For those of us that spend every Spring and Fall on the baseball fields planning is key. Both of my children have played baseball and softball for years so I never really thought about the fact that when we go to the fields we don’t buy much at the concession stand. Well the other night I worked the concession stand at our local baseball fields and was shocked by how much people spend and I have to admit because our children play in an organization that is “not for profit” the prices are reasonable, however a typical order that came to my window would go as follows for a family:

2 gatorades - $3.00

1 soda - $1.25

nachos - $1.50

2 candy bars - $2.00

popcorn - 50 cents

Total - $8.25

Now that does not seem like much but most of us who spend our lives during baseball/softball season at the fields are there atleast two nights a week and more if we have more than one child playing ball. If you spent that just two nights a week you would be spending $16.50 a week or $66.00 a month and not really knowing unless you were tracking where your money is going. Now true the proceeds from the sales go to the organization so if you are in a heavy cash flow situation that can be a great way to snack and help out a local organization that is working for your local kids in the community. You also could just write that organization a check. We helped raise money this year by selling sports cups to help repair all of the baseball fields.

My solution is that I bring my own mini cooler to the ball fields, it can hold up to six drinks that were bought on sales or coupons for my family even for my player in the dugout although my son usually brings a huge cooler for water that he drinks right out of. I also pack our own peanuts or popcorn. If my children want something from the concession stand they spend it out of their own allowance that way they are making their own choices to a degree of how they are going to spend their money. Usually they just eat what I pack and they are quite satisfied.

Well I guess I better start packing my cooler I’ve got a ballgame tonight!