We don't do "travel". I have a kid who gets recruited every year to play club baseball. When we get to the cost we just laugh. In the famous words of John McEnroe we feel like saying "You cannot be serious!" Who in their right mind pays $1500 or more so their kid can play baseball? It's a game and chances are by the age of 16 the kid will have little interest in playing the game, let alone the absolutely miniscule chance that he will entertain a college scholarship or "pro" interest.

In my area so many kids go to "travel" that is is funny. For my kid knows these kids and quips: I can't believe "so and so" is playing travel. He's not very good. But the parents are willing to pony up the money so the kid gets to wear a nicer uniform and pretend he's a better baseball player.

So, in truth, elite youth sports is a nice racket. With so many parents feeling guilty or motivated to get their kid into the upper echelon the money flows easy. Kind of makes me wish I had thought of the idea.