It’s a grand slam as Friendship Village Schaumburg and members of Schaumburg Boomers enjoy their sixth summer together. In the win-win relationship between the two local community-oriented organizations, Friendship Village is hosting three members of the professional baseball team for the summer. 

Seven years ago, Boomers management was looking for housing for its young players who come from around the country. Staying with host families during the baseball season greatly helps defray costs. Staying at Friendship Village, which is 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,” said Patricia Mash, vice president of planning and marketing for Friendship Senior Options, the parent organization of Friendship Village. “Since we first started this arrangement in 2012, it’s been a great success and something the residents eagerly anticipate each year. We’re excited to have the opportunity to host Boomer players again this year!”

The 2018 Boomers players staying this season at Friendship Village are pitcher Will Stillman from North Carolina and infielders Collin Ferguson from California and Kenny Towns from Virginia.

Friendship Village has celebrated its visitors as well as its hometown team through several events including a meet and greet at the retirement community. The following Friendship Night at Boomers Stadium featured the Friendship Village Choir singing during the seventh inning stretch, and residents throwing out the first pitch and competing in a home run derby.

“This is a great community partnership for Friendship Village and Schaumburg Boomers. Both teams win,” said Mash.