River Bandits accepting applications for player host families in the Quad Cities

In less than two months, the 2015 roster of the Quad Cities River Bandits will arrive from Spring Training and begin the 140-game Midwest League schedule. Families in the Quad Cities have the exciting opportunity to host one or more players as they pursue their baseball careers in the Houston Astros organization through the River Bandits Host Family Program.

The River Bandits are looking for host families in the community to house one or more players for the 2015 season. Players will be in need of housing from early April through mid-September.

"Few people have the opportunity to be part of a young baseball player's life the way host families are," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We are grateful to our current host families who have graciously opened their homes, and we look forward to more families providing support that contributes to River Bandits players' success both on and off the field."

Ideal host families commit to the entire season (April-September), live within a 15-minute drive of Modern Woodmen Park, and are able to provide each player with free room and board, his own room and access to a kitchen, as well as a clean, safe, and healthy home environment. Host families are not financially compensated.

To learn more about being a host family for the 2015 season, or to apply to host a River Bandits player, families may visit riverbandits.com/hostfamily for information and the downloadable application form. Completed applications and questions can be directed to Travis Painter by emailing [email protected] or calling the River Bandits front office at 563-324-3000.

UP NEXT: For Valentine's Day weekend, the River Bandits are offering a $3 discount on registration for the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. Use the code "BEMINE" to get $3 off on registration at riverbandits.com/5k, only through Feb. 15. There is also still time to save money and enjoy exclusive benefits as a ticket plan holder for the 2015 River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park. With a ticket plan of 12 to 70 games, receive free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaways and more. Call 563-324-3000 to speak with a River Bandits account representative and lock in seats for the upcoming season.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.