(CNN) -- When pitcher Josh Faiola walks out of the dugout on opening day with the Lake Erie Crushers, he'll already have a large group of fans in the stands -- his new roommates at the Belvedere of Westlake assisted living facility. Pitcher Josh Failoa stands as residents and friends of The Belvedere of Westlake welcome him Tuesday. The 25-year-old, who was drafted in 2006 by the Baltimore Orioles and is trying to work his way to the majors, admits he was caught a little off guard when he was told about his new housing situation. "At first I was like, 'OK, that's a little different,' " he said. "I was taken aback at first."
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Because of little pay in independent league, players stay with host families
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Pitcher Josh Faiola staying at Belvedere of Westlake facility near Cleveland, Ohio
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Faiola says teammates joked first, but he's thrilled to bring energy to residents
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Residents decorated facility, will be watching pitcher's every throw
"The residents all signed motivational good luck pennants for him, there's a 40-foot banner, we have a whole thing dedicated to @placeholder.