12/02/2023
If you're the parent of a player that has taken a liking to the sport...on a more serious level...As in, they themselves have displayed a desire for improvement and a love for the game ON THEIR OWN, you do not have much of a choice in whether you alter your mindset on the youth baseball experience or not, especially since you love them and care to support their endeavors.
So then guess what you do?
You get them that glove they want because they have worn the old one out from putting in so much work.
You buy that tee and net because they asked for it and they want to get swings in at home.
You get those new expensive Nike cleats because they make the grades and they do their chores.
You sign them up for that camp because you want them to enjoy an experience with their friends while learning more about the game from collegiate players and coaches.
You get them a private instructor because you want them to have third party influence and mentorship, no different from getting a tutor in school.
You try to put them in the environments that will help them get to where they say they want to go.
It won't be because you think they'll be some kind of meal ticket once they sign that MLB contract, but because you'll try to help preserve their dream as long as they have the shot or until they say they no longer want that dream anymore.
And you'll never think that it was a waste of time when it's all said and done, no matter the outcome.
Because you'd spent all that money, all those weekends and all that gas to do it all over again because... thats what parents do.
Others may call you crazy or ask why you'd ever do such a thing, "He isn't going pro"... well for 1. You don't know that. 2. That isn't the reason to give full support to your kid's interest.
In the end, there's nothing more pure than pursuing a goal, with the safety net of your parents love if you need it to fall back on--and they will (at some point).