Why all NJ kids should go to a professional sporting event

I have to tell you that being a parent is a constant learning experience full of ups and downs. If you are a fellow parent, then you get it. And if you're not? Just trust me, it's an adventure.

My twin boys are currently 9 years old and will be 10 this summer. Back on opening weekend for baseball last year, I was able to get four really great seats to see the Mets at Citi Field.

Now, for context, the wife's family is in no way Met's fans. For them, it's Yankees all the way. My family, on the other hand, is a combination of Phillies and Mets (immediate vs cousins).

I actually enjoy the mix as it makes it more fun when our teams verse each other. It also opens the door to wanting to see multiple teams live and up close.

A great opportunity

So in this case, it was Met's tickets I was able to get opening day weekend at home. At the time, neither of my sons had ever been to a major league game before, so their interest up until that point was very minimal.

That all changed at that first major league game.

Especially for my one son, who got hooked on the Mets. And even though the Mets didn't score once that day and finally lost in extra innings, he loved the whole experience.

Prior to that, he wasn't much of a sports kid. Not only do we now have to put Met's games on TV, but he also followed all the trades that occurred leading up to the opening of the 2025 season.

Fans for life

I will tell you that it's interesting having a Subway Series household. Both the Yankees and Mets games must be on, no matter what (Sorry Phillies fans... at least my immediate family still has that Philly love).

I already had my kids out to two games - one at Yankee Stadium, and the other at Citi Field - and the boys had a blast. But again, I owe it all to that first game I took them to in 2024.

It's why I recommend that all New Jersey kids go to a professional sporting event at least once. Major or minor, it doesn't matter. And to set the record straight - Yes - I will get them to a Phillies game too this summer.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.