BUENA PARK, Calif. — The sport of baseball is known as America’s pastime, but it’s getting more expensive for youth to take part in Little League.
The average cost for a season of Little League in Southern California ranges from $580 and $1,085, and around 60% of parents in the region can’t afford the fees, according to a report by the LA84 Foundation.
Getting access to the sport has been difficult as well. With field times booked up throughout the year and the Southern California heat, a new facility opened in Buena Park that aims to help with that.
“Sometimes, it’s too hot, you get dehydrated,” said 10-year-old little leaguer Dom Samawii, who is practicing at HAX batting cages in Buena Park. “Here, it’s very, very convenient, you get AC.”
The facility just opened, and the owner, Roger Samawi, said while it is a business, HAX will be partnering with local nonprofits to get younger people discounted and free cage time to work on their game.
“We’re trying to work with multiple organizations and charities to start our nonprofit organization so we can get cage time funded for underprivileged youth,” he said. “So we can work with the local little leagues in this area and surrounding areas.”
Buena Park welcomes the new business. The pandemic slowed growth in the city, and as recovery continues, local officials are hoping more businesses will begin to open up.
“COVID did slow things down quite a bit,” said Buena Park Council member Susan Sonne. “But we’ve really noticed an uptick in businesses opening, and we’re so excited about the different kinds of things that are coming into Buena Park.”
For Dom, getting a place to work on his swing and game will help him try to achieve the lofty dreams he has for himself.
“I wanna get to the Majors, hopefully,” he said. “That is my dream.”