the Price of Little League

Little League is an established organization at the national level, that manages to translate that into local community based baseball teams for kids from T-ball up to 18 year olds. They call for sign ups, which can now be done online in our area. After that, they put together teams according to age group. The coaches are mostly local dads that have an interest in baseball. Some coaches are better than others, but most want to teach the skills of the game and teamwork. Your fee pays for the use of fields, umpires, uniforms and probably quite a bit of other overhead that you won't realize. All of the coaches and support people are volunteers. They pay the officials and that is it, as far as I know. You get provided with a team hat, which you get to keep, and the rest of your uniform is on loan for the season usually. You have to provide your own glove, and gear such as cleats, cup etc.

Little League is a great organization that does a good job of teaching kids the game of baseball (and softball) and helping them develop as players. It is not all about winning, but most of the coaches emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship. Sometimes you have a winning season, and that has been icing on the cake! It is a great way for kids to get involved in a sport prior to middle school and to learn what it takes to play on a team.

Support your coaches and help out as much as you can. Encourage the other parents on the team to do the same and you will have a great sense of teamwork and community.