We're joined in this episode by longtime Lansing Public Schools educator and activist, Alfonso Salais Jr. The son of Mexican immigrants, Alfonso shares his journey as a sports fan growing up in Michigan's capital city. Listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio was a common practice as was pulling for the nearby Michigan State Spartans. It was not until much later in life that he attended his first MSU at Spartan Stadium when MSU hosted Alfonso's alma mater, Central Michigan University (in either 1991 or 1992), and the Chippewas upset the Spartans.
Alfonso is also a big fan of his children's athletic pursuits: Daughter Gabi played soccer and volleyball as a youngster; son Alejandro played baseball and ran cross country; and son Laz is currently a goalkeeper at the University of Findlay (OH).
On Alfonso's sports bucket list is getting to Houston in 2026 to visit his sister and see some FIFA Men's World Cup action.
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