Baseball was America’s pastime.  For years people have gathered at stadiums, by televisions or even next to radios to cheer on their favorite team.  Boys idolized their favorite players and tried hard to mimic their actions on the field.  It was fun to gather up your friends and start a pickup game at the field.  But that has all changed now.

Baseball has become more of a lifestyle now.  It’s a means of getting you where you want to go, whether it is in college or a career.  Fortunately for some, they achieve their dreams of becoming a big league player and make all the money.  But that means the competition is increasing.  Which also means it costs more money to be good.  A glove now can cost upwards of $200 and that’s the cheapest, most basic piece of equipment you need.  More and more kids are playing on “club” ball teams.  Usually these teams are run by coaches who give the kids lessons on a weekly basis.   Playing on a typical summer team can cost thousands of dollars with hotel costs, gas money and food expenses.  Players can drive to different states just to play four games in two days.

I have been lucky enough to play on one of those teams for the first time this summer.  My dad is a very hard worker and wants me to play to improve.  I am referred to as an “investment” by him and my coaches.  My teammates and I have made long-lasting friendships through our time we play together.  I have learned a lot about discipline and self-motivation and for the most part, had fun doing it.  I can honestly say that playing baseball is the best thing that has happened to me.  However because of high costs, not every kid will be able to experience this.

So what do kids do now?  Fewer and fewer are involved in sports.  While there are still plenty of ways to form bonds between each other such as different clubs, groups and teams, I stand firm in saying that sports, baseball especially, is the best way to do it.