The Syracuse Spartans baseball organization is seeking families to host its collegiate baseball players during its inaugural season this summer.
The newest member of the New York Collegiate Baseball League, the Syracuse Spartans will play home games at Dick Rockwell Field at Le Moyne College. The team has recruited 29 players from across the country to play a 46-game regular season schedule in June and July.
Host families from across Central New York are needed to house players during their two-month season, which will include up to six games and practices a week. Prospective host families are asked to provide sleeping quarters for players as well as some meals; a host family agreement is signed by both parties to establish house rules and expectations.
“We hope that this program will establish lifelong relationships and lasting memories for both the players and host families,” said J.J. Potrikus, the team’s general manager and owner.
Potrikus said he hopes to create an environment similar to his collegiate baseball experience, which included a summer playing for the NYCBL’s Hornell Dodgers.
“I’ve played in leagues like this all over the country,” said Potrikus. “I had a great experience and felt connected with the communities where I played.
“We are creating a new brand of baseball,” Potrikus continued. “We will not only have the opportunity to share our community with these players, but also our passion for the game. We will teach these kids how to play the game the right way and hopefully leave a lasting impression on the youth players of this game.”
The collegiate team will also interact with younger players in the Syracuse Baseball Prep and Syracuse Spartans organizations. Host families will receive season passes for home games, and can volunteer a child to serve as bat boy/girl for at least one game.
“We want to show them what competitive baseball looks like,” Potrikus said of the younger players. “This will help us make connections with baseball programs across the country and learn from them.”
To learn more about the host family program, please contact JJ Potrikus at 315-720-4251 or syracusespa
