With just over a month before the start of the season, the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are scrambling to get more housing for players.

The New England Collegiate Baseball League team has put a call out to Island homeowners in search of host families to put a roof over players’ heads for the upcoming season. Right now, the team is approximately 20 beds short, according to Sharks general manager Russ Curran.  

Coach Curran said hosting players can have a lasting impact on Island youth.

Jonathan Fleischmann

Coach Curran said hosting players can have a lasting impact on Island youth.

Jonathan Fleischmann

“Usually around this time I need 10 beds, and I figure it out,” he said. “It’s our biggest problem right now. It’s sleepless nights for me.” 

About 40 players come to the Island for the 10-week season every summer. According to Mr. Curran, there isn’t one specific reason that the organization is struggling to find host families this season.  

“People who had two players last year went down to one,” he said. “Some people who had one [can’t host] and have family coming and are renting the space.” 

Mr. Curran said there are benefits to hosting players, and the experience can’t be replicated.  

“The first question I get is why don’t you build a dorm or rent a house,” he said. “It’s not the same. It’s the host family experience that’s special. My son is 30 years old and just got engaged over Christmas and two kids invited are players that lived with us when he was 12. It’s lifelong friendships that happen.” 

If Mr. Curran doesn’t find enough families by May 1, he’ll have to look in other directions, including wading into the Island’s notorious summer rental market. 

“My last resort is renting a house,” he said.  

Players come from across the country to play on the team. The Sharks are one of 13 teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League and often play to full stands at the Shark Tank in Oak Bluffs in the summer months. 

Host families get free admission to games and discounts on food and Sharks merchandise. But it’s the memories imparted on the Island youth that’s often the lasting part of being a host family, said Mr. Curran.

“It’s the little leaguers, the youth baseball, that’s the demographic,” he said. “I know it’s hard, but if families can find one bed in their house, you’re going to get a kid who’s going to be a role model.” 

For more information about becoming a host family, contact Russ Curran at 508-813-0380.