Recession and the Sandlot

[kcfan102]

We have guys from all over North American on the board, and even some beyond. I've noticed something over the past two years around my parts, Kansas City.

Over the last two years, the three different leagues I've worked have INCREASED in number of teams, amount of money, and number of umpires.

It seems counter-intuitive. I would think when money gets low, children sports would be one of the first to get cut. But we just had the biggest Fall Ball season ever, we have more teams in our Little League organization than ever before, our Junior Legion teams have doubled and we had a steady increase in adult teams from last year.

Has this happened elsewhere or is this an isolated phenomena?

[blue32]

I've noticed it here in Boise, also. My kid even got a call to work small diamond games, which has traditionally been worked by parent volunteers in this particular league. I suppose people aren't springing for vacations as much this year, and need something to keep the rugrats occupied. Signing them up for baseball for a hundred bucks or so is a heck of a lot cheaper than a $2k summer vacation.

[carolinablue]

It's possible that alot of parents are not springing for the very expensive travel ball teams and opting for the local little leagues and such.

[mstaylor]

I think carolinablue hit nail on the head, I think we are will see a decrease in travel ball teams. I don't know about all the numbers but at least one local league added 4 major teams this year.

[catoblue]

Another contributor in our area might be that schools are hurting for money and one of the first things that gets cut is extra-curriculars, including sports. The next district to the north of me is doing exactly this, eliminating ALL extra-curriculars. The kids will simply addend classes then go home. I imagine that the kids who have been involved in school sports, and have had them taken away, are now becoming involved in other organizations so that they can continue playing.

[Umpire in Chief]

I have had less travel ball games the past year as well.

Where I've seen the most hurting is adult league. I think just over half of the teams which started the season finished it.

On the positive side our association's new HS contract strongly suggests 3-man games for 2010 for big games, in 2011 each school will have to do 2 home games 3-man and I believe it increases a little from there, so more 3 man exposure for us. :bang:

[kcfan102]

We do three man crews on all of the semi finals and championships of our tournament, with the exception of 9 y/o state, we do a four man on the championship. It is my favorite.

[TBrown]

We have more Little League teams this year and are playing games on Sundays now due to the extra field demands. Last year we did not play games on Sundays.