Dans players look for host families

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February 19, 2011

For the Commercial-News Commercial-News The Commercial-News Sat Feb 19, 2011, 11:29 PM CST

DANVILLE — Summer wouldn’t be the same without going to Danville Stadium and enjoying a Danville Dans game.

But few spectators think about where the 26 collegiate baseball players that make up the Dans live for two months.

“The Danville area is known for its hospitality,” said Danville Dans managing partner Jeanie Cooke in a press release. “We’re asking families to again volunteer to house these college kids for the summer season.”

The Dans team is a member of the Prospect League, one of the premier college summer leagues in the nation. Baseball players from as far away as California, Texas, Florida and Maryland come to Danville to improve their pitching, fielding skills and hitting with wood bats.

“These players start off as just a houseguest, but over time become part of the family. The memories and relationships host families make with their ‘guest sons’ are invaluable and will last a lifetime,” Cooke said.

Host families have visited their Dan in college, watched them make it to the major leagues, and even attended their wedding.

“A Dan that lived with me one summer still calls me every Mother’s Day,” Cooke said.

“We have several host families that take in a Dan year after year. But we always have openings because of other commitments or changes in family that create the needs for new host families.”

Host families receive two free season tickets, attend a host-family event during the season and get recognized during Host Family Night at the end of the season.

Hosts provide living accommodations and some meals, but do not have to provide transportation for their Dan.

“If you have some young baseball fans that would like a big brother for a summer, or you’re an empty-nester looking for a two-month house guest, the Danville Dans can use you,” Cooke said.

Those interested can contact host family coordinator Erin Griffin at (217) 504-3853 or e-mail Griffin at ecgriff@comcast.net.

For more information about the Danville Dans, visit http://www.DanvilleDans.com

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