As far as Max Millard is concerned, everything about soccer is better than baseball. But one thrill on the field overshadows the rest.
‘I like scoring goals,? the 5-year-old Goodrich resident said. ‘I’m good at it.?
Millard has played soccer in a church league for the last two years. Baseball has never made it into his summer sports schedule.
The preference for soccer over baseball is a growing trend. America’s favorite pasttime is in danger of being run out by soccer, a more European sport.
Tony Bombardo, head coach of the Brandon Hawks U10 travel baseball team, said field availability has a lot to do with the splintered interest between the two sports.
‘There are now more soccer fields than baseball fields in Brandon,? Bombardo said.
The coach grew up in Ortonville and has played baseball in his hometown since 1971.
‘There are now four fewer fields than there was back then, which makes it more difficult for teams to find fields for practice and have games locally,? Bombardo said.
The coach is right, as far as Director of Brandon Parks and Recreation Fred Waybrant can see.
‘There are fewer baseball fields because of school development,? Waybrant said.
The number of soccer fields is increasing, however, because their construction through the township parks.
Bombardo said another factor plays into soccer’s increasing popularity: opportunity.
Nine players are needed to play a baseball game, while only a few need to sit on the bench for substitutions.
‘It is necessary to carry the extra players in case someone is sick, breaks their foot, or goes on vacation,? Bombardo said. ‘All of which we have experienced this season.?
A soccer team needs eleven players on the field, but the bench overturn is far more often than in baseball. More kids can be active on a soccer team than a baseball team.
Stephenie Millard, Max’s mother, chose soccer over baseball for a different reason.
‘I’m more familiar with soccer, and I wanted it to help Max with his coordination,? she said. ‘But I also didn’t want him to get his teeth knocked out by a bat.?
Stephenie said soccer seemed like the safer choice.
The foot-propelled sport not only provides fewer casualties and more positions on the field, it provides year-round participation, which can conflict with the baseball season.
‘There are more opportunities for kids to play soccer indoors and outdoors,? Bombardo said. ‘It forces parents and children to choose between baseball and soccer.?
Bombardo said four of his baseball players didn’t have to choose; they are also involved in soccer programs. However, it is difficult for families to accommodate for that kind of dual involvement when money enters into the equation.
Waybrant said soccer, which involves two seasons of play, costs $105 through Brandon Parks and Recreation. The cost of a single season of soccer is $60. Baseball, he said, costs $65 for the single season.
‘We lowered our prices back to our 2007 rates,? Waybrant said. ‘It brought families back to our programs and helped them save a few dollars.?
Bombardo said a few dollars may still stand in the way of kids enjoying both soccer and baseball.
‘Money may prohibit [kids] from playing both sports,? he said. ‘I think kids, especially at a young age, should not be forced to choose, but they should be allowed to enjoy both sports.?
The Millards agree.
‘When Max is older, I can see myself putting him on a baseball team,? his mother said. ‘Because, what if he likes baseball more? He has to have a chance to find out. Ultimately, I want him to do whatever he’s more confident in.?