By C.D. DESALVO
Hays Post

The Hays Larks collegiate baseball organization is looking for host families to provide room and board for college baseball players who will spend their summer playing for the Larks.

Currently, eight host families are needed, in addition to the 19 families already signed up. Players report to the team on May 29 and 30 and usually play for about eight weeks. During that time, players report to Larks Park at 4:30 p.m. for home games and will have numerous two-night road trips.

“It’s a lot of families with kids, but we have had single people keep players, couples with children that are grown and out of the house … there’s no requirement in that regard. It can be anyone who is willing to host a player for eight or nine weeks,” Barb Leo said.

It is normal to have reservations about having a stranger living in your home for the summer, but Leo said that some families have hosted for many years and have special bonds with the players long after they leave.

“It’s like having a son for the summer. There have been lots of great relationships that have been created,” she said. “I know a lot of people enjoy going to Larks games … the less homes we have, the less players we are able to bring in to have a competitive team.”

If would like additional information about hosting for this season, contact Leo at (785) 259-6180 or send a message on the Larks’ Facebook page.