Softball trending down?

[sportinus]

I was surprised by the low numbers at the local HS's try outs. Several barely have enough for 3 teams and others have dropped freshman teams due to lack of numbers. How was it out by you?

 

[spleen1015]

I don't know about the HS numbers, but I know 10u numbers are way down in my area and my tournaments are suffering for it. 21 teams in the first tournament last year, only 7 this year. 12u and 14u numbers are good.

I'm not sure what the cause is. There's a lot more softball exposure on tv. I don't know if no baseball/softball in the Olympics has anything to do with it.

 

[riseball]

Booming in Central Florida. Everyone bitching about the "diluted talent pool". I agree with them 100% We need more talented coaches to teach the game.

 

[Eric F]

Our league...

6U - 4 teams - 2 more than last year
8U - 4 teams - 1 less than last year
10U - 6 teams - 2 more than last year
12U - 4 teams - same as last year
14U - 2 teams - 1 more than last year

The trend for us seems to be on an upswing.

 

[bucket pinata]

Don't know if this holds up nationally but the local clubs here cycle teams over the years. they will go from just a couple of teams to many teams and then shrink back down. most likely that transfers to the HS system. Seems that local young athletes in any sports come in waves. At least in my area.

 

[fastpitchdad8]

Booming in Central Florida. Everyone bitching about the "diluted talent pool".

Same in our immediate area. There are too many teams IMO

 

[redhotcoach]

I would say way down all over the mid section of the country. By far the greatest growth in youth population has immigrated or are first generation U.S. born. From Mex, India, Iraq, Asia, Eastern Europe, my kids have non stop new students in their schools...and all from non softball countries.

"Sport specialization" is killing us too. Lots of girls quiting around 10 to play soccer, and some talent quitting from 12-16 yrs to play year round basketball.

 

[stickpile39]

Here in the Boston "Lacrosse" is to blame. Beginning to despise that word, keeps some talented athletic girls away from the softball field

 

[Eric F]

Here in the Boston "Lacrosse" is to blame. Beginning to despise that word, keeps some talented athletic girls away from the softball field

Girls' lacrosse is booming here, too.

 

[Dave619]

Here in the Boston "Lacrosse" is to blame. Beginning to despise that word, keeps some talented athletic girls away from the softball field

I would agree...Lacrosse and Soccer have increased in popularity over the years along with, year around sports have caused a decline in softball.