KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) With the first pitch of summer fast approaching, the Keene SwampBats are putting out a final call for host families and game-day volunteers.

The team, part of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, opens its season on the road June 3 against the Danbury Westerners, with the home opener set for June 4 at Alumni Field against the Upper Valley Nighthawks.

As they prepare to welcome a new roster of college players, the SwampBats still need housing for about 10 of them. President Kevin Watterson and Director of Operations Sarah Culp joined WKBK Monday morning to encourage potential host families to reach out. Families must live within 20 minutes of Alumni Field, have a spare bedroom, and be willing to provide some meals. The hosting period runs from early June through early August.

In return, families receive perks including a lifetime pass to SwampBats games and a free week of camp for children in the household.

The team also relies on about 50 volunteers each home game to keep things running smoothly. They’re currently recruiting for a wide range of roles including ticket takers, raffle sellers, concessions workers, grill masters, potato handlers, golf cart drivers, and mobile vendors in the stands.

For more information or to sign up, visit swampbats.com, email SwampBatsRibby@gmail.com (for volunteers), and host families may call Pauline Dionne at 357-1761. You can also reach her at pdionne@ne.rr.com.