"Nothing can compare to the relationships you develop with these boys.  They truly do become part of your family!" - Tim & Deb Norcross, Team Australia Host Parents

The thrill of their lifetime, the experience of yours!

Join your friends and neighbors and host a pair of ballplayers when they come to Harford County for the international crown!  The Cal Ripken World Series is August 14-22, 2009 and features 16 of the world's best youth baseball teams.  Become a host family: the thrill of their lifetime, the experience of yours! 

These sluggers include the Maryland State Champions, a Harford County representative, teams from eight regions across the U.S., and six international teams from Canada, Australia, Mexico, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, and new this year, Japan.  Teams are tentatively scheduled to arrive August 12th and 13th, with Opening Ceremonies on the 14th.   Games will run August 15th through the 22nd. 

To make this event possible, we need 100 host families.  Host families take in two (or more) players for the series, providing food, housing, transportation, etc.   In return, you get the opportunity to learn about other cultures and meet other families in Harford County, while your kids can gain friendships, pen pals, and the opportunity to be batboys or team ambassadors.  In addition, you’ll get t-shirts to support your team, preferred parking, and other perks.  To help host families, we also provide support in the form of coupons and vouchers to local stores/restaurants along with products such as Gatorade, hot dogs, bread and more. 

While it is a big time commitment, hosting is also a very rewarding experience.  Many host families have kept in touch with the players they’ve hosted in the past, and the day the teams leave is often very emotional.  For many of the players, this is the experience of a lifetime; for some, this may only be a hint of what is to come.  For more information on how you can become a Host Family, please call (410) 823.0808 or e-mail kseling@ripkenbaseball.com. 

To learn more about the Cal Ripken World Series visit: worldseries.ripkenbaseball.com

 Download 2009 Host Family Application