Why the Season Looks a little Different for Us as a former baseball host family
Baseball season is back—and as a former baseball host family, this time of year means our TVs, weekends, and travel plans are about to revolve completely around the game. But if you’ve ever asked us, “Who’s your team?”… you’ve probably realized the answer isn’t simple.
Because for us, baseball stopped being just about teams a long time ago.
It Started With the Mets (Of Course)
Before anything else—yes, we are Mets fans. My late mother was a Yankees fan, and her partner of 10 years is a diehard Phillies fan. I still chat baseball with him from time to time and inform him of changes in our host sons’ teams.
My husband however, has been a Mets fan since birth. No, really.
It’s a slightly unhinged, often disappointing commitment… and somehow, we’re still all in. (40 years since a World Series win, but who’s counting?)
Then Came the Padres
Living on the West Coast, we adopted the Padres as our “local” team.
We even spent a few years as season ticket holders and still try to make it to games whenever we can—especially when the Mets come to town.
At this point, you’d think that would be the whole story…
But that’s really just the beginning.
The Years That Changed Everything
From 2017–2019, we had the opportunity to become a host family for players in the Lake Elsinore Storm organization.
Over three seasons, we welcomed five players into our home—and built relationships with so many more.
If you want the full behind-the-scenes of those years, you can read about each season here:
- 2017 → Hosted: Joey Lucchesi and David Bednar
- 2018 → Hosted: David Bednar
- 2019 → Hosted: Steven Wilson, Nick Kuzia, and Gabe Mosser
Those seasons weren’t just about baseball—they were about opening our home, building lifelong connections, and getting a front-row seat to the grind of chasing a dream.
And once you experience baseball like that… you don’t watch it the same way again.
Where Are They Now?
Over the years, one question kept coming up—
“Whatever happened to the players you hosted?”
So here’s your answer.
Nick Kuzia
Nick was our second player to stay with us in 2019. He would then become part of the Colorado Rockies organization.
Nick reached AAA with the Albuquerque Isotopes in the Rockies organization before retiring from professional baseball. At one point he was with their AA team, the Hartford Yard Goats. This was his time to play near his hometown for a while.
But he never really left the game—he’s now coaching the next generation through his business, Kuz Pitching, sharing everything he learned along the way.
Gabe Mosser
Gabe joined us in 2019 and quickly became a special connection—he’s from Pennsylvania, just about 45 minutes from where we grew up.
After his time in the Padres organization, he spent the 2025 season with the Phillies, pitching close to home. This offseason, he signed with the Mariners, and we’re fully expecting to see his MLB debut soon.
Steven Wilson
Steven Wilson started the 2019 season with us as a reliever for the Lake Elsinore Storm.
He would go on to make his major league debut for the Padres in 2022. Since then, he’s been traded to the White Sox and now, the Rays. Unfortunately, he appears to be on the 60 Day Injured List at the moment, but we can’t wait to see him back on the field.
Joey Lucchesi
Joey was our very first hosted player back in 2017.
After three seasons with the Padres, he was traded to the Mets in 2021—one of “our guys” landing on my husband’s lifelong favorite team. A full-circle moment we’ll never forget. One that I like to say I predicted back in 2018 with this shirt I made when the Mets came to San Diego to face the Padres with Joey starting for the Padres.
From there he went to the Giants, so close to his hometown which is an hour or so outside of San Francisco. After his time with the Giants, he just signed with the Angels. We are excited to have one of the guys playing close by again.
David Bednar
David lived with us during the second half of 2017 and all of 2018. Another Pennsylvania connection, he is from the Pittsburgh area and went to Lafayette College—Matt’s football rival school (he’s a Lehigh University grad).
After making his MLB debut with the Padres in 2019, he was traded to the Pirates (2021)—his hometown team—where he earned the nickname “The Renegade.” During his time in Pittsburgh, David became a two-time MLB All-Star and represented Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
At the last minute of the 2025 trade deadline, he was traded to the Yankees… which, as Mets fans, creates some very confusing moments.
And if that wasn’t enough, he suited up for Team USA again just last month in the World Baseball Classic—making it his second appearance on that stage.
So… Who Do We Root For Now?
At this point, it’s not just one team.
It’s the Mets.
It’s the Padres (when they aren’t playing the Mets).
And in particular innings, when a certain few pitchers are on the mound, it’s the Mariners, Rays, Angels, and Yankees, too.
And when their teams play each other?
Well, we just hope both teams have fun.
More Than Just a Game
Our time as a baseball host family changed the way we see baseball forever. It’s no longer just about standings or stats—it’s about the people, the journeys, and the small moments we were lucky enough to be part of. When we met them they were college-age young men chasing their dreams. Now they’re husbands, fathers, fiancés, home-owners, world travelers, business owners, and so, so much more.
So no, we don’t root for just one team.
We root for the guys we’ve had the privilege to know.
If you were ever a host family for a baseball player, who was it and where are they now? We’d love to hear your stories!
