Okay, the setup: The Detroit Tigers traded away their catcher of the last 4 years, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. He was traded to the Yankees for a pitcher. (This is a big trade, which has the Tiger fans split down the middle on “love it” or “hate it”. I’m okay with it, but that’s a whole other journal entry.)
The thing is… My kids were disappointed. Visibly, and vocally. And thoughtfully! “I know they needed a pitcher, but if they had to trade a catcher why didn’t they trade Brandon Inge?! I LOVE Pudge!”
This blew me away. I had one of those Dad “Wow” moments. I was sad for them, but amazed and proud and excited that something I was so passionate about… They were too! Because I’m older and get the business end of the game more, I had a clearer understanding of why the trade was made, but I also realized that didn’t matter. One of THEIR guys was gone!
We had some great discussions about it tonight while watching the game… it wound up with me promising I’d see if the Yankees were coming back to town this summer, and if so we’d go to that game to see Pudge play again.
Now they’re each trying to figure out who will be their favorite Tiger! And I love it!
Tony Caselli 
That is so cool. There is no way I was that aware of what was going around me at that age. And how great is it that they have picked up your interest in the game. That’s the kind of thing that will be with them for a life time, and you will always have to share with each other. Great job Dad, another job well done.
Spencer
Aw, shucks! Thanks Spence! Yeah, its cool having these kind of things to share with them!
Andrew was pretty bummed out too. He has already declared that Curtis Granderson is his new Tiger. (Granderson is my tiger too.) Terri
Yay for Curtis Granderson! He’s a big favorite in our house too – he and Polanco!