Matthew Martz
Special to the Sun

It seems that every year it gets harder to find that special something for dad. With Father’s Day right around the corner it will be time to start buying that one-of-a-kind gift to make his day special.

If you are like me, you sometimes just cannot figure out what to buy dad. The idea of one more boring tie, cheesy aftershave or loud sweater is just too much to bear. Being a sports fan and father myself, I thought I might suggest a few gift ideas if your dad is a sports enthusiast. There are many sports-related gift ideas that he is sure to enjoy. To help you out, here are some ideas:

One great Fathers Day gift idea is to give dad tickets to a sporting event. Each summer Kern County is home to professional baseball with the Bakersfield Blaze, a Class-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers; and the Bakersfield Brigade, a member of pro soccer's Premiere Developmental League. You can either purchase tickets for these events online at the individual team websites or at the venue box offices. The price range is $10-$20 for a pair of tickets. Either way, every sports fan enjoys going to a live sporting event to cheer on their favorite home town team.

What sports fan doesn’t like to eat and watch sports? So how about a gift certificate to their favorite local sports bar or sports themed restaurant? Places like Dave’s Sports Bar in Bodfish, or the Kern River Brewing Company in Kernville will let your sports fan enjoy both good food and a good game or event. It is almost like going to a live sporting event, except without having to deal with the hot summer weather or parking conditions. Every sports fan will enjoy this Fathers Day gift. The price range varies depending on your appetite.

So you are looking for the unique gift for your outdoor sports fan? How about an all-day rock climbing class with Sierra South Mountain Sports in Kernville, it’s sure to get them into the action. Prices start at around $120 and up, and include all the necessary gear.

Dad’s afraid of heights? No problem, you could get him a half-day jam or a sunset mountain bike cruise with Mountain River Adventures in Kernville. Prices start at around $50, and include the bicycle rental. Pitch in for mom too. What better gift for dad than taking in a breathtaking sunset over the Kern River Valley with the love of his life.

An additional Father’s Day gift idea is to give your sports fan some apparel for their favorite team. Whether you give them a team jersey, hat, shirt, or sweatshirt, they are sure to love anything with the logo of their favorite local or major league team on it. If you are not sure what apparel they would like, you can always get them a bobble-head, stadium seat or team blanket. Either way, dad will be happy with these Fathers Day gift ideas. These items can be purchased online from the team websites, or at places like Stadium Legends in Lake Isabella. Prices can range from $20-$150.

Finally, if you have a golfer on your Father’s Day shopping list, there are many great gift ideas to choose from. You can buy them balls, tees, a golf towel, or perhaps that new custom putter or sand wedge that they have been talking about. You can also get them a gift certificate to their favorite driving range, so they can log some extra practice hours. Or, you can even buy them a gift certificate for a round of golf at their favorite golf course. Kern River Valley Golf Course and Country Club in Kernville is a good bet. The price range is $20-$500, and there are many options when it comes to gifts for golfers.

Hopefully, these ideas will make it a little easier when it comes time to buying that Father’s Day gift for your sports fan.

Happy Father’s Day!