Surf Dawgs announce return of Host a Surf Dawg in 2006
May 12, 2006 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
San Diego Surf Dawgs News Release
Fans can once again experience professional baseball through the life of a player. In 2006, families will get the opportunity to take a player in to their homes, one who is pursuing their lifelong dream of playing Major League Baseball. They will become the players #1 fan, build an everlasting friendship, and get inside the life of a professional ballplayer.
Our 2005 program found great success. Here's a long letter from Ernie Osborn who was one of our Host Dad's last season:
When we volunteered to be a host family, my family and I [though excited] were a bit nervous and curious as to what we had gotten ourselves into. My wife and I have two young sons. My oldest son is a high school varsity baseball and football player and my younger son an aspiring golfer. I am a 27 year Navy veteran and my wife is a Registered Nurse. We all love sports, especially baseball and football. When we saw the advertisement in the news paper, my wife and I thought "Wow! This could be just like the movie "Summer Catch"!" In the movie, host families housed all the players in the Cape League. What a wonderful opportunity this would be for our entire family to share the experience of a professional baseball player up close. When we queried our sons about our idea, they were elated. I immediately contacted Arlow Morland and I was excited to find that the team was still looking for a few more host families. We quickly filled out the forms provided for us and returned them to Mr. Morland. When I informed my oldest son that I had submitted all the paperwork, he said, "Dad, do you think we'll get a pitcher? That would be too cool!" Well, with no previous indication of which player we would welcome into our home, my thoughts were that any player would be awesome. The Friday before the end of GBL spring training, we received a call from a young man named Jeffery Blitstein. He informed us that he was a pitcher for the Surf Dawgs and that he looked forward to joining us. Wow! Wish number one answered son! We met Jeff and his family right after the Surf Dawgs home opener. What a wonderful experience! At our meeting, my wife assured Jeff's Mother and Father that [though Jeff liked peanut butter and jelly sandwiches] she would make sure that we would provide more than that for meals. My wife was well prepared to ensure that Jeff would enjoy wholesome home cooked meals. Having two sons (one of which is a 6'4" teenage baseball player), my wife and I were ready to provide all the nourishment and comfortable surroundings needed to keep all of "our boys" in top shape, comfortable and entertained. We welcomed our new member of the family with open arms and many questions about baseball. What a great experience it has been! From sharing baseball cards and video games to one Saturday while my sons were playing catch in the back yard, without hesitation, Jeff grabbed one of our many baseball gloves and eagerly joined in. There is wish number two son! An "older brother" and playing catch with a professional baseball player. Who could have ever imagined? We all talk sports, current events and share a love of the game (no matter what the sport). ESPN is a favorite of our family and my sons never hesitate to tell Jeff "We'll be seeing you on there soon!" Our modest young professional player just responds with a very kind and appreciative smile then tells my sons to grab their balls and bats. When Jeff is playing at home, we attend the games and cheer for the Dawgs and him as we feel he is truly a member of our family. When the Dawgs are on the road, we track the games on the Internet and of course, we miss Jeff at home. My youngest son would ask, "Dad, when's Jeff coming home?" I would reply with "just as soon as he and the Dawgs finish the away games." His response is a very apropos comforted smile. We have indeed enjoyed a wonderful friend, mentor and family member. Jeffery Blitstein's presence in our home has truly been joyful and we look forward to a long lasting kinship. Thank you Jeff and San Diego Surf Dawgs for such a wonderful opportunity and experience as a host family.
Throughout the entirety of a season, friends are made, aspirations of a becoming a major leaguer continues, and bonds are formed. When Florida Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis played Single-A Ball in Kane County, Illi., he stayed with a host family. A year later the Marlins made it to the 2003 National League Championship Game and Willis invited his host family to attend the game. Los Angeles Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez learned to speak English from the daughter of the host family with which he was staying in Lake Elsinore and is now married to her.
"Hosting a player is a long-standing tradition in minor league baseball. It is a very rewarding experience for both the family and the player, often creating life-long relationships. Our players are very courteous and respectful guests who engage with their 'family'. Imagine being an eleven year old kid who gets a professional baseball player as a 'big brother' for the summer. Just awesome!" said Jeff Grow, GM of the Surf Dawgs.
The Host Family Program has been a touching story for those who have been involved. In the past week, KUSI and North County Times got a hold of the announcement and publicized the experiences from the 2005 Host Family Program. For all promotional inquiries and potential stories, please contact the Media Relations Department of the San Diego Surf Dawgs at (619) 282-4487.
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Golden Baseball League Stories from May 12, 2006
- Surf Dawgs announce return of Host a Surf Dawg in 2006 - San Diego Surf Dawgs
- Spring Training in Nine Days - Orange County Flyers
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