Sterling, pictured here with my husband, Steve, was last in Afghanistan in 2004. These days he is stationed closer to home as an instructor. Sterling proudly wears his uniform to most games, so he should be easy to spot at the next game. Tell him you appreciate his service to our country!
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Orem Owlz host families are vital to the organization. Rookie League players get paid very little per month. After paying for rent and food, most of the players are left with as little as $400-500 a month. Host families not only provide the players with free room and board, but with some of the comforts of home.
I was lucky to meet a wonderful host family at the second game of the season. Bruce and DaraLee Jackson of Mapleton have been attending Orem Owlz games for years. In fact, they have been attending minor league baseball games in the valley since the Provo Angels came to town. Several years ago, the Jackson's daughters begged their parents to host some Owlz players. Bruce and DaraLee liked the idea, but decided that hosting a bunch of 19 year-old boys could be a little worrisome with their teenage daughters living at home. When the nest became empty three years ago, they became a host family.
Four pitchers--Patrick Lowery, Michael Morin, Nataniel Rodriguez, and Yancarlos Santiago--currently call the Jackson residence home. They have an apartment above the garage and a spare car to use to get to and from practices and games. Although host families are not required to feed the players, DaraLee prepares a meal for them after every game and makes sure that their apartment is stocked with essentials such as milk, bread, and cereal. The Jacksons never miss a weekday game and are always sitting along the third base line cheering on their boys.
If you would like to host an Owlz player, contact me and I can get you in touch with the right person. I've talked to several host families now and they have all raved about the experience.
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