BUDGET BASEBALL

The warm weather is here as is a bad economy; this means it is time for budget baseball. There is nothing as American as baseball, but there is a problem. Going to baseball games with the family is increasingly tougher on the wallet than ever before. Prices for games have gone up. Prices for concession goodies are astronomical. If you toss in some parking, we're looking at a hefty tab just to catch a game. Now let's add in the bad economy and this year it is harder to squeeze in a baseball game while the family budget is strained.

Is there such a thing as budget baseball? The Frugal Yankee thinks so. 

When you look at your baseball budget the first question is, are your going to go to a Major League Baseball game? If so, be smart about it. There are numerous after sale or secondary ticket brokers theses like 

StubHub or TicketNow. Tickets are usually available, but at a premium. Instead be flexible and work on getting tickets way in advance. Talk with friends. Find out a person or even a company that has season tickets. Let both know you are available. Check with the team box office often. Sometimes tickets become available just prior to a game. Be extra careful of securing tickets on internet auction sites. They could be fake tickets. Then there is always getting scaled. Many times are attempting to control the scalpers. The Boston Red Sox have created a "No Scalp Zone" where people looking to unload spare tickets can do so at face value.

If you do decide to go to a Major League game, one way of keeping your baseball budget under control is to bring your own food. You'll save a bundle. Although it is difficult not to buy at least one hot dog and if you are of age, one beer, brining your own peanuts, or even a homemade score card. It will save money. If you team is situated in a city, consider taking mass transit. You'll save a bundle on parking and save your self the aggravation of game day traffic.

Your baseball budget can be greatly expanded if you think outside the 'bigs'. Consider minor league ball. Most of the teams in the minor leagues cater to families. They make the prices affordable and usually have lots of entertainment to make the kids happy.  In New England there is a wealth of minor league teams and even excellent amateur baseball leagues. The Cape Cod League

is considered one of the best for young college players with aspirations of making it to the big leagues.

College, high school, Babe Ruth League and even Little League all offer free alternatives for budget baseball. The cost is negligible, perhaps just parking. This is a great alternative if you are introducing the game to someone young. If they don't express interest in baseball, there is no need to take it to the next level.

The bottom line on budget baseball is as easy an a infield pop-up. Think outside the baselines and you can find all sorts of alternatives to paying big league prices to enjoy a summer of ball. If you want to go to a big league game, be frugal. Look around, plan and instead of costing you a promising prospect, you can enjoy America's past time for pennies on the dollar. Have fun. 

Check out the Frugal Yankee's Baseball page which includes Tim Shea's FENWAY: The Ultimate Fan's Guide which includes great tips on how to enjoy Fenway Park without spending more than you have to.

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From traditional tips to savvy perspectives, the Frugal Yankee knows how to enjoy life and spend less. Find out more by going to FrugalYankee.com. While you're there, sign up for the Frugal Yankee Newsletter, tips, factoids, jokes and more. Garen is now on Twitter with posts twice a day.Be sure to check out Hollywood Breakdown in Gather's Movie Essential for some smart takes on the film business.