by Blue_F150 » Wed Aug 06, 2008 7:40 am
Interesting question, but definately a reality.
I am on my 3rd daughter through softball. Middle daughter is playing college ball on a great scholarship. In the last 15 years my wife and I have spent most of our wedding anniversaries on the softball field. Up to high school, all 3 played multiple sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball). In high school they all turned their attention to softball. We have sacraficed much to keep our children in these activities. There has only been one major vacation in 15 years. No trips to Hawaii, or Europe, etc. Owensburough, Ky, or Lancaster, Ca. don't count. The family time off is scheduled between Nationals, and school starting. We now start with Fall tryouts in August, play Fall Ball, in January have Summer tryouts, prepare for High School ball which starts in February, and the day of our HS Section Championships also starts the Summer travel season.
The better question....
Is there any negetive result on the "family", or the "athlete, student, child"?
So far I can say I am a blessed man to have the children I have. They are all good students, and have absolutely no problems resulting from drugs, crime, etc. I believe they have all learned many life lessons from their level of participation in sports, which they apply to school, friends, and free time. None have been "forced" to participate. We have quite the common bond, and that is the hours, locations, and miles, we have spent together, and or separtated, playing softball. Many weekends my wife & I have had to divide & conquer.
I admit, I do coach travel softball, and High School softball.
Yes, We are in California.