AABC Connie Mack in New Mexico

NRPMom ~ Congratulations to your son!

While my son has not been to this tournament, he did travel to OK and stayed with host families. They treated them like kings, feed them, took them to the ballpark, washed their uniforms, did activities with them after the game. Made some nice friendships and has some fans that will be following him. In our case, there were generally several boys staying with a family, so a boy wasn't the only player at that particular home.

If it is like it was for our tournament, it is a big deal for the host families ~ they welcome the boys with open arms.

You might check with the coaches, or whomever arranged the families, to get further information for your situation. Tell your son to have fun!!!

NPR MOM - My son went to Farmington last summer with the East Cobb Yankees. He had a great time with his host family. They provided everything he needed, but he did take money for some extra food (there are quite a few fast food places and other restaurants, a small mall, walmart, etc). Most of the host families have children who love hanging out with the ball players. Our players each took their host family a small gift (team t-shirts, hats - they love to have stuff to wear to the games that have your team's name on them).

The city of Farmington really makes a big deal of the tournament, with good attendance at all games. Your son will be asked for lots of autographs at the games.

There are several hotels if you plan to go to Farmington with your son. We stayed down by the River Walk area, there was a nice park with walking trails close-by. During our time off, many of our families went to Durango CO. or to the Four Corners area (both are only a short driving distance from Farmington). The players will usually do something with their host family if they have time off.

Also, plan for rain. We had several rain delays - but the grounds crew did a fantastic job of keeping the field playable. Lastly, tell you son to have fun and enjoy every minute.

Our son went to Farmington in 2003 with the Encinitas Reds. Had a great time. Great host family. Not everyone had as great a family though. Be sure you send money for food. The community treats them like celebrities, with a parade, kids clammoring for autographs. Huge turn-out for the games.

One warning though, once they are eliminated, they are flown out the next day. Be sure someone is available to pick them up at home.

Hi Ladies.....sorry to interfere here, but am doing it anyway. My son also went to the CMWS in 2003 with the Cobras from Michigan.....it was one of the greatest baseball experiences he has ever had.......I would echo what all the other moms have already mentioned.......

Thanks for all the great information. We just got back after losing a tough game to the Florida Bombers. Not bad for a team of 17's playing against some real big boys. The experience was great for my son although I will say I was a little lonely by myself at the hotel, not as many moms as dads make the trip. They were given the option of staying or going home the next day. My sons host family was real nice and they had 2 young boys who idolized my son and his teammate. The town treated them like royalty and I'm sure he will treasure this experience. The funniest moment was when my son went to the local cages and the Bombers were there also. My son started talking to one of the players and asked him what high school he attends. The player looked at him with this questioning look and said "High School, what's that?" It was an eye opening experience!
Thanks again!

We havent traveled down the "host-family" path yet,...am very interested in hearing everyones past/present experiences.

Kinda scarey to hand over our sons to someone we dont know,..I feel your heart strings pinging!,....I bet they have an AWESOME time NRPmom.
What an experience!!
Make sure you give us the whole 411 scoop when he gets back!!

Sooo many memories are being made!!

Shortstopmom,

It was an experience we both won't forget but for different reasons. For me, it was almost a taste of college. Show up for the game but not much other contact. For him, he did more for himself although he had the host mom still feeding him and handling his laundry. His host family was very good to him although his patience was running low with the 2&4 year old boys that wanted to be with him constantly. His brothers are 12&14 so he's not used to someone in his lap and bed all day. Some boys had host families that took them water skiing or bought them CMWS remembrance tokens. I did hear of one family that had their boys removed because the house was dirty, CMWS looked into and decided. All in all it was a great experience and the only thing my son said on the down side was he was tired after having played baseball for 8 months straight. He wished it was earlier in the season, knowing it couldn't be, but he had only about 4 days off in each of the summer months and now he starts school tomorrow with baseball class. Oh to be young again!

NRPmom,
I really enjoyed reading your scoop with my Monday morning mocha! Soo glad things worked out good,..and especially that your son didn't get assigned to the dirty house. ( Ewwwww )
Bet you were glad to see that safe-n-sound face of his when he walked in the door!!!

We too are starting school tomorrow. Son went to summer 07 baseball tryouts,..then zipped home to lifeguard ( trying to make a little moolah in between being on the road,..thank goodness for VERY understanding employers! )for a few hours,....only to suit up for varsity football conditioning a few hours later.

I swear I think he ate for like two hours when he finally got home,..and then thunk,..sound asleep! z-z-z-z-z-z
Anyone know of a cheap milk cow we can purchase and perhaps our own grocery store ta' boot? ha!

He's going to play Fall baseball tournaments on the weekends ( again THANK GOODNESS for extremely understanding coaches who are willing to allow him to step in and play when his football schedule allows him to. They are SAINTS! )and has football practice during the week with games Friday nights. NUTTTTY!!!!!

"OOhhh to be young again",...I second that question with ya! I have no clue how he's going to do it in addition to all of his school responsibilities. I worry a little, ya know? Guess as long as he's convinced this is what he wants to do,...I just want to make sure he remembers that this is his youth,...life is short,..want to make sure he has some fun too. ( not too much over-the-top-crazy-teenager- fun,..but fun )

So for now,...I will just make sure the frig is stocked,...start working on the booster club momentos for the season,...get my youngest daughter who is starting Jr. High today tooo ( scream with meee!! eeek!) all squared away with her ever-so-fashionable, yet, not-over-the-top wardrobe, and has all volleyball tryouts necessities.

The Hubster is deploying back to Iraq in a few weeks,..so thats a whole chapter in its own.

The Fall is coming,..do you all feel it yet? Our corn is finished out here,..the gords are being harvested and the apple cider is showing up in the local stores,....almost time for scarecrows and pumpkins!

Can you believe it?
Hugzzzzzzzzz from the yellow brick road!