Father’s Day, Sportsish Style: Athletes and Their Kids
It’s Father’s Day and time to celebrate the dads and father figures in our lives. The one who encouraged you to play every sport as a little kid drove you back and forth from countless games and practices, spent hours in the backyard helping you train, and taught you the love of the game.
Dads are the real MVPs. They sacrifice so much so their kids can pursue their wildest dreams, all the while being some of the biggest cheerleaders and coaches - in life and sports. Honestly, where would we be without their outpouring of love and support?
We wanted to highlight some heartwarming moments from this past year between dad athletes and their children.
Warmups with the Kids
Starting with an adorable moment of Giannis sharing his love of basketball with his children before a game. Giannis is a father of four: Liam (5), Maverick (3), Eva (1), and Aria (newborn). While basketball means the world to him, fatherhood is one of his greatest joys. In 2021, he told Bucks announcer Jim Paschke, "If my son asked me, 'Dad, when are you going to retire and play more with me?' I'd retire right now."
Masters Par 3 Contest: The Perfect Family Affair
There are so many moments to choose from this year’s Masters Par 3 Contest. It was incredibly heartwarming watching the golfers beam with pride as their children excelled on the greens. However, if we had to pick one, Poppy McIlroy’s incredible put and celebration with Rory was the perfect way to start the weekend, followed by a big win for her dad.
Father-Son Duo of the Phillies
Nick Castellanos and his son, Liam, have become internet sensations, with multiple clips of them going viral. Phillies fans love watching them interact on game days. How could you not? Their bond is palpable through the screen, and there is no doubt Liam is one of Nick’s biggest supporters. He makes many appearances at games and likes to chat with his dad by the home plate as well as celebrate after a home run.
“He’s got a lot of great qualities. His mindset. He’s never stuck in the past, and he’s always worrying about the present. You can’t change the past”
History Made in the NBA
LeBron & Bronny (AP/Eric Thayer)
LeBron James and his son, Bronny, became the first father-son duo to share the court this past October during the Lakers’ season opener.
“I talked about it (playing with Bronny) years and years ago, and for this moment to come, it’s pretty cool. I don’t know if it’s going to actually hit the both of us for a minute, but when we really get to sit back and take it in, it’s pretty crazy.”
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!