Most of the grannies have never met Akron’s favorite son, but they love him just the same. So much so that the LeBron James Grandmothers Fan Club meets the first Thursday of each month to plan events and cheer on their adopted grandson. So dedicated are they, that many of the members continued to congregate even when he was scoring points for that “other” team.
“Our baby’s back!” Anita Koper of Akron shouted at Thursday’s gathering.
Despite rules that prohibit them from taking signs into Friday night’s homecoming event, the women made banners welcoming LeBron home anyway. They will place them on a van that they will be riding in on Saturday during the West Side Parade and Festival.
For those already holding tickets to Friday’s event, gates open at 6:15 p.m. at the University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium and Summa Field. Since no seats are reserved, it’s first come, first served — unless you are a seasoned member of the popular grannies’ club. The group received 50 tickets for members who have been in the club the longest.
“We will be screaming our guts out!” a silver-haired gal shouted during a break in the meeting.
Alder Chapman of Akron put together the club in 2006 after learning that many “mature women” like herself were glued to their television sets rooting James on during game nights.
Even after his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami in 2010, and the unsophisticated way, he now acknowledges, he handled the announcement, the grandmothers never stopped loving their “boy.” Just like a proud grandparent, they are quick to note that not only has No. 23 done a lot for the game, but also for Akron.
While playing for the Heat, the 200-plus racially and socio-economically diverse grandmothers who make up the club sometimes chartered buses to watch him when he was on a nearby court. And, oh, are they happy that he’s back.
“I’m very excited. He has always done a lot for this community,” said Akron’s Selaria Woodall, who has been a member for four years.
As much as they love watching him play, the grannies are far more than a group of crazed fans. These women are a loving, giving bunch who have created several mentoring programs to help others, including young mothers, with coat drives and many more charitable undertakings.
Grandmothers of all ages can become members. To learn more, visit www.lebronjamesgrandmothersfanclub.com.
Oh, before I close — note to LeBron: Most of these lovely women have never had a chance to meet you. They’ve stood beside you through thick and thin. Maybe between the dignitaries’ remarks and the “I Promise” pledge, you could show your grannies a little love. It will do wonders for their souls — and their tickers.
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com. Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kim.honemcmahan.