The dream of playing professional baseball can seem like an impossibility for many. That's why the Mavericks Independent Baseball League - home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes - is once again partnering with families and organizations across the community to host traveling players for its upcoming Summer 2025 season, lasting from May 7 to August 31.
The league is asking Salem-Keizer families to open their homes to provide temporary housing for athletes traveling from across the country, and across the world. A host family information session will be held on Sunday, March 16, at 2 pm. at the stadium.
"Since the creation of the Mavericks League in 2021, we've partnered with hundreds of families to give aspiring players the opportunity of a lifetime," says league co-founder Lisa Walker. "These young adults come to our community hoping to become the next great professional baseball player. We are excited to see host families' step up to the plate' year after year to support them."
Walker explained that the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes' shift from being a Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate to an independent league created a surge in demand for host families.
"Prior to 2020, the Volcanoes and their 30+ players were hosted by families in our community. As a result of Major League Baseball's contraction after the COVID pandemic and 25 years, the Volcanoes were no longer an affiliate of MLB. To save high-quality baseball for the region, the Volcanoes created an independent baseball league in 2021 with four teams. While this move was very well received by fans, the need for host families immediately quadrupled," Walker said.
Affordable housing remains a challenge for individuals starting their professional sports careers. Many players, especially those from traditionally marginalized communities, forgo opportunities simply because they can't find an affordable short-term rental.
"Because of our amazing host families, players don't have to undergo the stressful and financially burdensome process of finding housing. We ensure they have a safe place to live as soon as they arrive," Walker added.
For international players, traveling to a foreign country to play baseball can be a very intimidating experience. Mavericks League host families play a significant role in acclimating international players to a new culture while providing loving support along the way.
"Host families allow us to play a game we love. Without host families, we wouldn't be playing baseball," said Angeddy Almanzar, current Salem Senators catcher. "The Mavericks league give us an opportunity to play baseball at a higher level. There are a lot of professional players that play in this league."
As a thank you for hosting a player, the Mavericks League offers host families a series of perks, including:
- 2 season tickets for each player hosted
- 1 free parking pass for each game
- Free access to the streaming service for all games
- 20% off selected items in the Team Store
- Early entrance to watch batting practice.
Fans, churches, and organizations that are interested in hosting a player(s) should contact Lisa at 503-851-3111 or the team's housing coordinator, Jeff Hooper, at 541-301-0358. Jeff and Lisa can also be reached at jeff@iecoregon.org or lisa@mavsleague.com.
Source: Mavericks Independent Baseball League