To field a summer 2022 team in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League, the Shelter Island Bucks need housing. General Manager Brian Cass explains how to become a host family.
Bucks need housing!
“We want to bring the Shelter Bucks back next summer and you can help make that happen,” Cass wrote in an open letter to the community. “Since 2021 we’ve enjoyed our own summer baseball team, the Shelter Island Bucks.”
“Unfortunately, the Bucks season was suspended last year due to a lack of host families here. But we can fix that in 2022.”
The Bucks are part of what was a seven-team HCBL roster. The league continued to play in 2021 with six teams from the North Fork, Riverhead, Sag Harbor, Southampton, and Westhampton, along with a South Shore Clippers team.
Cass provided the following Frequently Asked Questions about housing Shelter Island Bucks players.
Become a host family FAQs
What do hosts provide?
A room, regular bed, access to laundry, and the kitchen. Providing food and internet access is not required, but encouraged.
Is there any financial support?
Yes. A stipend of $50 per week per player.
Do I have to provide transportation?
Nope. Some players have cars and they’re encouraged to carpool.
How long is the season?
The season runs from around Memorial Day weekend to July 31.
Can I host more than one player?
Yes! Those who would like to host multiple players are invited to do so.
Do the players have rules?
The athletes are expected to adhere to each family’s rules, whether it’s a curfew, cleanliness standards, or assigned chores. Summer baseball is a “road test” for what it’s like to be in the majors. The HCBL stresses to the players that they’re being judged not just on athletic performance, but also on the positive image they put forth.
What is a player’s daily itinerary like?
Each team will play a 40-game regular-season schedule; those that qualify will participate in the playoffs. For the games that begin at 5 PM, players are expected at the field for early-afternoon warmups and batting practice. On days off, they may work a part-time job. They’re also invited to speak to Little Leagues and participate in local charity work.
Am I required to attend the games?
No. But many host families line the field at the park to support the team.
Can I choose which player I board?
If you have a child that plays a specific position, or you want to house a player from a specific university, we will work to accommodate that request.
Who do I contact for more information about hosting?
Call Shelter Island Bucks General Manager Brian Cass at 631-445-0084 or send him an email.
Join the HCBL Christmas Raffle
While the Shetler Island Bucks need housing, the team and league need funding. That’s why the stalwart Bucks supporters at Shelter Island ACE Hardware are selling $10 tickets for the HCBL Christmas Raffle. You can also purchase them from Cass.
The grand prize is a one-week stay in a luxurious Puerto Rico villa. The winner can select any week between now and August 31, 2022. Villa Navillus Sur has four bedrooms — one with a king bed, one with a queen bed, one with two twins, and one with a single bed — and room for air mattresses.
Located on top of a hill with gorgeous views, the private, serene and safe villa has an infinity pool, sculpture garden, and is minutes from fabulous beaches. Just 10 minutes away in Culebra is world-famous Flamenco Beach and much to explore, from snorkeling and scuba to hiking and more.
Cash prizes range from $250 to $1,000, and there are dozens of other prizes. Read about them in this post.
