How do we put a cap on the expenses charged by Travel ball organizations? Programs are taking advantage of parents love for their children. Our 18u coach was paid $10,000.00 plus $4000.00 in travel expenses along with over $2000.00 in player fees. Some parents are paying $4000.00 for what six to eight tournaments.
It is a free market. Academies will charge what ever parents are willing to spend. Do your homework before joining a team and you should know what financial expectations are going to be.
There is nothing wrong with these coaches making money. That is how they support their families.
There's always alternatives to the large academies. I would suggest some of the smaller organizations or teams and do prospect camps and/or tryouts. Some of these teams still get your kid exposure and have coaches that are just as good or better for a lot less money. It just requires a little research. Enine is correct, as long as people are willing to spend it, they'll keep increasing the fees. I have personally talked to parents who have kids that were drafted or received scholarships that didn't pay much at all. Some folks, I believe have been brainwashed into thinking that they have to play for certain organizations. Good Luck.
I am new to the area and looking to field a team. If you guys are interested, I promise my expenses will not be as high as the academies. I have played Division 1, minor league baseball, scouted professionally, and coached public school middle and high school.
travel ball
Posted - 08/31/2014 : 11:45:27
