With the Henderson Flash currently enjoying an 11-game winning streak, there has rightfully been much attention placed on what’s happening on the diamond. Good pitching, timely hitting, aggressive baserunning and team chemistry have produced a dominant run and made for an exciting summer.
Behind the on-field success lies another essential element for any summer league baseball team: a collection of host families that open their homes to players from out of town, providing a supportive environment that allows them to succeed on and off the field.
“Without our host families, we wouldn’t even exist,” team owner Clay Bolin said. “We’ve got a great group of host families to take care of what we’ve got to do and provide for these guys.”
Choosing to become a host family can be a difficult decision. It is a major commitment that requires opening one’s home to complete strangers. The players spend long hours at the ballpark nearly every day and often do not make it home until late at night. Most of them are young adults in their first or second year of college still trying to figure out life on their own. However, despite its challenges, many of the host families and the players find it to be a rewarding experience.
Kevin and Kathy Patton are one of the families that have played host to numerous players since the Flash’s inception in 2016. Kevin, longtime sportswriter and self-proclaimed “baseball guy,” stated that it was his love for the game that made it an easy decision to become a host family. The Pattons have hosted around 21 players during that time, saying that their house just kind of works for it because they have the extra room.
Patton talked about how he and his wife began the journey and why they chose to continue.
“We decided to have two players and that’s kind of how we got started. It was a great experience in year one. I’ve told those two guys multiple times that if they hadn’t been just wonderful, maybe we wouldn’t have done it again,” Patton said.
Gordy and Traci Tyler have been Flash fans since the beginning, but only just began hosting players last year. Gordy had first-hand experience as a young baseball player who had to be hosted by other families. They had been thinking about it for a long time, and were eager to jump at the chance when asked to do it.
The Tylers have two children, Abbi Kate and Huddy. Having school-aged children is another important factor for parents considering this opportunity. For the Tylers, though, it has been an “awesome experience” that their kids have loved. Traci stated that they often have groups of players at their house watching TV or swimming, just hanging out together and building their team chemistry.
“We treat them like they’re an extension of our family. We make sure they have what they need. We take them to dinner and are at their games and support them any way that we can,” Traci said.
One of the surprises that host families encounter is how deep a relationship they develop with both the players and their families in just one summer. Bolin stated that the exchange between host families and their players is mutually beneficial. Having great host families helps to attract talented players to the Flash each year, while having young men who are humble and respectful creates a positive experience for those generous enough to take in players.
“We’re asking our host families to open up their homes to them for the summer. I take a lot of pride and we spend a lot of time on making sure we’re bringing in high-character, high-quality kids that will represent us well in the community,” Bolin said.
Aside from recruiting players of high character, it’s also crucial to match players with families to whom they would be the most compatible. Over the past few years, Brandi Hauser has begun helping Bolin coordinate the process of finding families and placing players with hosts. Hauser said the team considers things such as their hobbies and number of siblings so that they can find the right fit for each athlete.
Brandi and her husband Aaron, who also works with the players on the field, have been a host family for five years. They have felt blessed to have amazing players over the years. They’ve been impressed with the example these college students have set for their own children.
Patton echoed those sentiments, noting that he wasn’t sure what to expect from his college guests, but found that their work ethic was one of the biggest surprises to him. He noted that the guys are having fun, but the first thing one learns is about the amount of time spent practicing and playing baseball.
“They’re here to work. This is a job for them. They’re here to play baseball and get better for their colleges,” Patton said.
Living in a stranger’s home also presents a unique challenge from the player perspective. Mason Bratcher, who is staying with the Pattons, spoke on what it was like to join a new household temporarily.
“I was a little nervous at first, but Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Kathy drove down to my hometown to meet me. When I heard that I would be staying with them, I wasn’t really as nervous. They’re really great people,” Bratcher said.
While it is a fulfilling experience for the families, the players also find benefits outside of home-cooked meals and a place to stay. Robert Hicks, who is rooming with Bratcher in the Pattons’ home, said that he has already learned an important life lesson from his time here in Henderson.
“It’s important for people to put themselves out of their comfort zones and see how they will react and see how they treat other people,” Hicks said. “It’s important, especially for kids my age, to try new things.”
For anyone considering hosting a Flash player in the future, each of those interviewed said the greatest incentive of the situation is meeting new people and building strong relationships.
“Really, it comes down to relationships. Baseball brings these players to Henderson. It brings them to our home, but the relationships that we develop keep them a part of our family long after the season ends. It’s that impact that not only you’re having on them, but that they’re having on your family as well,” Hauser said.
