FIND YOUR SIPPING POINT

family experience so much he’s now one himself. Mike Hanley played from 2011-13 for the Florence Freedom, which was the team’s name prior to being rebranded as the Y’alls in 2020. His connections made from living in the Haven Hills neighborhood in Florence helped him find his career path in real estate.

As soon as Hanley was able to purchase a house in December 2018, he knew he wanted to become a host. He brought in his first player in 2019 and has hosted Harrison DiNicola for the past three seasons.

“I’m five doors down from my original host family,” Hanley said. “Had great neighbors, and some of us are best friends now. Nick Smith across the street got me into real estate, so I got my license when I was done with baseball. It’s just a tight-knit community.”

Hanley, having seen both sides of the experience, said he feels like it’s a brotherhood and he wanted to find a way to continue to help the organization.

“I just like giving back,” Hanley said. “Me and Harrison are like brothers, and I enjoy the company. My girlfriend, Sharon, was a little unsure of it at first but loves it now. She’s his biggest supporter at the games. I know what these guys are going through, and they’re doing this for their love of the game. I did it (so that I could) see these guys doing it and hoping for a look.”

Much like Hanley, Y’alls manager Rhoades is very familiar with the host families operation, having been a journeyman in baseball himself. He calls Florence the best situation out there for independent leagues.

“It really makes it super easy for me to sell to guys that are deciding on coming here,” Rhoades said. “It keeps morale up when they come home with these guys knowing they have a home they can go to and get their own personal space. If we didn’t have this, it would be impossible to do.”

The host families are an essential element of keeping the organization running. Sure, they aren’t stealing second base or coming on in relief in the seventh inning. But they’re playing their own important role with the team – helping players trying to fulfill their childhood dreams – and building lifelong friendships along the way.

IMAGINE THIS…

an experience centered around five Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Distilleries.

Local bourbon-centric bars, all with a culture of their own, and all named to The Bourbon Review’s list of The Best Bourbon Bars in America. Finally, mix in amazing restaurants cultivating the freshest tastes in bourbon culinary delights and you’re on the The B Line®