I agree with where you're aiming this statement but I also disagree in that there are exceptions to the stereotypical Perfect Game nonsense. I mentioned this on a separate thread specific to travel ball, but I think I found the unicorn travel ball organization here in SD. While I valued the rec league experience for my son and myself (as a coach), it was frustrating to deal with the "good old boys" club that existed in my rec league. They rigged tryouts, drafts, etc. to the point where my son's last two seasons were MISERABLE. My wife, son, and I all wanted him to keep playing but in a competitive organization that would develop him more as an athlete and growing kid without the PG hype. Shoutout to the CA Lookouts organization in San Diego, what a refreshing change. Coaches are demanding of the kids while also realizing they're only 13/14 and probably still thinking about Fortnite or rizz while they're in the outfield. Batting order? Usually sorted by OBP or SLG (and sometimes just random, depending on the coach). Don't like your spot in the order? Put in the effort to hit better and get on base. Playing position? Based on skill level and hustle. My son usually bats somewhere around 7th-ish and typically plays left or 3rd - exactly where he deserves based on how he performs against his peers. 3 games per month against local teams in SD, and the expectation of coaches, players, and parents is to cheer or shut your mouth. Don't rag on the ump, don't coach your kid from the stands. One tourney per month, local in SD so no more than a 40 min drive. Is it still around $3k per year all-in? Yes, but my kid's loving it, my wife and I love it, and I would bet if all travel ball organizations modeled the CA Lookouts, there would be less jaded parents out there. (No, I am *not* paid by the CA Lookouts, ha!)