Hyannis Celebrates Harbor Hawks Host Families

By: Matt Coates

Hyannis held a Host Family Appreciation Night to thank all the generous host families who help this organization run. Hyannis is always looking for host families to house players for the summer and decided to hold this night to show their appreciation. 

The Harbor Hawks organization is thankful for their host families, for the Cape Cod Baseball League could not run without them.

Mason Nichols with his host family.

One of those families Hyannis is grateful for is the Fitzgeralds. Pat and Cathy Fitzgerald have been host parents for seven years. They hosted Mitch Farris for three weeks this season before the Atlanta Braves drafted him. Now the Fitzgeralds are hosting Nick Mitchell.

Pat Fitzgerald was a bat boy for the Orleans Firebirds in the 70s and has been following Cape League baseball ever since. The Fitzgeralds were looking for a way to get more involved with the league, which is why they decided to start hosting players. 

“We still keep in touch with all our former players,” Pat said. “We even have two currently in the major leagues.”

Both Cathy and Pat remark that all their players love baseball, working for the draft. 

“I remember when one of our players was interviewed by a Red Sox scout, he said, ‘All I ever want to do is play baseball,’” Cathy said. 

Cathy and Pat both remarked how nice it is to know the players on a personal level, not just see them make plays on the diamond. 

On July 12th, all host families made their way to the Diamond at McKeon Park for a special pregame ceremony.

Before first pitch, each family walked out with the players they are hosting and were announced over the PA.

Host families were also given a gift bag at the game, and the option to watch the game from the Sky Box.  

Team President Dan Johnson threw out the first pitch. In addition to being the team president, he is a host parent for Cam Smith and Darin Horn.

Darin Horn and Cam Smith with their host family.

The Harbor Hawks want to again offer a big thank you to all host families. The team is always looking for host families to house their players. If you are interested in being a host family, reach out to Courtney Johnson at housing@harborhawks.org. 

Quotes edited for length and clarity.

Matt Coates can be reached at coatesm@misericordia.edu or followed on Twitter @MattCoates14