Boomers, Friendship Village forge a special relationship

Summer has officially started now that baseball season is in full swing. It's an especially beloved time of the year at Friendship Village in Schaumburg, as the senior living community hosts three Schaumburg Boomers players in their own apartments for the entire season.

This relationship between the two organizations has been a win-win for more than 10 years.

The Schaumburg Boomers, a professional baseball team in the independent Frontier League, plays its home games at Wintrust Field in Schaumburg.

Friendship Village and the Boomers first connected when the team's management was looking for housing for its players who come from around the country. Staying with host families during the baseball season helps defray costs, and Friendship Village, renowned for its healthy, active lifestyle, was the perfect solution.

The residents of Friendship Village experience the energy and excitement of the young players while the players are fulfilling their lifelong dream of playing professional baseball.

This year, three players who stayed at Friendship Village last summer are back again. Chase Dawson from Chesterton, Indiana; Blake Grant-Parks from Yuba, California; and Alec Craig from Sicklerville, New Jersey, are guests at Friendship Village.

Friendship Village celebrates its visitors and hometown team through several events, including a meet and greet at the retirement community.

Recently, approximately 350 residents, family members, friends and staff attended Friendship Night at Boomers Stadium. Friendship Village resident Betty Helsper, celebrating her 95th birthday, threw out the first pitch.

This was followed, mid-fourth inning, by the crowd singing to the birthday girl. Friendship Village residents helped announce the game and also participated in a home run derby.

"Every year, the residents at Friendship Village look forward to this wonderful relationship with the Schaumburg Boomers. This year was special with the three returning players, who were instantly at ease with their Friendship neighbors. The residents were so excited at the game, to cheer for our three starting players with pompoms and signs to show their support," said Carla Smith, director of lifestyles at Friendship Village.

For information, visit www.FriendshipVillage.org.