Kids participating in recreational soccer or Little League is about as American as apple pie and, well, baseball; but they’re also getting increasingly expensive—and costs grow with the competition. Just outfitting a child for a baseball team can cost hundreds of dollars from a $249 bat to $51 cleats to a $20 batting glove, according to The New York Times. Other sports such as hockey are far more expensive; and for kids who are in competitive leagues that travel a lot, the costs go up dramatically. The family of one 8-year-old girl on a traveling fast-pitch softball team spent at least $4,000 a year, according to Mark Hyman’s book The Most Expensive Game in Town. Some pay much more. Fran Dicari, who has two kids in sports, says his family spent $11,704 last year for his children’s athletic activities.  “Looking back on it, you would not think we were sane people,” he said, “but in the circle we were in, we were normal.” (The New York Times)