Cost drives kids out of organized sports

The article about the decline in youth baseball enrollment, given the state of the economy, is poorly timed and a bit socially irresponsible.

Suburban kids are not enrolling in as many activities, true. The overwhelming reason however, is the economy.

Most parents out here still encourage outdoor play over indoor, activity over video games, at least the ones that I know. Because the price of organized activity is so high, many of us can no longer afford this luxury for our children.

In order to get my daughters in baseball and cheerleading, I need to come up with $1,000 if they are each doing both. That's two children. Add another $310 for my son to do baseball and soccer, and I'm at $1,300 a year.

I'd love to do this for them, unfortunately, it is not realistic, with one member of my household currently unemployed, a fact for many suburban households. People do not apply for hardship until they can no longer pay their bills. This article seems to suggest we should apply for hardship when we can't pay for Little League.

The reason Bartlett Little League is shrinking is the $250 price tag, and the fact that so many people are out of work. Many of us moved out here so we could afford to provide a safe, productive environment for our children. Why is it then, that Little League cost in Chicago is $120, yet it's $250 here?

Make no mistake, the decline in children enrolled in organized activities in the suburbs is mostly due to unrealistic fees and empty wallets.

Nicole Mignon

Bartlett