Published: Thursday, July 22, 2010

Bob Labbe, Mr. Sports
Madison Weekly Magazine
Madison, Alabama’s Hometown Newspaper

Published: Thursday, July 22, 2010

By Bob Labbe Madison Weekly Magazine

Ever since I was a small boy I always wanted to attend sporting events. Numerous times my wishes came true, thanks to my parents, who took the time to make our travels to include stops at outstanding sports venues such as Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.

I had the pleasure to see many of the Yankee greats in action at Yankee Stadium, including my childhood hero Mickey Mantle. I also sat and watched the Yankees face their rival the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston with its “green monster” wall in leftfield.

We also attended the first major league baseball game ever played at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta as the Braves had made their transition from Milwaukee to Atlanta in grand style. Today of course, the site of that stadium is only commemorated by a plaque and a portion of the outfield wall as the Atlanta Braves play their home games in nearby Turner Field.

Every one of these outings were a family event where not only did we attend as a family, but partook in watching the games as fans. I’m sure there were lots of times my parents were maybe bored or had their minds on more important things going on in their lives, but they attended the games and watched intently to what was going on, if not for their sake, but for mine.

Now to my point I’d like to make.

While attending numerous sporting events in recent years, it has come to my attention that many times parents are in attendance, but are not there as fans and do not share in the wholesome family outing that going to a Huntsville Stars or Alabama Vipers is designed to be.

At a recent Stars game, a nice family sat in front of me. Their little boy was a normal kid moving about, asking questions and eating and drinking whatever he could get his hands on. I was taken aback by the fact that the mother in this family soon pulled out magazines and began to read them while her family was enjoying the event.

In another stop at the Stars, a similar family with two children was there among hundreds of other families. This time I couldn’t believe my eyes as the mother of this family took out her cross-stitching and barely lifted her eyes from what I’m sure was her hobby to see and be an active part of the “family event”. Sad, as the children were enjoying the game and at times verbally tried, but to no avail, getting their mother to be part of what was going on.

I remember one night back in the 1990s while I was working for the Madison Recreation Department; I was running the basketball program at the West Madison Elementary gymnasium. For some unknown reason I noticed this young woman and her child come strolling in. The young boy was in the age range of 7-10.

Once the game got underway the young lad would make a good shot or a pass and just enjoy his time on the basketball court, each time looking into the stands to see if his mother was admiring him do his best and share in his pride. His search for approval never came. When I glanced into the crowd to see his mother, I was appalled by what I saw; the mother of this attention-starved child had her face buried in a newspaper.

She rarely looked up to see her own child have the exciting experience of playing sports and share in that soon-to-be-gone time which can never be repeated.

My point in all of this is this: when you attend a sporting event, especially with your children, focus on that precious time you have with your children. Whether it is a recreational, school, collegiate or professional sports event, be a part of what is taking place and share that experience with those who attend. You are at a ballgame. The phone calls and texts can wait. Be a fan of the game and your family outing; not just an attendee.

After all, sports are supposed to be fun. Live it.