RANT: Why is kids' sports equipment so expensive

Just dropped $200 on a baseball glove, cleats, and pants for my 8yo's fall league. THE KID'S FEET ARE STILL GROWING. He'll be in size 4s for like 6 months tops. I get that quality matters but good lord. And don't even get me started on the team fees. Anyone else just feel like we're throwing money into a black hole every season?