
Not long ago, I wrote about my first trip to a pro-sporting event. It was in July of 1988. I went to Dodger Stadium with my dad and grandfather, and saw Fernando Valenzuela pitch. I remember seeing the field through the openings of the concourse on the way to our seats. I was thinking that I could not believe how immaculate and green the field was, and how the stadium and the rest of the seats towered over the diamond. Finally, when we settled into our seats, my nine-year-old eyes were wide open in surprise.
In October of last year, my wife, Enjoli and I decided we would make a trip to Kansas City to see the Chiefs play. I have been rooting for them since I was about 12, and had made one trip to Kansas City 20 years ago. With Alexa being 11 and Jake eight, they are certainly old enough to remember a trip like that. The game we saw took place in early December so we would all have plenty of time to look forward to this event.
I have always felt it is important to have things to look forward to. I was very much anticipating the look Alexa would have on her face when we finally got in the stadium. If you are now aware, the Chiefs have had a lot success in the last five to six years, and that happened to be when Alexa really started paying attention. She has been spoiled. I was born in 1979, and some of my earliest sports memories are watching Magic and Bird battle. I grew up rooting for Magic and Kareem so I was spoiled in my early years … a lot. I do not take those memories for granted.
On the day of the game, we got to the stadium, along with thousands of other fans, several hours early. Midwest fans are incredibly friendly. We tailgated with a large group of very organized folks who welcomed everybody, including Charger fans. The Chargers were the opponent that night.
After hanging out with them for a while, we went into the stadium. We sat in the upper deck, but were allowed to get down to the field ahead of time to watch the players warm up. The expression on Alexa’s face had to be very similar to the one I had at Dodger Stadium 35 years prior. Colors and sounds popping all over the place with the night sky as the backdrop. I will never forget the look she had. A look of awe and amazement that made my sports fan heart smile. Her expression alone made the whole trip worth it.

The game was decided in the final second. As the time on the game clock dissipated, I mentioned how the games are much more intense when you witness hem in person. Alexa agreed without being able to crack a smile. So with one second on the clock, the Chiefs attempted a field goal that doinked off the left upright, and caromed through, securing the win for the home team. There are not many happier places I have been than in that stadium at that moment to see a team I have loved for more than 30 years win a game in such dramatic and somewhat unconventional fashion!
To have my own family of fans now behind this team as well is pretty special. If you are a sports junkie the way I am, this does not take much more explaining. Perhaps Alexa or Jake will be reflecting and witnessing with their own offspring in another 35 years. And, maybe if I am lucky enough I will be there for that too.
Thoughts From a Second-Time Father Column
By Michael Margolin
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