Starting Lineups: Parents, Letting Kids Stay Up Late To Watch Overtime Games Is Cool
Ed The Sports Fan — By E. Maisonet, III on May 3, 2012 at 8:56 am
You’re conditioning your child for greatness; trust me on this.
Mike Emrick, the play-by-play announcer for the NBC Sports Network, for Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers had to be worn out. The two teams could only score one goal apiece and were now three overtimes deep. Goodness gracious. When it seemed like the game would never end, Marian Gaborik’s game-winning goal put a certain subset of hockey fans into “jubilation mode” or “cry tears in my beer mode.” The game was finally over.
Then Emrick said the following (paraphrasing) and it made me think of my Mom.
“Kids, be sure to thank your parents for letting you stay up past your bedtime. You’re going to be moving around slow tomorrow, but it’ll be worth it.” — Mike Emrick
Even though it was totally the wrong thing to do, my mom would let me stay up and watch games when my squad was on the brink. My Seattle SuperSonics would be playing late night on the West Coast versus the Phoenix Suns, and moms would be down. “Did Kemp win the game for the Sonics, son?” My mom would ask. She stopped asking that as soon as my celebration or disgust would immediately kick in.
Parents, let your kids stay up and watch their favorite teams. Otherwise, they’ll have to rely on highlights in the morning, and second-hand stories from their friends. You’ll breed a bandwagon sports fan, and your child will be despised.
There’s no country for bandwagon sports fans, especially not here. Here is your reading material for Thursday.
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Hardwood Paroxysm: The Contradictions Of Marshon Brooks
Beyond The Arc: Anthony Davis to be a finalist for Team USA
Hoops Authority: Li-Ning to Release Limited Edition “Cinco De Mayo” Sneakers
How To Make It: The Art of Film & TV Title Design
Lifehacker: Uncle Sam Says to Put Your Social Media Affairs in Order
National Post: Lionel Messi makes history with hat trick in Barcelona victory
SLAM Online: Player Comparisons: Imani Stafford x Brittney Griner
Smoking Section: Did VH1 “Behind The Music” Crack Biggie’s Murder Case?
Bull City: Is Coaching A Problem For ACC Football?
Pro Basketball Talk: Nick Young and Gilbert Arenas maintain strong friendship
Tags: Fandom, Starting Lineups
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3 Comments
For about half my life, I didn’t have cable. I used to listen to the games that I couldn’t find on television, just so that I didn’t feel SO behind. The Stanley Cup playoffs were guaranteed to have a few games that would go on past the midnight hour, so there were times where I’d fall asleep during the extra sessions, but wake up with the morning shows bellowing into my ear. I believe during the Rangers’ Cup run in ’94, I answered a test question with “Jeff Beukeboom”.
When I got cable after moving to Harlem in ’97, I finally understood the eternal struggle of trying to watch, but be mindful of having to troop to the nether regions of the Bronx in the morning. It was hell, but so damn worth it.
I remember staying up late every night to watch the Phillies in the 1993 World Series. If I had no been able to do that, I’m not even sure the course my life would have taken. Would I have grown up with less anger, stemming from Mitch Williams blowing two saves? Would I not be as emotionally invested in sports as I am? Who the hell knows. But I sure am glad I got to stay up and see some of the most amazing and horrible sporting moments of all time.
God bless Mama Paul Revere.
-Ed.