From the Aberdeen IronBirds:
Dear IronBirds fan,
Aberdeen IronBirds players begin arriving in Aberdeen this week. These players have the potential to become future Baltimore Orioles like Manny Machado, Matt Wieters, Nick Markakis and Kevin Gausman – all former IronBirds. Many of the players have stayed with a Host Family in the past, which created great experiences, lasting memories and friendships between rising stars and the families who helped them make their mark in Aberdeen.
In addition to seeing games, Host Families are recognized at an appreciation event toward the end of the season. But the best part is supporting an up and coming player and getting to know the inside stories and friendships.
If you would like to be considered as a potential host family, please fill out the online application form as soon as possible. You can complete the online application through this link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IronBirdsHost2014
The players begin arriving in Aberdeen on June 8 and will be assigned to their Host Family by June 12. The IronBirds are scheduled to start their season on the road Friday, June 13. The IronBirds first home game is Friday, June 20.
When the players start arriving they will look through all the applications and match themselves up with families. Then they will call you to set up a time to meet you and your family.
If you have any special requests for the player(s), make sure to note it on the application. Please let the player(s) know ahead of time what is expected of them. For instance, if you want them to pay part of the utilities bill, please make note of that.
Once again, we want to thank you for opening your hearts and your homes to the Aberdeen IronBirds.
Both Cal and Bill have big houses have been in both and they could probably put up the entire team. Another option would be hit up AJ Burnnett he’s not home all summer and that’s quite a spread he’s got.
I don’t believe that either one of the Ripken brothers live within a 45 minute drive from Aberdeen, and neither does Burnett. So if you were attempting a serious remedy your solution is highly flawed, and if you were attempting some snarky humor it failed miserably.
Isn’t there a nice big hotel right next to the stadium? I’d guess that there’s usually plenty of rooms available (or is Aberdeen a bigger vacation destination than it appears to be?)
Short season Single-A players make $1100 a month for their first season, and usually get a $50/month raise each additional year. They get $25 per day meal money while on the road (but not at home).
A night at the Marriot next to Ripken Stadium is around $175.
These kids are living on a dream, working very hard with visions of making the big leagues. Some will, some won’t but they make next to nothing in the meantime. Since the wages won’t get them a room anywhere the call goes out for anyone willing to volunteer a player a space in thier home. Imagine being 18 or 19 years old and being yanked all over the country with very little ability to chart your own course…these folks are asking for VOLUNTEERS. Nasty, snarky comments are completely unnecessary, gratuitous and say more about the writer than anything else.
Agreed. Some people forget that the players at this level are just kids! We’re unable to host a player this year due to illness of a family member, but hope we can open our home in future years.
Check with Sible, she takes anyone in.
Art Helton’s apartment in Aberdeen will be available as soon as he loses the primary.