Pay To Play In Mudville...

We received an interesting letter via e-mail regarding fees associated with playing for a certain local baseball team. At first we thought maybe this was a plant or a ploy, however, a friend from Long Island actually has his son playing for the very same organization and verified the authenticity of the letter.

Being an old time avid fan of baseball and a lover of the paperback detective novel, I figured I snoop around and see if the letter passed the smell test.

In the letter, it states that each player must pay the $850.00 in full upon signing of the roster. Too bad for the less fortunate who have talented sons and no payment options. Then the letter goes on to itemize how the money is allocated. So here is a novice detective's findings of what each item can cost.

First we have the Uniform. I called many places and looked on line and the prices for a full uniform down to the socks and athletic supporter can range from $100.00 - $200.00.

League fees vary from league to league so we decided to take the highest league cost of $2000.00.

Every league needs insurance to protect players who are injured from high medical costs. During our inquiries most league representatives informed us that most players utilize their parents personal medical insurance coverage and the league insurance is an additional safety net. Insurance has a wide range of costs depending on policy, we are taking the highest quote at $4000.00.

Umpire fees were quoted as $50 per ump per game. There are usually two umpires officiating a game. Cost is $100 per game x 54 games = $5,400.00.

Every game needs baseballs and they cost about $25 per dozen. Each of the three teams plays 18 games and it takes about 6 balls to complete a game. 18x3=51 games. 51 games x 6= 306. Lets add 60 balls for practice, so that's 366 baseballs which costs approximately $763.00.

Now here is the confusing part of the equation. There is a line item for field maintenance, however, since the Juniper Park fields are located in a public park and paid for by taxpayer money, I'm not quite sure how a private organization can ask members to pay for this service.

In addition there is a fee for pitching and hitting consultation. I know that the dedicated and experienced coaches who volunteer their time can accomplish this task, so once again I'm not sure how you can charge for that service. Unless, they have Don Mattingly and Tom Seaver as their guest coaches to instruct the players.

Then there is the unlimited use of batting cages at Juniper Park throughout the baseball season. Here is another cost that is paid for by the generous taxpayers of our neighborhood and not quite sure how you can levy a fee for usage.

So at $850.00 x 60 players = $51000 (3 teams, 20 players per team)

Here goes:

Uniforms: $12000.00
League fees: $2000.00
Insurance: $4000.00
Umpires: $5400.00
Baseballs: $763.00
Field Maintenance: $???.??
Hitting and pitching instruction: $???.??
Unlimited use of cages: $???.??
IRS Audit of the Midville Dodgers: PRICELESS

Unless, field maintenance,hitting and pitching consultation and unlimited use of cages equals $26,837.00, (This is the base number because we did not include money that the organization receives from elected officials, business donations, private contributions and money made from baseball clinics). You do the math.

If anyone can shed some light on these findings, please feel free to interject your opinion and knowledge.

I'm no General Manager, but something doesn't add up!