I coach and my daughter plays because there aren’t many things a guy and his daughter can bond over. For me it’s something I will look back on and smile about when I’m old and dying. Hopefully she does as well.
With that being said, the excessive travel and significant costs are something that I would urge everyone to really consider if there is value in that. Like the original poster said there is no payday and even if you play in college, if you aren’t a pitcher or catcher, good chance you’re playing on your own dime. If you have money and can afford the costs, then more power to you. I treat these weekends as my vacations (even if I anm coaching 3rd all weekend and not relaxing on a beach). otherwise I couldn’t justify it.
I one of the rare dads out there that don’t even want my daughter playing in college. I coach HS and I’ve seen too many girls over the past 8 years go on and have disappointing college experiences. Very tough to see good kids go through that.
I don't care if mine ever plays college either. At the moment she says she has no interest in it. But what she CAN do is really learn and understand pitching so she can teach lessons to put herself THROUGH college.