When a teenager from halfway around the world arrives with a suitcase, a baseball glove, and a mix of nerves and excitement, it’s not just the start of a tournament—it’s the beginning of something much bigger. Local host families might begin the week eager to share their corner of the world, but they often find themselves just as enriched by what they receive in return.
What unfolds over the week is something much harder to pack away: friendship, connection, and a deeper understanding of the world beyond the ballfield. The families speak of a deeper respect for other cultures and a broadened worldview that stays with them long after the players return home.
According to John Streit, tournament director, each summer, since 1993, international teams arrive in Crystal Lake and surrounding communities to compete in a unique baseball tournament, hosted by McHenry County Youth Sports Association MCYSA). This is a tournament like no other–two sessions, teams from across the country and the globe, no time limits on games, and free to all spectators. The 2025 competition boasts 89 teams representing 3 countries–Brazil, Japan and Canada, and 7 states. There are opening ceremonies featuring a parade of teams and national anthems from each participating country, plus fireworks.
Local families open their homes to players from around the world–turning spare bedrooms into cultural bridges and dinner tables or backyard BBQs into spaces of discovery. We met three families who spoke of an unforgettable week of bonding, camraderie, and relationships that last beyond the universal language of baseball.
Greg and Lisa Kobelinski were introduced to the idea of hosting players by their neighbors on Crystal Lake who opened their home to visiting players from Brazil when their son played in the tournament. Having no children of their own, Greg and Lisa jumped at the opportunity to fill their spacious home on the lake with the energy of teenagers. As Lisa described, little did they know that what would unfold would “leave them forever changed” and now hosting for the fourth time and encouraging their other neighbors on the lake to open their homes, too. This year, the entire Brazil team will be hosted by families on the lake.
While baseball brings them together, the group dinners, trips to Dick’s Sporting Goods (always a request from the Brazilian team on their first day), American fast food and The Freeze builds the bonds. The boys spend their time off the field on the lake boating, swimming, and being treated to lunches and dinners at each of the participating family homes. The excitement and energy are high for that week in July. And the Kobelinskis and their neighbors wouldn’t have it any other way!
For Amanda and David Costa and Hiroko and Kevin Yamada–hosts of players from Japan, the sentiment is the same. Baseball is why they are here, but opportunity to learn about each other’s culture and watching their own children bonding with the visiting athletes, leaves a lasting impression that keeps them sweeping off the welcome mat each year since 2018. The Costas had a son playing in the tournament and learned about the opportunity to host. His playing days are over and the family assumed the hosting would be, too. But ending was not in the cards. Instead, not only will they host 2-3 boys, they are also coordinating gatherings for the entire Japenese team, coaches, and families who traveled here with their player. As David shared, “This is SO much more than baseball. It is the opportunity to learn about another culture and provide our children with an experience that celebrates what unites us as people.”
Kevin Yamada is a Japenese immigrant who came to the States at the same age as these visiting players. Unlike most hosts, he and his family are able to communitcate with the players without the use of Google Translate, which the other families and visiting players rely on. When he arrived, he stayed with a host family for weeks so he has a direct connection to the apprehension, excitement, and wonder that the Japanese players may be experiencing.
Both the Costas and the Yamadas related stories of respect, the Japanese team’s pride without ego, and their humble success. The players are all just excited to be on the field together; an experience like no other.
Young athletes who travel from countries like Japan and Brazil arrive with a sense of excitement, a few nerves, and thoughtful gifts for the families who open their homes– hoping to soak in as much American culture as possible. As Brazilian coach Renato Tiba shares, “We feel extremely privileged to be part of the MCYSA program. It is a benchmark and dream come true for our players. For over a decade, have forged countless friendships, met wonderful people, and learned lifelong lessons.”
Renato relates a story about Fábio Tadashi who stood out for his impressive performance on the field and his exemplary behavior, which led to an invitation to play for a local team the following year, but unsure how his family could afford that. Thanks to a local family from the homestay program who invited him back, Fabio realized his dream of playing and studying in the United States. The family helped Fabio enroll in school and later earn a baseball scholarship to UW Milwaukee. Just one of the many poignant stories to develop out of the tournament.
Annually approximately 30 Brazilian boys arrive in Crystal Lake, where they interact with players from various American teams as well as from other countries. Renato describes the MCYSA tournament as an amazing experience, further enriched by the homestay program, allowing the Brazilian boys to experience American culture firsthand.
By the end of the week, awkward introductions are replaced by tearful “goodbyes for now” and exchanged phone numbers. International coaches and local host families all speak of the heartwarming experience, invaluable lessons, and lifelong bonds of friendship. A reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys start with opening a door. This isn’t just a sports event—it’s a human one.
Check out the MCYSA tournament: July 11-14 and 17-21. Opening ceremonies on July 11 & 17. Fireworks on July 17. mcysasports.org
This is SO much more than baseball. It's the opportunity to learn about another culture.