Actually, most of us wouldn't be surprised at all as we are veterans of the softball journey and are very aware of the idiocy of 8u travel ball parents. More than half of those girls won't even be playing softball in 2-3 years but right now their parents think they are the next Alo. They have no problem spending 3 days of after tax pay on a bat that will give their DD an extra 7 foot on a barreled-up ball. It's hilarious to watch from afar.You be surprised the amount of money parents spend on bats at 8U.