What does it cost?

And enjoying the ride...Priceless!

LL through HS was cheap; when they get to college the travel cost escalates materially.

I fear enough to have paid for an Ivy League education, but the experience has been priceless. I would not trade my relationship with Gun or any of the memories for twice the expense. It was well worth the ride! GED10DaD

Ironically, I just sat down with my son last week and reviewed "what does it cost?" with the family...and the answer was jaw dropping! We've spent over $13,000 the past 15 months on Travel Ball (monthly team expenses/Tourney's) & Showcase/College Camps. This does not include high school expenses (booster club/bus), baseball equipment, travel expenses (hotel, meals, gas, etc...)and I know other families that have spent as much, or more.

It's been a fun ride thus far, and I wouldn't trade the time I've been able to spend with my son for anything. However, my wife and I realize that we could have stashed that money away and earned some interest in a Money Market account for his education. We will see how everything goes over the next year or so, my kid is on the "Radar" for many colleges...but right now, My Family Is Baseball Broke!

I don't think about the cost of baseball through the years because I know I would give every dollar I have to get to do it all over again.

Baseballdad,

You're absolutely right! Time is flying by, and a few years from now, I'm sure I'll look back and realize how lucky I was/am!!!

I didn't start Jr. in Pony ball until he was 11 so I saved a couple of bucks , but the expenses over the years was well spent . looking back it was the best money we ever spent and the memories will last a lifetime !

Times have changed. I can remember when kids were required to limit their playing time so they could work for their parents. Today, parents work for their kids and spend lots of money just so their kids can PLAY.

In spite of the huge amounts of money parents spend on their son's "baseball", the "priceless" rewards from baseball cost very little or noting at all. The boys playing rec ball have as much FUN (maybe more) than the boys on the select, travel, high school, college, showcase, elite, national, scout, and professional teams.
Fungo

While the cost associated with son's baseball experience has been large, it's a small price to pay to watch him do what he loves and does so well. To see him go from a shy, quiet 10 year old who doesn't think he's good enough to make a travel team to an 18 year old headed to arguably the best baseball JUCO in the country is, in an overused word, PRICELESS.

Besides, we spent at least that much on his older sister's prom dresses, fashionista that she is.

While we may have spent a lot of money....I ask myself if not on this, what?

Many of the trips we tied vacations and other activities in with the baseball stuff. We were able to see family and friends in these spots. Se thigns we would not have seen if not for the baseball.

Worth evey nickle!

Baseball is cheap compared to hockey and golf.

Last year; Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Miami and then Ecuador with Team USA. You don't want to know how much that cost.

Seeing your son wearing red white and blue; worth every penny and more.

That's at least 10 years...so if you don't answer with the last one, you're not participating very much at all...just sayin'. If you really want to see some $$$ numbers, hang around some competitive dancers with your daughter for several years.

Now it's mainly just gas/hotels/food (and plenty of it)...but what a ride.

Eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin'!

I don't want to think about it! And this might be the most expensive year of all! But it sure has been fun, and I wouldn't trade one second.

Baseballdad1228,
what a great answer! I am in complete agreement with you.

quote:

Originally posted by 2Bmom:
I don't want to think about it! And this might be the most expensive year of all! But it sure has been fun, and I wouldn't trade one second.

I with 2Bmom....never wanted to know....and never really stopped to add it all up.......17 years of baseball.........from youth through HS then through 4 years of College...summer teams, private lessons.....unis, gloves, bats, cleats he grew out of during the same season we bought them....

Just glad we were able to do it....wouldnt want a nickel back if it meant losing those memories....

13 years of baseball for my son was between youth, travel teams, H.S. and JUCO so far has been less than one day spent on my Daughter's wedding and a heck of a lot more fun far less stress!

A friend of mine has a boy in baseball and a daughter who does Equestrian... he would tell you we are all getting a bargain. And I like the fact you never have to scoop up after a batting helmet.