As summertime starts to come in full force one of my favorite Cape Cod traditions will come to life once again: The Cape Cod Baseball League. "The Cape League" is one of the best summer leagues for prospective future MLB players. As of 2015 there are 292 CCBL alumni currently playing in the majors (CCBL.com). Present day hotshots such as Jason Kipnis (who has eaten pasta at my counter, who can say that?!) have played down here, just as old time favorites like Jason Varitek and Nomar Garciaparra.
Basically top prospects come from around the country and play for one of the ten teams scattered throughout the Cape. They stay with host families, play ball almost everyday, and try to squeeze in a few beach days when they can. My family and I are lucky enough to be a host family for one of these teams.
Heading into our eighth season of hosting I can honestly say that my life has been changed for the better due to my "summer brothers." These kids walk into our house almost a total stranger, but by the end of our two months together they are a permanent fixture of our family. After a few days of awkward interactions the day we all click is one of the best days of summer. Somehow along the way whomever is staying with us for that year is becomes part of our family forever. Each brings fresh air into our home and plenty of new stories to tell.
I tend to like having an older brother for a few months out of the year, as I have a lot of younger siblings it's nice to have someone my age around the house. They sit and eat dinner, engage in family time, and make sure everyone get home safe if its a late night just like if they were raised in this house. Each has their own personality and talent. Regardless of this fact, they all mesh into your family seamlessly, everyone finds their place within the family structure. We have had all kinds of people walk through our door from ridiculously funny, to quiet, to the all-american guy. They change our family dynamic, and force us to open ourselves up to people who could be totally different. Although on a whole there are more similarities than differences between us and them, but really none of that matters because after all they are basically family.
Because they become an older brother figure you forget that they have such a unique talent making MLB draft day a highlight in any host family's calendar. Sitting, waiting, and wishing that your summer brother gets drafted is one of the weirdest feelings. You are obviously aware they are gifted, but you often forget when they are simply sitting on your couch or jokingly telling your family what time you rolled in the door last night. When their name is called you fill up with a joy that is so pure you want to scream (and you do). You're just as proud as their own families (maybe a little less, but probably not) because much like them they are one of your own.
Regardless of all of this the best day is the day you watch them on television because they made it. All of the injuries, blood, sweat, and tears were worth it. Trust me even if you only have them for the summer you still see it all. I would freeze the moment we watched our first player take his first MLB at bat if I could. That moment is priceless, and nothing can come close to describe just how cool it is to soak it all up.
Each team recognizes families like mine in an annual ceremony. Last year I was the only one in my family to make it, but the smiles on our players faces were worth it all. They honestly enrich our lives so much how could I not do this for them. While we sit there and get clapped for and our picture taken what I don't think anyone realizes is that it's our pleasure to host these players. We don't do it for the money or the possibility of knowing someone famous, but instead for the love of it and for the love of the game.
As a host family we gave gained so much from this unique experience. We have learned a lot about ourselves as a family, about how people operate in other families, and of course plenty about baseball. As we get ready to host someone new I get thrilled to have another brother because everyone knows you can't have too many siblings. So, thank you to the Cape Cod Baseball League for enriching so many families lives, but especially my own. The biggest thank you to all of my summer brothers for joining our family and making our summers full of love and joy each and every year.
