THE PROS AND CONS OF LETTING KIDS PLAY BASEBALL

Baseball ranks as one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans worldwide
watching their favourite teams and players in action every night during the season. There are
many different levels to baseball, from the game played by school kids to amateurs, college
baseball and Major League Baseball. The latter is the pinnacle of professional baseball, with
the best teams coming from the United States, and we see countless MLB bets placed every
week.
MLB isn’t the only pro competition worth a look. There are also the South Korean and
Japanese leagues where the sport is every bit as popular and well supported as it is in the
US. The schedule is so busy that you will find at least one game of note taking place
somewhere in the world every day. That could be primetime on television or in the early
hours of the morning if you are watching from overseas.

Burning questions
Why is baseball so popular, and should it be considered a worthwhile and safe pastime for
children and young adults? The sport is enjoyed by millions every year, and the benefits of
playing sports far out-weighs the negatives. But when we are talking about kids playing
contact sports, questions are always raging at the back of our minds.
Will it be fun and inclusive for all? What are the injury concerns, and how can you be sure
that the team selected will take care of your child? These may seem like silly concerns of an
over-protective parent, but as any guardian of a young child already knows, we must tread
carefully with young minds.

This article aims to assist as our team of content writers list some of the important pros and
cons of playing baseball. By the end of the page, you will have a better understanding of the
benefits of playing the sport at all levels, from school to professional, but also some of the
things you should be aware of.

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Pros of playing baseball
Baseball is similar to many other popular sports in it is a great way to get and keep fit. Even
playing catch helps burn calories as well as being seen as a great bonding experience
between parents/guardians and their children. But improved physical fitness isn’t the only
positive to throwing a ball or swinging your bat.
There are many little league organizations and clubs available for kids, and that makes it a
perfect way to mix with new people and make new friends. Children forge friendships that
last many years and often extend outside of the sport. A common interest in baseball and a
shared competitiveness help bring together like-minded folk. When kids bond, it also paves
the way for their parents to build friendships.
Baseball isn’t the only team sport popular in the US, but it is one of the least expensive. Not
much equipment is required to join a team, with most clubs providing everything required to
practice and compete, including matchday uniforms, baseball bats, balls, gloves and
protective gear. Anything you need to purchase can often be picked up on the cheap, either
new or second-hand.
The final positive attached to kids playing baseball that we wanted to highlight was the
chance of gaining a college scholarship if the player is good enough. The earlier they get
into a team and the more they practice, the better they will become, and that scholarship will
start to become a reality.

Cons of playing baseball

We flag up a few things we think you should be wary of or, at least, keep in mind. Baseball
can lead to many injuries, especially as a player grows and the intensity of the sport
increases.
Then there is the time. Like any sport, it takes a lot of time and effort to bring your game to
the next level, and some parents believe that time is better spent studying at school. Getting
a happy medium is the goal, but that isn’t always possible, especially when kids become
wrapped up in their new favorite sport. It then falls on the parent to curb their enthusiasm a
little while keeping them focused.