Host families are key to Catfish success both on and off the field

The Cape Catfish have taken the Prospect League by storm this summer as they have raced out to a 26-9 start as they have begun second-half play.

While fans see the success on the field, the lead-up to that success also takes place away from the field as well.

One of the most important aspects of baseball in the Prospect League is the host families that volunteer to house players during the summer.

Betty Voss, who hosts Catfish catcher Tucker Stockman and Catfish infielder Creek Robertson, is in her fourth summer hosting members of the Catfish.

“Many many years ago my husband and I housed Japanese students before they went to college (in the United States),” Voss said. “I remembered what fun that was so I thought I would give it a try.”

Stockman said Voss is great to be around and does whatever he and Robertson might need.

“She spoils us,” Stockman said. “She cooks for us every day and she always has bags of beef jerky we can take on the road. It’s a great experience.”

This summer is Stockman’s first experience living with a host family and he said he is very grateful to Voss for making him feel comfortable from the first day.

“With Miss Betty, it wasn’t weird at all,” Stockman said. “She does a great job of making us feel comfortable.”

Voss said making the players feel comfortable is always her first priority.

“I don’t want them to walk on eggshells around me,” Voss said. “I do my best to make them feel welcome. I try and talk to them on the phone before they get here to find out if they have any certain allergies to food, anything they don’t like to eat, and then if there are certain things they do like to eat. I just want them to be comfortable here because sometimes it’s their first time away from home except for college.”

Voss said she enjoys how different each summer is and the chance to get to know the new players.

“It’s always a pleasant experience,” Voss said. “Sometimes I get to meet these young men’s families and once I meet them I can see why these young men are so nice. I have not had one that I would send back. They’re all different from each other but very pleasant in their own way.”

On top of making them feel comfortable in her home, Voss hopes to support them in chasing their dreams in any way she can.

“I feel like I’m helping them in a way to possibly fulfill a life dream,” Voss said. “And, if not, a lot of times they have something in the background that they want to do and sometimes it’s in sports and sometimes it’s not.”

The opportunity to go to Capaha FIeld every evening is one that Voss enjoys, especially getting to cheer on Stockman and Robertson.

“It’s a tremendous amount of fun,” Voss said. “I always sit in the same seat every year and they know exactly where I’m at and where to look for me if they’re playing. Especially Tucker since he’s the catcher.”

Perhaps the most difficult part of the summer is the ending when the players return to college and Voss’ house is empty.

“It’s almost like when my own kids went away to college,” Voss said. “It’s different. The house is quiet, but I get used to it again.”

The Catfish will hit the road tonight, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. when they take on the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes.

The Catfish are back at Capaha Field at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, when they host Rex Baseball.