About this episode
Youth baseball — long a widely accessible American pastime — has become overrun by $10,000-per-year, for-profit travel leagues. Zachary Crockett peers inside the dugout. SOURCES: Linda Flanagan , author. Nick Mackenzie, future New York Yankees shortstop. R.J. Mackenzie, physical education teacher and baseball dad. John Miller , journalist and baseball coach. RESOURCES: " The Cost of Youth Baseball Is Getting Absurd ," by Adam Minter ( Bloomberg , 2024). " Perfect Game Sees Prosperity Thanks To New Investments In Youth Sports ," by Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr. ( Forbes , 2024). " How America Sold Out Little League Baseball ," by John W. Miller ( America Magazine , 2022). " In Youth Sports, Talent Helps but Money Rules ," by Roman Stubbs ( The Washington Post , 2022). Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids Sports and Why It Matters , by Linda Flanagan (2022). " State of Youth Sports: Parents, Policymakers Better Appreciate Physical Activity, Face Barriers to Help Kids Play ," by Jon Solomon ( The Aspen Institute , 2022). EXTRA: Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids Sports and Why It Matters , by Linda Flanagan (2022). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.