the Price of Little League

The $100.00 fee paid to Little League was to cover the cost of a 6 year olds registration. In most Leagues, registration costs will increase as the age of the player increases. For this age range, the $100 registration fee included a uniform, pictures and a participation trophy at the end of the season. The uniform provided included a jersey, hat, socks and pants. The player was to provide cleats, athletic cup and sleeves if they would like. In addition to these items the players are also received numerous other services upon paying the registration fees. Once a player is registered they are guaranteed 1 scheduled practice and two games each week on city field space. This includes the use of the fields and lighting costs when the games are scheduled in the evening. The fields are also professionally maintained by city personnel who are paid to do so by the league. The league also used registration funds to pay for a spectacular opening day for all the players in the league. They provided games, food and an extravagant opening ceremony. The day concluded with a raffle in which the grand prize amounted to $15,000.00. They also raffled off numerous other cash and gift items.

Now that the season is over it is easy to see that the quality of this Little League program is second to none. In speaking to parents in other leagues I learned that they pay a much higher fee for a much lesser quality program. The fields here were modern and immaculately maintained and it is clear that the people organizing the league take pride in their work with the organization. The quality of the pictures was high and the company they used was extremely professional and easy to work with. The trophies arrived early and were of very high quality. I was also very pleased with the coaching staff the league provided. Our coach was wonderful with each of the players. He took the time to teach them the skills they needed but made it fun at the same time. The only problem encountered this season was with the uniforms. Many were unsatisfied with the quality and design of the jerseys for the younger boys. For the price charged at registration this league provides a great value. They have managed to find a way to provide a high level program at a fraction of the cost of other leagues.

If you are looking to sign your child up for Little League make sure to keep a couple of things in mind. First, make sure to have all of your registration materials available when you sign up. They will request a birth certificate and proof of residency before they will allow your child to play. Also, make sure to arrive early on registration day. If someone had told me how busy it gets I would have arrived way ahead of time to avoid the lines.