My oldest daughter has been asking to play softball for a couple of years now.  So this year when she asked we said yes.  I took her down, registered her and before long she was a Lady Titan.   When I got home after registering her I started to think about what I did.  Unfortunately, I didn't think this through in advance. 

First, there is a lot of practice involves softball.  At least two nights a week at 1.5 - 2 hours a night.   Considering what is involved in a practice 2 hours is pushing it.

• There is a warm up session of catch.
• Ever girl (12 on our team) has to practice batting 1-2 times a practice.
• Fielding will co-inside with batting practice with several pauses for instruction.
• To insure adequate fielding the coach will hit grounder also.
• Then to end practice the girls will run bases.

Second, the games.  Another two nights a week and two hours a game.  Hopefully, practices will be cut back once the season starts.

Third,  the expense. 

• Registration fee $65.
• Balls $3.00 each she has 2.
• A glove $25.
• Helmet $18.
• First bat: borrowed no charge.
• Hat $10.
• Bag to carry stuff in $24.
• Cleats: recycled from soccer. 
• Socks $6 a pair
• Uniform: included in registration fee.
• Bat I bought today $50.

More than the expense involved is the time.  Oh, my!  There is a lot of time involved in softball.  With 3 girls involved in activities softball is by far the most time consuming.  Thankfully, we have two dedicated coaches to help us through this season. 

About that $50 bat.  The bat my daughter borrowed from her cousin was too heavy for her and she was swinging down on the ball.  Seeing this we knew she needed a lighter batter.  So, my wife and I went shopping last night and couldn't find an appropriate size for her.  Today, during lunch I stopped by a new/used sporting goods store to check out bats.  I found a $35 bat that might of worked (right color at least) but I still think it was a little heavy for her.  When for $15 more I could get a lighter bat that I know will help her swing.  While there were more expensive bats this was still more than what I wanted to spend.  However, wanting to give my daughter the best opportunity to succeed I bought the bat. 

Of course, my wife thought I was crazy spendng $50 on a bat.  But my daughter really is having fun playing softball.  She is learning a sport and is listening to everyone because, she wants to get better.  I am proud of her and no matter the time involved I am having fun watching her.