There are so many teams, it’s very possible to find an inexpensive one. Heck, there are some programs that will give you a sponsored roster spot. There’s no pressure at all to choose one sport. I swear that’s just created by travel teams in all sports to get people to play.
And yes, if you want to face good competition, you have to play travel. Rec league competition is like the White a Sox of Major League Baseball. I wish all the kids just played for their town team, but in the Illinois area, I don’t blame any kid for playing for Sparks, etc.