Is it all worth it?

You better bet it is! I am talking about all the time, money and efforts we as families put into fastpitch. Whether that be school and mostly tournament ball. I liked this thread in the baseball section thought I would steal it. I know my family has enjoyed it dearly no matter what the cost has been. Making new friends and seeing our DD play ball. I seen a story where you spend $100,000 to play ball ie;(travel, private lessons, uniforms, hotels) so you have to have a scholarship. Now how much family fun has the rest of you had and will continue to have. Include some funny incidents if possible just don't name your DD if it will embarrass her. Ha Ha lets have some fun!!

 

“Making new friends and seeing our DD play ball” was the best part for us. $100,000 to play ball, oh my, it would have never happened at that price. The travel team she was on was pretty much self supporting. The only out of pocket expenses for us (WD and WM) were going to the tournaments them selves. Now scholarship money, I know there’s a lot that can be done to get your DD’s name out there and yes it takes cash. The programs we looked at would cost about a years worth of community college and we decided not to risk it. She was enrolled at a locale community college and we were talking to some 18u showcase clubs. Four weeks before school starts Milligan College calls says he’s looking for a player like her “multi positioned”. We look, she loves, and she just made it through her first semester. In this household it was “divine guidance” can’t prove it just know it. So is it all worth it ? fer sur

 

I wanted to chime in here for a minute myself. Travel ball has been a wonderful experience not only for my DD but my whole family. We have seen what it took to play at the next level by playing against the best competition out there that we knew about. I coach and would have been just as happy on the sidelines watching. probably even happier. But, sometimes you have to give up your free time if something means that much to you. My daughter wanted to be the best she could be with the God given abilities she had and I was going to do what I could to help her along that road. I remember the first time we went to a tournament and could not believe how far girls (it was just girls then) fastpitch softball had come. We didn't spend $100,000 either at least I hope we didn't. We did a lot of fundraising which can be tiring but it can also be a way for the players to bond. I now look forward to my daughter playing at the next level. This year I get to watch her play just for fun. OH, by the way a belated Merry Christmas to everybody.

 

Belated wishes to you also 04. By the way get those schedules posted as soon as possible would like to catch some games and I owe you a handshake and Brit a congratulations.

 

Spent a lot of time on the field with my daughters ,with one in college and one in high school playing all I have to say is these memories are as Master Card states PRICELESS

 

sorry ... showing my ignorance ... but what does "DD" mean?

thanks.

 

I think CFball penned that as Darling Daughter

 

I love these stories....please post more

 

Travel Ball

Money is not important in the scheme of things when it comes to travel ball. I have made so many wonderful friends, touched so many young ladies lives and visited so many great places in the US. I always knew where my DD was and with whom she was hanging! It was a growing experience for me as I started the LAdy Blues much like all of U with just a love for the game and my daughter. It has developed into four teams, huge budget, 50+ young ladies, basically a full time job. Heck, I still get excited everytime someone wants to talk softball. The Blues will have two 18U teams this year and hope to have 12 or more rising seniors signed by year-end 2004. All these young ladies made terrific grades in school and work very hard to succeed in all walks of life. Thanks to all the efforts of the many parents who every weekend watch their DD's play ball in the hot sun, rain, and yes the cold! Thanks to all my fellow coaches that give their time, free of charge and lug all the equipment from field to field, and thanks to all the associations, umpires, and leagues that work hard to assure great competition. Softball is awesome!! To all that read this forum, have a great holiday season. To CF and the crew, thanks for all U do and we will see U at Belmont Abbey this Spring! RET