Baseball might be played at the field—but for teams like the Hoptown Hoppers, the season starts at the front door of a host family’s home.
Charlie Henderson is the president of the Hoptown Hoppers. He says financial sponsorships help—but finding homes is the biggest challenge.
Each summer, local families open their homes to college players—many hundreds of miles from their own. Some even welcome players back for a second year.
Head Coach Chris Benne has worked with summer league teams across the region. But he says Hopkinsville’s host families stand out.
That bond doesn’t stop when the summer ends. Many families stay in touch with their players—and even follow them throughout their careers.
For some players, this is their first taste of southern hospitality. For others, it’s a second family—and a second home.
And for the families? It’s a chance to be part of something bigger—shaping not just athletes, but future fathers, mentors, and citizens.
