FARMINGTON – As the weeks and days get nearer to the start of the Connie Mack World Series later this month, plans are being made on and off the field for games and the activities surrounding the weeklong event.
And much like the teams need a place to play, whether it be Ricketts Park, Worley Field or the Farmington Sports Complex during the annual event, many players coming in from across the country also need a place to sleep between games.
The tradition of being a foster family for players in the Connie Mack World Series has been an integral part of the tournament since it began here in 1965. Families around San Juan County have been hosting players for as long as 20 years in a row.
“Every year, we find new people anxious and wanting to be a part of the foster families,” said Kacy Snyder, who has been serving as chairperson for the CMWS foster families committee for nearly six years. “Some families host as many as five kids during one tournament.”
The CMWS, which opens with on-field play July 21, is not only a major event for sports fans in and around San Juan County, but it also provides the opportunities for families in the community to open their homes to participants from across the nation.
“It’s a really special opportunity for families to connect with the players, and for the players, it takes a lot of the pressure off them knowing they’re going to be taken care of during their time here,” said Snyder.
With regional qualifying tournaments taking place across the country, and with just a few more spots available for teams to reach the World Series, CMWS Chairman Mark Varley said prospective host families can still sign up to take in players in the days leading up to the opening ceremonies.
“We'll take families up until the last minute,” Varley said. “There's already so many people around the community that have opened their arms and their homes for these kids, and that's very encouraging.”
Those willing to take part in the host families will receive a stipend to help offset the cost of food, gas and other expenses.
With the cost of eating out a rather large expense for many, Snyder noted that several businesses offer discounts as well as complimentary options during the series.
“One of the really great things about this community is how businesses look after these kids and the host families,” Snyder said. “We’ve got restaurants, gyms and other businesses that really step up to the plate.”
Families hosting up to three players receive a $250 stipend as well as tickets to the Connie Mack World Series and a section reserved for those families hosting players from their respective teams. Families hosting more than four players will receive a stipend of $500.
With City League action coming to an end next week, some spots are available for prospective families across San Juan County.
“We’re always looking for more, even up until the last minute,” Snyder said.
For many, the tradition has resulted in long-lasting relationships between past players and the families who welcomed them into their homes.
“For families interested in this, it’s an experience of a lifetime,” said Dax Powell, who played in the Connie Mack World Series in 1993. “I played there and coached in the CMWS a few times since then and have kept a relationship with my host family all these years later.”
There are still openings available for those interested in becoming a foster family for the World Series. Snyder said that in years past, some families have come into the program at the last minute.
“It's an ever-changing puzzle, that’s for sure,” Snyder said. “But the more families we can get, the better for the tournament and everyone involved.”
Potential hosts may contact Snyder via email at conniemackfamilies@live.com or by phone at (505) 327-3120.
