The Hot Shots, a Travel Ball Softball team, is run by an Alumnus of UL, Nathan Nelson. There are many Hot Shot teams, probably two for each age group, 10 Under, 12 Under, 14 Under, 16 Under and 18 Under. It is a BIG deal. Generates lots of money. I read one article by a Travel Ball Softball parent who thinks he potentially spent $85K on Travel Ball since his daughter joined in 16 Under. Being a good softball player can get you a free college education. Parents think it is worth the money and time they spend.
Being on a high school team isn't "cutting it" anymore. Eye opening, huh?
There are folks on RP [myself included] who do not closely follow Louisiana baseball. I would expect that many of them had to look up Nate Nelson to find out who he was.
The money involved in top level travel sports is insane. As such you will see stuff like this.
I once talked to a parent/manager for a top level travel team in girls soccer in the DFW area. That particular year they had 6-8 open positions. To try out for the team was a non-refundable fee of something like $400.00. They had hundreds of kids try out for the team. Most of the kids who made the team were homeschooled so they could make the two a day practices.
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