The Alexandria Aces are grateful to our wonderful host families, who provide our players with “homes away from home” during the summer season. There are many rewards to hosting a Cal Ripken League Baseball Player, including great family memories and lifetime bonds.
Like every team in the CRCBL, the Aces are always in need of new host families. Without the generous support of all our host families, there is no team. Players stay with families from early June to early August. If you are interested in becoming a host family please contact Siobhan Casey at siokelleher@yahoo.com.
We want to thank all of the families that have volunteered to host for the 2022 season. The success of the Aces experience has been the unbelievable support of the host families throughout Northern VA and into DC and MD. We can’t do it without you!
THANK YOU!
Alexandria Aces Host Family Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are we expected to provide the player as a host family?
A: Aces players often work jobs (such as the Aces Youth Camps) during the day, and play games at night. Therefore, their needs are relatively simple: private room, bathroom and laundry room access, a place to park a car, and a family to cheer them on.
Q: Will the player have a car? If not, will we be expected to drive him places?
A: About two-thirds of the players have their own car. Players who do not have cars are strategically housed close to players who do have cars, so their teammates can provide them rides. We do not expect host families to drive our players around.
Q: We would like to host a player, but we are leaving town for vacation for two weeks in July, and don’t feel comfortable leaving the player alone in our home. Is it possible to still participate?
A: We would prefer not to have players move once they have settled in with a family. However, there are times when host families are going on vacation at separate times, and they share a player that way. If we can match you with another family in this way, it might be possible for you to host this summer.
Q: My child is a shortstop. We would love to have a shortstop stay with us. Is it possible to request a certain position player?
A: Because of the sometimes complicated logistics of placing players with allergies into pet-free families, locating players with and without cars close to each other, and placing returning players (or new players from the same university) with the previous host family, it is not always possible to honor these types of requests. However, we will do our best to fulfill this request.
Q. We have a cat. Do you make sure that players don’t have pet allergies?
A: We ask about allergies and whether host families have pets to ensure that allergic players aren’t housed with animals they can’t be around.
Q: What happens if there’s a problem with the placement?
A: Historically, we have had minimal problems with placements. The Aces players appreciate host families’ hospitality, and behave as guests in your home. If there is a minor problem, we ask that you contact the host family coordinator, who will work to try to resolve it with the player. If there is a major problem, we will remove him immediately.
Q: Will players be using our phones? We don’t want to get late-night phone calls!
A: Players bring cell phones and other electronic devices to use for their phone calls.
Q: I’m really hoping that we can host a player who will help our child with his baseball skills. Is this possible?
A: All host family situations are unique, and your player and your child could certainly have that kind of relationship. However, you should keep in mind that the Aces players are rather busy between work and the schedule of 5 or more games a week. Some players do not interact as much with their host family as others do.
Q: What rules are there about drinking and using drugs?
A: Drugs are strictly forbidden, as is underage drinking, although some players are over 21 and can legally drink. However, even if your player is over 21, feel free to establish your home as a no-drinking zone, and please do not give underage players alcohol. At the beginning of the season, we supply host families with a contract. Although we do ask players and families to sign that form, it really is a forum for families and players to frankly and honestly discuss the details and rules of a player’s stay with that family.