Is softball to expensive for the average family?

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Bouldersdad-not sure if you were flaming me or agreeing , but here comes some attempt to further explain...
Original poster asked if he had missed any expenses. I added a couple I thought he missed.
Secondly, the "..people who know...." are the ones who supposedly know things I don't know and help run some of the big orgs. They encourage your kid to come to a tryout, then talk to you about how your kid should look, what she should use, etc. You will fit their mold, or else. And since they know everything and have placed X number of girls in all these different schools, then I do give them some benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't do brain surgery on myself, so....This is like the bat bag thread, I think more kids would be served by having Howard and Crystl teach them how to throw and hit (in that order) than having matching bags. I agree 100%, if your kid has a Tiffany swing, she could probably use a 2x4, and WAY too many think they can buy a performance increase with better equipment. Of course, if you think softball is expensive, ask a "horseman" how much they spend before each performance to have their horses mane braided.....Simple reality of today's economy is that not everyone has $2 to 6 K in cash to spend, and so I still maintain softball has now become economically unfeasible for some, seen it firsthand.

 

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Thank you that means alot. most people dont realise how many people it takes over the course of a kids lifetime to get her to be in the position she is in, everyone has had a role to play and all should take a share of the credit for her success. Especialy Uncles that think dads should set in the outfield lol

 

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Bouldersdad-not sure if you were flaming me or agreeing , but here comes some attempt to further explain...
Original poster asked if he had missed any expenses. I added a couple I thought he missed.
Secondly, the "..people who know...." are the ones who supposedly know things I don't know and help run some of the big orgs. They encourage your kid to come to a tryout, then talk to you about how your kid should look, what she should use, etc. You will fit their mold, or else. And since they know everyhting and have placed X number of girls in all these different schools, then I do give them some benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't do brain surgery on myself, so....This is like the bat bag thread, I think more kids would be served by having Howard and Crystl teach them how to throw and hit (in that order) than having matching bags. I agree 100%, if your kid has a Tiffany swing, she could probably use a 2x4, and WAY too many think they can by a performance increase with better equipment. Of course, if you think softball is expensive, ask a "horseman" how much they spend before each performance to have their horses mane braided.....Simple reality of today's economy is that not everyone has $2 to 6 K in cash to spend, and so I still maintain softball has now become economically unfeasible for some, seen it firsthand.

No not banging on you, just saying the arguments you posted were the same ones we heard years ago......... strange how the only thing that changes is the date on the calender, We started in travel when there were fewer people and even fewer teams. and if the risk is great now it was huge then, fewer people knew about the world of TB and had no qualms about telling me what an idiot I was running all over the country with my kid playing ball when there was ball to be played right here. But yes you are correct, A larger more established org. has a better chance at placing an athlete in college then their smaller local competitors. just my opinion

 

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Thank you that means alot. most people dont realise how many people it takes over the course of a kids lifetime to get her to be in the position she is in, everyone has had a role to play and all should take a share of the credit for her success. Especialy Uncles that think dads should set in the outfield lol

Some of her Uncles are indeed very wise men and as Manitou Dan would say, " Speak not into the ear of a fool for they may despise the wisdom of thy words!"

At least you moved once in a while, once you knew who was looking and what they saw!

Keep speaking grass hopper and when you can snatch the pebble from my hand you are ready to leave and start your journey! :lmao:

 

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College showcase level travel schedule <> $5,000 - $10,000/year all inclusive (fees, training, travel, etc.).

The majority of "travel" softball has evolved into nothing more than very expensive recreational softball with travel. Some of these year-end "nationals" are nothing more than destination vacations built around softball. The organizers of these events have become very good at lightening your wallet. They make sure you stay around and spend those entertainment dollars. Travel softball (in fact, ALL travel sports) has become "big business". It's all well and good that you get to spend time with DD and family, but the truth is, it's getting to the point that only the well-to-do can afford it. The amazing thing is that a lot of parents have no plan, and are doing travel ball with no intention of their DD even remotely trying for an athletic scholarship.

Typical state funded college tuition <> $9,000.
Typical campus housing <> $9,000. (far cheaper off-campus, but you be the security judge)

Add in a car and all the expenses it entails, and you can round it to a little over $20,000 a year for a 4 year stint. If your DD plays a sport in college, 4 years could easily stretch into 5 years.

Now, consider a Miami or Dayton and that figure could easily double. To be honest though, just like a new car price, these are "window sticker" prices. You may actually pay considerably less.

Now you're staring at $80,000 - $100,000 or more in debt at a time in life that is approaching retirement. Are you WEALTHY? Can your DD handle that debt load at college graduation, in addition to all her other living expenses?

This stuff is VERY expensive.

 

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Yea but fun

 

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Super fun!

 

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Mine don't realize that they are using their inheritance up every weekend...

All kidding aside, you are correct, is to have a plan, if the plan works out great! If things happen that change along the way, oh well stuff happens, go with the flow and figure it out. It's all life coming at you fast...

 

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Ok, so we all pretty much agree it is very expensive but worth it for the time and memories we get with our DD's. BUT, are we as a softball family willing to help others who have had to give up the sport because mom or dad lost their job, just till they get back on their feet? I know there are alot of great stories about how much time dads/moms donate to coach their daughters and teams, but has anyone or any org. helped a less fortunate family keep their dream alive? Lets hear it. Maybe it could shed some light for others to extend their help to that one special young lady and her family.

 

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No not banging on you, just saying the arguments you posted were the same ones we heard years ago......... strange how the only thing that changes is the date on the calender, We started in travel when there were fewer people and even fewer teams. and if the risk is great now it was huge then, fewer people knew about the world of TB and had no qualms about telling me what an idiot I was running all over the country with my kid playing ball when there was ball to be played right here. But yes you are correct, A larger more established org. has a better chance at placing an athlete in college then their smaller local competitors. just my opinion

Boulder, it is a fact. Not many kids are even seen let alone recruited from the smaller local teams. Those who think they are , are just kidding themselves. Could it happen? I suppose it could and in a rare case it may have happened. But that certainly is not the norm, or anything close to a norm. But I know you already know that.
The local team coaches normally are not filled in to how things actually work. They also don`t want to lose a star player.

 

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Ok, so we all pretty much agree it is very expensive but worth it for the time and memories we get with our DD's. BUT, are we as a softball family willing to help others who have had to give up the sport because mom or dad lost their job, just till they get back on their feet? I know there are alot of great stories about how much time dads/moms donate to coach their daughters and teams, but has anyone or any org. helped a less fortunate family keep their dream alive? Lets hear it. Maybe it could shed some light for others to extend their help to that one special young lady and her family.

It sounds like a noble cause but I think it would be a little more complicated than you think. Let's suppose you have a player that you waive all fees for. How will the players parents afford all the other expenses for travel,meals,equipment? I'm not saying its a bad idea but it just doesn't seem practical.

 

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Had one stay with us all last summer as her Mom worked weekends, It can be done, Just eat at reasonable spots and help the kid here or there... This kid is one who can play the game, so it was more to get her seen by those who could use her. She can Play D-1 or D-2 and is a brain as well, so hopefully it all works out for her..... Any college coaches looking for a kid that can play 3rd with reckless abandon PM me for a reference!

One Parent said "she makes the dirt bleed"

 

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Fastpitch IS the poormans travel sport compared to just about any other sport out there. I believe that is why our sport has so much trouble committing to the things required to really push DDs to their potential. Hockey, ******, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball....... Families going in expect to spend THOUSANDS annually on thos teams, but what comes with those HUGE Team & TRavel costs IS:

EXCELLENT COACHING, BOTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT and GAMES.

In Softball, we most often have to look outside our Teams for Development & Competition that aligns with playing at higher levels.

Here we go again.................

TEAM OHIO IDEA AGAIN........ For $1500-$2000 bucks a year, will train, travel, market, and compete with the best by the best.

30-40 DDs with this commitment 80k, three teams, sounds like lots of skills, training, development, and competition as well as money to be had by EXCELLENT and deserving COMMITTED RESOURCES/ INSTRUCTORS/COACHES that are willing to FOCUS on their CLIENTS/PLAYERS first.

 

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hitter, great great postings as usual, I could quote it over and over but you know with my long winded responses, I wouldn't have enough characters to say what I really wanted to say:

1) you have to take what you are saying seriously because little do we know the actual grind softball will have on them as a student-athelete (not even taking into account ebing away from home for the first time, including out of state). Softball will own you and it will become WORK. Girls wont be coming home to mom and dad, but to influences and guys. Sure, she can hit 400 cause mom makes her do her homework and she stayed away from guys cause dad owns a shotgun, but what about being away from home? Your DD went from high school drama to being involved with women dealing with hang-ups, grades, working, no money etc etc. If they dont have that structure now, do you think they will suddenly turn on the charm when the full ride scholarship is in jeopardy because of an injury, or when softball isn't fun anymore? This weekend allowed me to see a greater picture in this quest for college, because I worry as a parent, "is she ready for LIFE?"

2) softball is expensive but probably lower on the realm of other activities like band, dance, gymnastics and volleyball. However, it isn't a complaint, and i feel like others here when I express the multitude of blessings from the people I've met and the places we've been. I would have paid any price and i will continue to do so. (being a teacher helps, summers off, summer school is my fundraiser and I get to be a participant in her endeavors. How many band dads get to soft toss before a game? how many gymnastics moms get to judge if their DD made an error during a game?)

3) what we dont talk about here so far, is that softball is outpricing the family that might make the same amount as you or I, but have no options to ever play, enjoy or see the world of sofball. Inner city girls over the years have no fields, little equipment, little knowhow and few people willing to take the time to show them the right way. How is softball reaching out to the inner cities? Are the rec leagues being run by rec centers in Columbus placing placards all over the city to recruit girls like they do football? why not! I fear softball will become a sport for the average family living in the suburbs or the country. What about the girls with talent living on the west side who wouldn't know how to throw a softball? what about the girls in columbus that are so gifted and talented, but dont play softball until junior high and then get discouraged because they know no one around them and themselves are very good? Will softball rise to the challenge?

 

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I'd help with a clinic for inner city kids. Set it up Statman!!

 

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I've been debating the topic of this thread since it first popped up. I don't know what exactly defines the 'average' family. I would venture to guess that the average family knows the costs involved in travel ball and makes sacrifices elsewhere to make sure the talent for the game is not wasted. But times, 'they are a changin'
I can't speak for others and I can only offer up my answer as it pertains to my family and the answer is 'Yes'.
I've been laid off since August. I can't find a job that pays equal to unemployment let alone any where close to the ball park of what I was making. I had hoped to have something by now and I don't. My wife works and is compenstated well enough to cover the mortgage and the car. Unemployment covers the small bills and keeps the kids enrolled in private school. With the help of my daughter's grandparents we have been able to keep her committed to her 10U travel team. We have been able to keep her in catching lessons and pay the costs of indoor practice. But unemployment is up next week with no guarantee that I will be able to get it extended. So I am at the end of the rope so to speak and the decision will need to be made in the next two weeks or so if we are going to continue with travel ball because of the expense. To go back to Howard's point about having a plan, both of my daughters are exceptional students and are 1st Honor Students and the 10U is taking advanced math (She's started Algebra in the 5th grade). So school is important and won't be cut...

Now, I know my answer is just my example but with unemployment at 10% and companies forcing paycuts on its employees I am willing to bet that my story is more the rule than the exception. I believe that, yes, the costs are getting to high for the average family and yes this sport will eventually favor the very well to do.

just my two cents.

 

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I know the post says "average" families. What about the "poor" families? It's kind of a touchy subject with me as my niece doesn't have it average. They are lucky to put food on their table, literally! My sister does the best she can but makes less than $11 an hour and my brother-in-law is sick and has bee fighting for his disability for 4 years now. With family of 4, $1400 a month doesn't go far.

My niece is a good ball player. She can hit the snot out of a ball and has good defensive skills. She is a little rough and needs fine tuned in some areas. I would love to see her get into travel ball because she has the ability to make a great player. I know this will NEVER happen with the way her life is right now.

Some prayers would be appreciated for her family as I would love to see her be able to have the opportunity to play at the next level and get out of recreation fastpitch.

 

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There have been many many attempts to set up inner city softball clinics in Toledo, the top travel organizations in the area all worked together, even had Cavanaugh come in for one. All the inner city schools in Toledo field fastpitch teams, but when it comes down to the clinic I think they got 1 girl to show up. Lots of effort went into it, and the kids just werent interested. These same schools this year are sending kids to Florida State, Ohio State and in the past the same schools have sent kids to USC, Dayton and Texas to play basketball, when was the last time an Ohio kid went to play softball at USC, Texas or Florida State? The area in Toledo has a very strong AAU basketball program where the kids are traveling, probably more then they do in softball, so what would be those kids motivation to play softball? Its just not there, or atleast in our area.

 

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I've been debating the topic of this thread since it first popped up. I don't know what exactly defines the 'average' family. I would venture to guess that the average family knows the costs involved in travel ball and makes sacrifices elsewhere to make sure the talent for the game is not wasted. But times, 'they are a changin'
I can't speak for others and I can only offer up my answer as it pertains to my family and the answer is 'Yes'.
I've been laid off since August. I can't find a job that pays equal to unemployment let alone any where close to the ball park of what I was making. I had hoped to have something by now and I don't. My wife works and is compenstated well enough to cover the mortgage and the car. Unemployment covers the small bills and keeps the kids enrolled in private school. With the help of my daughter's grandparents we have been able to keep her committed to her 10U travel team. We have been able to keep her in catching lessons and pay the costs of indoor practice. But unemployment is up next week with no guarantee that I will be able to get it extended. So I am at the end of the rope so to speak and the decision will need to be made in the next two weeks or so if we are going to continue with travel ball because of the expense. To go back to Howard's point about having a plan, both of my daughters are exceptional students and are 1st Honor Students and the 10U is taking advanced math (She's started Algebra in the 5th grade). So school is important and won't be cut...

Now, I know my answer is just my example but with unemployment at 10% and companies forcing paycuts on its employees I am willing to bet that my story is more the rule than the exception. I believe that, yes, the costs are getting to high for the average family and yes this sport will eventually favor the very well to do.

just my two cents.

Thanks for sharing. We are in the same boat. We opted to stay with softball (no private school involved) it is a constant in our lives that helps us cope with the the harsh reality of our economy. ball is paid for other than travel right now and have worked a plan to cover it, hopefully one of recent interviews will land a job but its hard when 400 people are applying for one position.

and yes ball is already for the haves vs. the have nots and of late the have nots are more the average family imho.

 

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There have been many many attempts to set up inner city softball clinics in Toledo, the top travel organizations in the area all worked together, even had Cavanaugh come in for one. All the inner city schools in Toledo field fastpitch teams, but when it comes down to the clinic I think they got 1 girl to show up. Lots of effort went into it, and the kids just werent interested. These same schools this year are sending kids to Florida State, Ohio State and in the past the same schools have sent kids to USC, Dayton and Texas to play basketball, when was the last time an Ohio kid went to play softball at USC, Texas or Florida State? The area in Toledo has a very strong AAU basketball program where the kids are traveling, probably more then they do in softball, so what would be those kids motivation to play softball? Its just not there, or atleast in our area.

I know of former professional and college players who offer their services for free to communities and no one takes. I agree 100% Uber, there isn't interest from most communities, atleast not around my area.