Is softball to expensive for the average family?

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Actually helping the innercity kids would be a great thing to do. Obviously there is a wealth of potentially great players in the inner city.
We have all seen seasoned summer players dig in against skilled pitchers. I was shocked when our high school team played an inner city team in the sectional tournament They stood as far from the plate as they could, and when a 60 mph pitch came in, they looked like a deer in the head lights. They had no shot of even making contact. Their pitcher almost resembled a slow pitch pitcher, but with a windmill delivery. Honestly it was sad, these inner city kids looked like studs, but had zero skills.
Main reason they don`t play summer ball?...Simple, Money.

 

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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.

Klump in most situations a release form is involved and someone must stay with them and then there is first aid, food and water. Then equipment, fields and volunteers. Then what do you do when no one picks them up....been there done that! Had parents show up drunk and my wife and I drove them home.

Once you are done most have no gloves, bats or balls and no place SAFE to play or practice as that would require supervision and in most cases if there are two parents they are working so how to they get to practice unless it is in their neighborhood? Basket ball, shoes, shorts and usually you can find a gym or play ground with a hoop all year round. No wet dirt or field issues, no bases etc. Much more attractive as a sport because most schools have at least a basketball program even in grade school.

The Reds have sponsored this and I think the Monroe High School soft ball coach heads up the program.

 

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If you want them, you must go out and get them. Hitter must be in my neck of the woods, because I can relate to my involvement with youth sokker in an inner city environment.
There was little parental involvement. I had one other parent drop off kids to games and practices. Other than that, no one came. some parents don't have the same priorities on assisting or coming to games that we have now, or that we had growing up. Regardless if you think they are drunks or on welfare, the truth of the matter is, they dont attend other school functions either--conferences, school events, awards ceremonies, etc
Kids have no equipment. I remember getting donations of uniforms, practice wear (kids show up in jeans to practice), cleats, a bottle for water. I had to teach how to keep a bottle, fill it, freeze it overnight then bring it for games. they've never had that training that goes with our lives.
Awareness--when no one in the neighborhood plays softball, what makes you thnk you can get them to come to camps. Softball must go to the people, go to schools and show them pitching in assemblies. Is softball ready to reach out? Are they organized enough? Sign them up and like hitter says, go get them. Have volunteers ready to run vans to and from.
I hope and pray God allows me to have the resources and time, meeting people, that one day I can pool resources together, or to be a part of an organizations thats brings softball to someone who never knew there was a chance.

 

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thanks goes out to those who try to help,