MLB and NFL misc.

First, an article about an inner-city baseball academy that the Braves have helped start in Atlanta. John Smoltz, Mike Hampton, Chipper Jones, and Brian Jordan donated $75,000 to the effort and each had a ballfield named after them. Then, the Braves held a clinic there last weekend, with Chuck James and Tyler Yates, hitting coach Terry Pendleton, pitching coach Roger McDowell, bench coach Chino Cadahia, and former outfielder Brian Jordan serving as instructors. Here's the article: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070505&content_id=1947511&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's another article about what Cubs 1st baseman Derrek Lee is doing to help raise money for the disease that has caused his daughter to go blind in one eye: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070505&content_id=1947854&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, a note about the Twins Torii Hunter, a Christian, and the Red Sox David Ortiz going to visit the Brewers Corey Koskie, also a Christian, last weekend while the Red Sox were playing in Minnesota:

Visiting hours: Ortiz joined Minnesota's Torii Hunter in visiting their former Twins teammate Corey Koskie on Saturday. Koskie, who lives in suburban Minneapolis, has been battling post-concussion syndrome and has not played for the Brewers since last season.

Ortiz said Koskie told him he is improving and might be able to return to the Brewers in about a month.

"He's doing OK," Ortiz said. "He needs some more time. But he feels way better than what he was. He was happy to see us, and we were happy to see him, too."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949101&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another good article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, talking about his great performance last weekend. Here's a quote from Hamilton:

"Just to be here is a blessing," said Hamilton. "I don't need [drugs] anymore. I have God in my life. A day like today is what makes you love the game. The game's not easy. It's just fun."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949398&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Daunte Culpepper's adoptive mother dying. It sounds like she was a special lady: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2862349.

Here's an article about Colts first-round draft pick Anthony Gonzalez from Ohio State. Here's a quote about his grandma:

Grandma lived with the Gonzalez family in Cleveland when Anthony was in high school. That's when she began blessing him before games, in English and in Spanish: "God bless you. Dios de bendiga."

The tradition continued at Ohio State, as it will this fall with the Colts. About three hours before kickoff, Anthony's cell phone will ring.

"It's the only phone call I'll take from outsiders on game day," Anthony said.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/SPORTS03/705070336/1100.

Next, a good article about alcohol and baseball: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/SPORTS08/705070373/1224/SPORTS08.

Lastly, yet another article on Josh Hamilton about his play last weekend. Here's a quote about him:

Everything about him has been impressive.

Hamilton makes sure to sign autographs after batting practice and is willing to share his story with fans who are also trying to beat addictions. He readily agrees to open up about his life, hoping that by sharing his story and his faith that he can make a difference in someone else's life.

Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070508/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbn_sports_showcase.