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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? 

New York Times story headlined "Big Price Tags Attached to Even the Littlest Leagues," looks 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," the Times reports. "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? 

  • Are equipment costs discouraging participation in youth baseball and softball?

    (Voting has been closed for this question)
    • Yes, the prices have gotten way out of line.
        68 (67%)
    • No, you can still find affordable equipment for kids.
        33 (32%)
    Total votes: 101
  • Your vote will only count once. This is not a scientific poll. View Results Vote!
Related Topics: Youth Sports

J McKeown

1:01 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012

the only sport that doesn't require any equipment except a ball is basketball

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Tim Zatzariny Jr.

8:58 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012

I recently spent $45 for baseball cleats for my 7-year-old son, which he'll probably outgrow by next season.

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WDNeedsHelp

1:20 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012

Yikes, you ARE NOT a thrifty shopper.... Nike cleats for my son, $22.99 on sale at Dicks. Nike cleats for my daughter, $24.99 on sale at Modells. Four very nice bats, online discounted 75% because they were last years models and free shipping total $120. Gloves, again both under $40 on sale at Dicks. Socks, slider pads, batting gloves and uniform pants all on sale at Dicks for 50-60% off. Chest protector for son, listed for $59.99 purchased online for $14.99 free shipping....
Do your homework next time and save......

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