It is another grand slam as Friendship Village senior living community and Schaumburg Boomers baseball team enjoy their seventh summer together. The mutually beneficial relationship between the two local community-oriented organizations places two young players in residence at the Life Plan Community, as the seniors enjoy supporting their home team. 

Eight years ago, Boomers management sought housing for its team members who come from around the country for the baseball season. Staying with host families greatly helps to defray costs. Staying at Friendship Village, which is renowned for its vibrant, healthy lifestyle, is a perfect solution. “The residents of Friendship Village experience the energy and excitement of the young players, who 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 Boomers players again this year!”

During the 2019 baseball season, the Boomers players living at Friendship Village are Connor Oliver, an outfielder from Stafford, Virginia, and Gunnar Kines, a pitcher from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Friendship Village has welcomed the players and supported the hometown team through several special events including a meet and greet at the retirement community during which Coop, the team mascot visited. At a special Friendship Village Night at Boomers Stadium, the Friendship Village Choir sang the National Anthem, and residents served as an honorary coach, threw out the first pitch, and participated in a home run derby.

“It’s a great community partnership in which Friendship Village and Schaumburg Boomers are both winning teams,” said Mash.