significantly longer when they want something...

...like $.

44
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Put son on the plane this morning knowing that deep down inside he didn't want to go. I know that he'll feel better once he gets there and meets his new team, most all will be going through the same thing. Summer ball kicks in soon and they'll all be back in the groove again.
Just the same... it's tough on kids leaving home time and time again. And it's tough on parents watching them go. I wish he could have stuck around a bit longer. Mine has probably seen more airports in the last two years than I have in the last 10. Godspeed to all those young men and women overseas serving their country. I guess that puts it all into perspective.

Peace, Spiz

I have found my son responds quite rapidly to texting. We actually carried on a rather nice "conversation" together after his game last night...heck...the most I've talked to him over the wireless lines, prolly, I mean probably.