Fathers and sons even have taken titles together in football
LeBron James and his son Brony became the first father-son duo to record a game together in the NBA when they appeared on the court as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in the season opener. It was because of the incredible marketing ploy that the Lakers selected Brony at No. 55 in the draft, not that they thought he had a serious career ahead of him. The kid was immediately sent to the G League to play, and his chances of returning to the NBA are minimal.
The two also have a movie together – the sequel to “Space Dives”, where LeBron replaces Michael Jordan at the head of the team of beloved cartoon characters.
But the Jameses are just the fourth father-son pair to play together in the US and Canadian professional leagues. There are two such families, which, however, stand out above the rest.
The greatest family in history is probably that of Gordie Howe. One of the biggest stars in hockey, a mythical legend of the Detroit Red Wings.
The Eternal
top scorer of
NHL before
Wayne Gretzky
and called by all Mr. Hockey. A year after entering the Hall of Fame in 1973, however, he decided to return to the field in the newly formed World Hockey Association to play with his sons Mark and Martin for the Houston Aeros. He was 45 at the time. Interestingly, the deal was brokered by Gordy’s wife and mother of his sons, Colleen. It provided the family with 2 million dollars for 4 seasons – a rather serious amount for that time and “the best family deal” in history. And Gordy winds up just so “we can have some quality time with the kids because I missed how they grew up.” And at the end of his first season, he was the league’s top scorer with 100 points (31 goals and 69 assists), was voted the best player of the season, Mark was the best debutant, and Marty was the number 1 among debutant defenders. They spent 4 seasons with the Houston and Hartford Whalers, then recorded one season together in the NHL when the Whalers were admitted to the league in the early 1980s along with the Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets. Gordy ended his career at 55.
They can only compete with baseball players Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Jr. simply because they have titles, and only Gordie Howe has won the Stanley Cup. Sr. was part of the Cincinnati Reds’ dynasty, finishing with two titles and a three-time All-Star selection. At the end of his career, after passing through the New York Yankees, he played one season for the Seattle Mariners.
And then at 51
the match was together
with his son Junior, however, he has a much bigger career than his father. He played primarily for the Mariners and Cincinnati Reds with a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox. 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, American League MVP, but never won a title in his career. When elected to the Hall of Fame, he won 99.32% of the vote, breaking Tom Seaver’s record of 98.84%, which stood for 24 years. Seventh on the all-time list with 860 career home runs.
Tim Raines was one of the fastest baseball players in history. Recorded 808 career stolen bases, fourth all-time. He spent 13 seasons with the Montreal Expos, also playing for the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and finally the Florida Marlins. 7-time All-Star and won three titles – two with the Yankees as a player and one with the White Sox as a coach. Nicknamed The Rock.
Tim Raines Jr. had a very short professional career. On October 4, 2001, he recorded one of his few side-by-side matches with his dad.
In football, there are also several unique achievements of father and son duos. The winner of the “Golden Ball” Rivaldo, shortly before ending his career, played with the well-known Rivaldinho in our country. In 2013, Rivaldo signed with Brazilian Mogi Marim (Sao Paulo). And in February of the following year, he achieved his dream of going on the field together with his son. Worried that it stops a month later. However, this lasted only 15 months and at the age of 43 he returned to the field to score in a match with Rivaldinho, who was then 20, in the 3:1 victory over Mackay.
Even more exciting is the case of 1966 world champion George Eastman. Not only did he play with his son George Jr., but they also won a trophy together. This is the Northern Ireland Gold Cup. Both were players of “Ards” back in 1954 and in the final for the trophy they were starters. The father, who is an Arsenal legend, is 39 and the son is 18. And the father scores the winning goal for the trophy.
“I remember that day to this day. We are probably the only ones in the world who have won a trophy”, explains the son.
But this is not true. As for titles and cups, the Eremenko family is ahead. At the end of his career, father Alexey spent 4 seasons in the Finnish HIK (Helsinki), and in two he was in the same dressing room with his son Alexey Jr. And
they both win
two titles and
the bowl of
Finland
After leaving HIK, Alexey Sr. finds himself with his younger son Roman in “Yaro”. Both sons play the same position as their father. “Apparently I didn’t teach them anything else,” the parent recalls with a smile.
In Sweden, the same thing happened with one of the great modern stars. But not until the fourth level. And just like with Rivaldo it was connected with the return of Henrik Larsson to the field. The player with 106 caps for the national team and winner of the Champions League trophy in 2006 decided to thank his hometown Hogaboards (Helsingborg). And there he was next to his 15-year-old son Jordan, who scored in their only game together.
“We didn’t combine much, but I’m proud of that. It’s pretty amazing to play with your kid,” said Larsson, who beat us in the third-place match at the U.S. World Cup 30 years ago.
Likewise, champion and FA Cup winner Alex Hurd appeared alongside his son David for Stockport County in the Third Division North on the final day of the 1950/51 season. After that, David will also become a champion and cup winner, but with Manchester United.
38 years after them, the two-time winner of the CASH with “Nottingham Forest” Ian Bowyer was listed as a playing coach at “Hereford United” in the 1989/1990 season. His son Gary played in the fourth division team.
“Our first match together was against Scunthorpe. We were falling and he came in. We reached 3:3.
I scored
the equalizer
goal and
the only one
who doesn’t me
Congratulations, he was. Still, I was to blame for the first goal in our goal,” recalls Gary.
There are similar cases in Bulgaria, but at the amateur level. The last pair was in the amateur “Haskovo”, when Emil Angelov-Babangida and Emilian Angelov played together.
Time.news Interview Special: Exploring Father-Son Dynasties in Sports
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special interview. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of father-son partnerships in professional sports. Joining us is renowned sports historian, Dr. Michael Andrews, to shed light on this unique bond and its historical significance. Welcome, Dr. Andrews!
Dr. Michael Andrews (DMA): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a captivating topic.
TNE: Let’s start with a recent milestone. LeBron James and his son, Bronny, made history as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game. What does this moment mean for sports history, especially in terms of generational legacies?
DMA: It’s monumental! LeBron’s legacy is already immense, and having his son join him on the court adds a unique layer to their story. It connects the current generation of players with the next, and it’s a brilliant marketing strategy for the Lakers as well. However, the reality is that Bronny’s path in the NBA is still uncertain, especially after being sent to the G League.
TNE: Absolutely, it’s a standout moment. Speaking of dynasties, the Howe family in hockey is legendary. Gordie Howe not only played professionally at 45 alongside his sons, but he also dominated the league. How does this example influence our perception of longevity and family ties in sports?
DMA: Gordie Howe’s story is exceptional. It exemplifies how passion for the game can transcend age and personal milestones. By playing with his sons, he created an unparalleled family legacy. This kind of generational play is rare and sparks interest in family dynamics in sports culture. Plus, his success at an older age challenges perceptions about aging athletes.
TNE: Changing gears to baseball, the Griffey family stands out with Ken Griffey Jr. and Senior also playing together. How do their achievements compare to those of the Howe family?
DMA: The Griffey family showcases success in terms of accolades. Junior became a 13-time All-Star and ranks high in career home runs, while Senior was part of a dynasty with his two World Series titles. The combination of individual success and a shared experience makes their story significant. Each family creates its narrative, but the way they have represented each sport contributes richly to its history.
TNE: You mentioned Troys and Hendersons in football. Rivaldo’s journey with his son stands out—playing together on the field despite a brief professional stint. How do these stories resonate on an emotional level with fans?
DMA: When fans see a father and son playing together, it resonates with the universal themes of legacy, dreams, and shared experiences. Rivaldo’s story tugs at the heartstrings. Many fans can relate to the idea of fulfilling dreams alongside family. It symbolizes not just sporting achievement but personal connections and aspirations passed down through generations.
TNE: Speaking of emotional moments, what can we learn from George Eastman’s story? Winning a trophy together with his son, George Jr.—how does that impact the legacy of multi-generational success in sports?
DMA: George’s story is a beautiful representation of the bond sports create. Winning together is a shared victory, one marked by family and history. Their story emphasizes that success in sports is not just about individual accolades but also about moments and memories created with loved ones. It’s a reminder that sporting achievements can foster family legacies that last a lifetime.
TNE: Before we conclude, let’s touch on the Eremenko family, who have won multiple cups together. How do you see competitive families influencing the future of sports?
DMA: The Eremenko family exemplifies what can happen when family members share not just the love for a sport, but also the competitive edge to succeed. As we see more families like theirs emerge, it might encourage aspiring athletes to involve their families in their pursuits. This shared passion could inherently create a more supportive environment for young athletes, enhancing their performance and enjoyment of the sport.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Andrews, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the stories of fathers and sons in sports are not merely about competition but more about love, legacy, and shared moments.
DMA: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing the remarkable connections between family and sports.
TNE: And to our readers, we hope you enjoyed this exploration of father-son dynamics in the athletic sphere. Stay tuned for more engaging stories from the world of sports!