School committee approves varsity baseball trip to Florida, requests final cost breakdown

The Mashpee School Committee voted July 24 to approve a proposed Mashpee Middle-High School varsity baseball trip to a Florida training complex during April break 2025.

Coach Bill Baker, a longtime assistant coach and parent, told the committee the team plans to bring about 18 to 20 players for a seven‑day stay at a complex historically associated with the Dodgers. "The cost of the trip probably be around $2,200," Baker said, adding that past trips have been about $1,800. He also said lodging costs were estimated at $159 per night per player and that the fee covers lodging, three meals, facility use, umpires and related expenses.

Committee members asked about supervision and student conduct. Baker said the program expects at least four coaches (possibly five) for a full roster, yielding about a 1:4 coach‑to‑player ratio, and described on‑site supervision that includes night staff. In response to concerns about phone use on buses, Baker said coaches plan to reiterate cell‑phone etiquette and "probably not [allow] cell phones on the bus" during travel.

Before the vote, the committee asked coaches to provide confirmed travel dates and a final cost breakdown when reservations and tickets are booked. The motion to approve the trip was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

The committee also asked that coaches submit a post‑trip accounting of actual per‑player costs and any incidental expenses to inform future approvals and budgeting.