WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

[Pale Rider]

Oops..forgot to add
You'll need a newer model trustworthy behemoth vehicle that gets mileage like an Abrams tank...which will completely destroyed in 2 yrs and require replacement due to mileage, dirty socks, escaped chunks of beef jerky, French fries, old cleats, gummy bears etc...Be prepared for vultures to follow the vehicle...(watch Mythbusters episode about a dead body/ selling a car for an idea)
You will HAVE to know every bats specs etc...best gloves, and will never figure out why a great set of soft leather work gloves cost $25, but thin poorly made batting gloves that last 2 weeks (maybe) cost $40...
They smell horrendous also...

Have like a Gozillion dollars to spend (Note: BUY a University it'd be cheaper)
Be prepared for you neighbors to run from you like you are a fund raising Zombie...because...actually you are due to lack of sleep...and smell like your vehicle...Unlike Zombies, you don't want brains...You want them buy more cookie dough, cases of cokes etc...and your yard looks like a Busch Gardens jungle safari, because you haven't mowed in 2 yrs...
Yes...They hate you...

Other than that...plus a LOT of other things...Its great

[PDad]

Which path has to be started earlier - major D1 athletics or high academics? I say high academics because it is best started in elementary school.

We roll our eyes at the fanaticism of 10U/12U parents because the studs at those age groups may fall to the wayside. We should really be telling those parents to put that level of support into their kids' education and a solid financial plan to at least pay for the best local college.

Students need the proper foundation before they get into HS to pursue a high academic curriculum. Realistically, the last chance to get on the path is middle school. Many MS's have an AVID program that can facilitate the changeover.