news:hlwdjsd-20C5AE.19515428062008@newsclstr03.news.prodigy.net...

I totally agree with you Jeanne. My son just recently completed his high
school baseball career. The game is being played at very high levels among
high schoolers. It's not cheap either. I have spent approximately $10,000 on
hitting and catching lessons over the past 3 years. Good instructors charge
$50 per 30 minutes of instruction.. Additionally, summer baseball fees run
anywhere from $1200 to $2400 per year, depending on how much traveling and
tournaments are involved. Baseball pants are $55 (times 4 - 2 gray - 2
white), belts ($5)/socks $6 per pair (times 3 to 6 depending on how many
colors are needed), aluminum bats are $400, wood bats are $80 (times 2 or
3), cleats are $70, helmets are $18, batting gloves are $30, shin guards are
$200, chest protector is $115, catchers helmet is $100.

The game has become an upper middle class American sport because lower
income kids are priced out. Kids can play basketball a lot less money.
Football is a little different because kids can enjoy the game by playing
flag football before they start high school. But my experience with inner
city parents is that they'sd rather spend the money on football than
baseball. Some inner cities run summer baseball programs that are free to
participants, but the availability of good coaching is still the biggest
roadblock to developing talent. I would sure like to see fewer baby kissing
bureaucrats on municipal payrolls replaced by paid parks and recreation
coaches.