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john boxley
February 08, 2025
Welcome to High N Tight, your Saturday dose of everything baseball! Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a dedicated coach, or a proud parent, we’ve got something here for you. Let's step up to the plate and get started!
Swing for the Fences!
"Baseball isn't just a game; it's a way of life."
Spring Training is nearly here! Pitchers and catchers will soon report to Arizona and Florida, and we can practically smell the fresh-cut grass and hear the crack of the bat already.
If you’ve never been to Spring Training, this is your sign—add it to your baseball bucket list! it’s an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
Now, onto the hot topic of the week.
Should MLB Introduce a Salary Cap?
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently stirred the pot by discussing fans’ concerns about the lack of a salary cap in baseball.
The Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series win, have been on another spending spree—adding big name stars like Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott. Even the Yankees, yes those Yankees, are saying they can’t keep up!
Are the Dodgers ruining the game, or are they simply playing smarter within the rules?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Should MLB introduce a salary cap? Share your opinion here!
Coach’s Korner
"Champions are built one practice at a time."
Coaching Little League isn’t always easy—but you’re shaping future champions, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
This Week’s Tip: Prepping the Ball Field
From chalking the lines to securing the bases, getting the field game-ready can feel like a big job. Our 7-Step Guide to Prepping Your Little League Field makes it easy!
Have a drill you swear by? Share it with us, and you might see it featured in next week’s newsletter!
Gearin’ Up
"Because the right gear can make all the difference."
This Week’s Feature: The 5 Best Baseball Cleats for Little Leaguers (2025)
From sprinting the bases to tracking fly balls, the right cleats make all the difference. We’ve rounded up this season’s top picks to keep your young star quick, comfortable, and safe on the field.
Heart of the Game
"Baseball is about belonging, growth, and pure joy."
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Little League Challenger, a program that brings the love of baseball to athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Since 1989, Challenger has given players of all abilities the chance to step onto the field and swing for the fences, with the support of dedicated “buddies” and a community rooted in inclusion.
These athletes remind us what baseball is all about—passion, perseverance, and joy.
Have an inspiring baseball storfor a chance to be featured!
MLB’s Spending Debate
MLB’s Spending Debate: The Dodgers Are Playing by the Rules—But Are The Other Teams?
Over the past two offseasons, the Dodgers have shelled out nearly $2 billion on free agents.
In 2025 alone, they’re projected to spend over half a billion on salaries, benefits, and luxury taxes.
Their projected luxury tax bill alone is $138 million—more than the entire Opening Day payrolls of 13 MLB teams last year.
Some say the Dodgers are ruining the game. But are they?
Let’s be clear: The Dodgers are playing within the rules. This is exactly what the NY Yankees once did, outspending the competition, and they were referred to as the “Evil Empire”. Are the Dodgers the new evil empire?
I’m not a Dodger fan, but the way I see it, all they are doing is using their deep financial resources to build the best possible team—shouldn’t every franchise be striving for that?
At a time where the game has never been healthier financially, the bigger question shouldn’t be whether L.A. is spending too much—it’s whether the other teams are spending enough.
Don’t get me wrong, baseball has never operated on a level financial playing field and it never will.
Most organizations don’t have has the resources the Dodgers have.
But that doesn’t mean these teams shouldn’t or can’t be doing everything possible to win.
And next time your owner cries poverty, its worth mentioning that a majority of the owners in the sport are billionaires.
Look at the San Diego Padres. Under their owner late Peter Seidler, the Padres went all-in on free agents, packing Petco Park with record-breaking attendance.
Following his death and with new leadership, they’re slashing payroll. What do you tell those loyal fans who supported the team thru thick and thin?
Or take the Pittsburgh Pirates, who will spend just $66 million this season, despite having one of the game’s most electrifying young pitchers in Paul Skenes.
They did make a handsome profit in 2024 of more then $60 million.
And don’t get me started on the soon-to-be Las Vegas A’s, whose laughable $63 million payroll belongs in the minor leagues—despite their owner with a networth of $3 billion.
If anything, MLB should impose a minimum payroll requirement—say, $125 million—to ensure teams reinvest revenue-sharing money instead of pocketing it.
The Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets are willing to spend. Can we say the same for every team?
Instead of blaming the Dodgers for the spending, maybe its time to start calling out teams that refuse to. Fans deserve better. Owners should step up—or step aside.
This Week’s Quote
"I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen." – Bob Lemon
Have a favorite baseball quote? Send it to us for a chance to be featured next week!
Your Feedback Keeps Us in the Game
Did you enjoy this edition of High N Tight? What was your favorite section?
We’d love to know what you think—take our quick poll to help shape next week’s edition!
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for joining us for this week’s edition of High N Tight. From Little League diamonds to MLB’s biggest stage, baseball connects us all.
Remember, whether you’re cheering from the stands, coaching from the dugout, or playing under the lights—keep your eye on the ball and your heart in the game.
See you next week!
High N Tight – Your Saturday baseball fix.
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