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's now fully into following all the player trades and can't wait to see the new lineup in action for 2025.

Fans for life

Never have I ever expected both of my boys to be so hooked, but as a parent I love it. And I owe it all to taking them to experience their first-ever major league sporting event.

And you know what? I'm going to do this more often with other major league sports, and I encourage you to do the same with your kids.

As for baseball? Yeah, it's truly a house divided with my one son as a Yankees fan and the other as a Mets fan, with parts of my family being Philly fans. Kinda makes it very interesting.

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.