‘We’re a baseball family’

EVERETT – It takes just seconds to discover how the Whitts feel about baseball.

From the doorway of their home, which is located just a few blocks east of Evergreen Way, one can see the Whitts’ unusual china cabinet. Instead of protecting spotless, seldom-used dinnerware, the cabinet displays signed baseballs, photos and years’ worth of ballpark memorabilia.

Take a quick glance at the backyard to find more conclusive evidence: the Whitts’ very own batting cage.

And then there’s the pile of 100-plus bats in one of the home’s three bedrooms.

“We’re a baseball family,” said Lisa Whitt, 41.

Over the last six years, the Whitts – Lisa, Mark, also 41, Matt, 16, and Max, 12 – have voluntarily housed 15 Everett AquaSox, including two this season. But the Whitts claim they aren’t doing anything special. In fact, they seem to feel a bit guilty about the whole thing.

The Whitts believe they’re the lucky ones. Each summer from June to early September, they get to immerse themselves in their favorite sport by cheering for and hanging out with professional ballplayers who come from all over the world.

For Matt and Max the experience means having, at least temporarily, some of the coolest big brothers in town. Matt plays high school baseball and Max competes in Little League.

“They can’t get enough baseball,” Mark Whitt said of his sons.

Over the years, AquaSox houseguests have taught baseball tips to the two youngsters and given them a chance to befriend their idols. Despite those perks, Matt and Max make quite a sacrifice – the brothers give up their bedrooms and crash on couches during the Northwest League season.

As for Lisa, she said cooking loads of extra food is no big deal, especially since the players rarely are picky eaters.

The Whitts can downplay their service all they want, but Greg Hunter, the Mariners’ director of minor league operations, said Everett host families are incredibly important. At Peoria in the Arizona Rookie League, which is one step below Everett, players stay in a dormitory and they have time to take care of basic needs.

However, upon being promoted to Everett the athletes have more responsibilities, and thus less time to worry about the details of daily life.

“It just makes it easier … so they can concentrate on baseball,” Hunter said. “It’s a real strong program, and they do a great job.”

Everett has more host families than any other Mariners affiliate. Marshall Hubbard, an AquaSox infielder, said he’s grateful he landed with the Whitts.

“It’s been great,” Hubbard said. “You can tell they are very nice and open people. You need that to be a host family. They’re a lot of fun. It’s easy to fit in.”

The Whitts provide more than just a welcoming atmosphere. They also give Hubbard a supportive boost on the field.

“They come to every game, they provide for us,” Hubbard said. “You can’t ask for much more than that.”

Everett outfielder Mike Wilson also lives with the Whitts. He described them as a down-to-earth family. He enjoys going to Max’s baseball games and pitching to both Whitt children and their friends in the family’s batting cage.

The hosting experience seems like the perfect match for players and family, but how long can the Whitts keep it up?

“As long as it stays fun,” Mark Whitt said. “We’ve been very, very lucky with all the players that have come here.”

And a handful of AquaSox have been fortunate to end up with the baseball-loving Whitts.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.