New Book 'Better Ballgame' Exposes Commercialization of Youth Sports

Author Steve Dickey offers an unfiltered look at how money, ego, and misplaced priorities have reshaped youth athletics.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In his new book 'Better Ballgame: The Tale of a Failed Youth Sports Revolution', author and longtime coach Steve Dickey provides a candid examination of the growing commercialization of youth sports, where development and enjoyment are often overshadowed by profit and prestige. Dickey chronicles encounters with delusional parents, greedy instructors, and teams willing to manipulate competition in pursuit of trophies, painting a picture of an environment where winning replaces learning and business interests eclipse the well-being of young athletes.

Why it matters

Dickey's narrative highlights how systems designed to promote opportunity instead reward excess spending and early specialization, questioning whether youth sports have drifted so far from their original purpose that meaningful reform may no longer be achievable. The book serves as a wake-up call for parents, coaches, and communities to re-examine the priorities and culture surrounding youth athletics.

The details

The inspiration for the book comes from Dickey's years spent coaching with the belief that sports could teach character, discipline, and teamwork. However, he encountered resistance from those benefiting from the status quo and a culture increasingly driven by revenue streams and rankings, leading him to document his firsthand observations and experiences.

  • The book 'Better Ballgame: The Tale of a Failed Youth Sports Revolution' was published on February 9, 2026.

The players

Steve Dickey

The author of 'Better Ballgame' and a father of five youth athletes who has been actively involved in coaching youth baseball and competitive fastpitch teams for nearly two decades.

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What they’re saying

“What he encountered instead was resistance from those benefiting from the status quo, and a culture increasingly driven by revenue streams and rankings.”

— Steve Dickey, Author

What’s next

The book is now available for purchase, and the author is open to interview requests and providing additional information.

The takeaway

Dickey's book serves as a wake-up call for parents, coaches, and communities to re-examine the priorities and culture surrounding youth athletics, which have become increasingly driven by commercialization and profit rather than the original purpose of developing character, discipline, and teamwork in young athletes.