What Brings Us Together

“Swung on and hit in the air to left center. Williams on the run, Curtis makes the catch! Ball game over! World Series over! Yankees win! The Yankees win!” “Manning lobs it. Burress alone. Touchdown, New York!” These are famous calls, one from the final out of the 1999 World Series and the other from the game winning drive in Superbowl 42. While these championship games are from two different sports, to me they hold something in common. I attended each game with my dad, the man who I have to thank for where I am today.
For my entire life I have had more than just a father-son relationship with my “old man.” More than dinner table talks and family functions keep us together. We each possess a burning passion for sports. He is the man that lit my fire and with him I keep it strong to this day.
From an early age, the concept of sport was presented to me through experiences with my dad. It ranged from a simple catch out in the yard, to fishing trips, organized soccer, pilgrimages to Giant and Yankee Stadium, or simply sitting at home watching our pastime on T.V.
The idea of a relationship between a man and his son connected through sports did not begin with me. My father tells stories of his own bonding experiences with his father, such as fishing trips and baseball games, and how those experiences shaped him into the man he is today. However, unlike my father and his father, I want more than just a relationship where sports are involved: I want a life.
At about age four, I began playing recreational soccer and little league baseball with my dad as the coach of each. After a few years we realized my talents were best put to use in soccer, which became my primary sport. My father has been my coach for 13 years, and still is. He has pushed me hard to improve and in addition to my club soccer I made varsity ball at Prep as a sophomore. However, it won’t be long until my career on the field ends, and when that happens, my career off the field will just be starting.
At a young age both of my parents realized I had a great interest in watching sports, primarily football and baseball. Numerous “discussions” between my parents over how late I should be allowed to stay up still linger in my mind. This passion for the game that allowed me to stay up late did more than satisfy my hunger for sports; it inspired me. This inspiration goes beyond watching sports. While I do enjoy following along each day with updates, reports, and games, my addiction has grown too large to simply remain a fan. I want more, much more.
One of my fondest memories occurred at the age of seven. My dad called me over to the table on a pre-football Sunday morning in September and opened up the New York Times. He then proceeded to explain the sports section, how to read the various segments, and differentiate between the leagues. From that day on an idea was planted. When I finally realized my ability, at about age 12, I was awestruck by what I had overlooked my entire life. What about a career in sports journalism?
I knew, and so did my father (although he has never spoken the words to me) that I would never achieve a level of play sufficient to qualify me for any professional sport. I would have to enter another way, through the press.
Whenever I walk into Yankee Stadium, Giant Stadium, or any other sports complex, I walk by the press entrance and say to myself, “someday.” I dream about being able to go to a game and watch it, enjoy it, then write about it, and not even have to pay for a ticket! I’d be able to explain my feelings and opinions about sports, an activity I do everyday. However, I wouldn’t simply be telling my dad my observations; I would be telling the world. And I would be paid to do it, too!
What started as a metaphorical magnet, that brought a father and his son together, became a way of life. If I’m lucky enough, maybe my vision of working in sports will become a reality, and my ultimate dream, to announce sports, will be fulfilled. And who do I have to thank for such inspiration? My father.