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Poll: Are Kids Getting Priced Out of Baseball and Softball?

A New York Times article explores the era of the $250 baseball bat.

Have you bought a baseball glove for your Little Leaguer lately? Did you pay more than $100 for it?

How about a $250 bat?

In Tuesday's New York Times, reporter Mike Tanier took a look at the big business of equipping youngsters for participation in youth baseball and softball leagues, quoting those costs and more.

"A batting helmet protects tiny heads for $39.99," Tainer wrote. "A pair of Nike Jordan Black Cat cleats will make your child fast and fashionable at $51.99 until he or she outgrows them."

So what do you think? Has the cost of bats and gloves taken our kids too far from the simpler days of sandlot and playground ballgames? Or have you had better luck finding more modestly-priced equipment for them?

Mike Quinn April 25, 2012 at 12:36 pm
I used to sell this equipment back in the early 90's. It was expensive then. You also have to factor in gas for road trips to to tournaments, lodging and of course food. Oh, don't forget about the private lessons, embroidered bat bags and "fitted" uniforms- practice, home and away- for 10 year olds. I live in North Atlanta where baseball is extremely popular. However, with all of that said, in talking to a lot of parents who do this year after year, they feel the trade off is real shot at college scholarships and an outside shot at pro ball on some level.
Sarah Cool April 25, 2012 at 03:23 pm
We were "priced out" of soccer this spring. $300 for 10 games just doesn't work for our family. I know scholarships are available, but I just didn't even feel like asking. We'll have more fun flying kites at the park, shootin' hoops and riding our bikes for exercise = free/priceless.

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