The newest addition to Jefferson County baseball is the relocation of the former Luray Wranglers to the area. Now known as the Charles Town Cannones, the summer collegiate baseball team competes in the Valley Baseball League. The league is endorsed by the National Collegeiate Athletic Association and sponsored in part by donations from Major League Baseball.

The team players are college level players who give their summer to step onto the field and play the sport they love. While serving as a member of the Cannons, each player is in need of a host family to “adopt” them for the summer season.

Hosts agree to open their homes to one or more players for the summer, thereby making a difference in the lives of these young men. The team is still in need of a few families for this year. Players are scheduled to arrive in Jefferson between May 27 and June 15 so time is of the essence.

General Manager Steve Sabins recently shared some of his personal experiences as a player residing with host families. Sabins said that during his summer collegiate play and coaching days he spent time with four different families in Florida, Colorado and Virginia.

“The summers I spent with host families were amazing, unique and helped shape the person I have become today,” he said. He went on the share the benefit of the long-lasting relationships he formed over the years with those families.

As head coach last year with the Winchester Royals, Sabins said that his host family, Howard and Karen Scmitt, provided an amazing living experience. The couple welcomed not only Sabins but also his assistant who now serves as the Cannons’ head coach, into their home.

“The Schmitt’s provided us with linens, internet access, refrigerator space, support and the more-than-occasional dinner,” he said. “They attended games when they were free and always kept up with the scores in the newspaper,” he continued.

Sabins makes the plea to local families in Jefferson County to provide that same type of experience for the players on the Charles Town Cannons team.

“We envision this team as being built on a strong host family foundation,” Sabins said.

For those who may be interested in hosting a player for the summer season, contact Stacy Locke at ctcannons@aol.com or call 703-220-1703.