a lot of sports misc.

First of all, an article about Padres pitcher Chris Young and his wife hosting a shopping spree for underprivilidged kids to buy things for school: http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20070815-9999-1s15beyond.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2153848&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian, and his veteran status on the team: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2785db45-6853-48de-be7c-fd02dc1af0b4.

Next, an article about Clemson runningback Ray Ray McElrathbey, who is also guardian of his 12-year-old brother. Unfortunately, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and is out for the year. Here's a quote from him about his injury:

"At first I was upset," McElrathbey said. "But I am past that now. Sometimes God tests you in different ways and it makes you stronger in the end."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2979535.

Here's an article about Nets forward Richard Jefferson, a Christian, donating $3.5 million to his alma mater, Arizona, to help finance a new practice facility: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2979756.

Now for something fun. Here's a blog post and an article by one of the Braves beat writers about a song that a couple of guys at Auburn wrote about new Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian. The guys, Andrew Hall and Tyler Crawford, wrote, sang, and video-taped the song, and then downloaded it onto YouTube. Some how Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur (also a Christian) found out about it and loved it, then e-mailed it to several other guys on the team, including Teixeira himself, who also liked it. The song is good and funny, with some creative rhymes for Teixeira (like Scarlett O'Hara), and I really recommend watching it. First, read more about it in the blog post about it: http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/08/17/tex_ditty.html. Here's the article with Teixeira's reaction to the song (second section): http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/17/bravesnotes_0818.html. Here's the link to the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDHjGrbXiD4.

Also, an article about the Red Sox raising money for cancer research at a local cancer hospital. One boy with cancer who was involved with the radio telethon had his wish come true when he was able to meet Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester (a Christian), a cancer survivor himself. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154014&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, having to patiently wait for playing time recently: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154346&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about new Padres infielder Morgan Ensberg, a Christian, playing against his former team the Astros last weekend: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154655&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, reaching 42 consecutive scoreless innings last Friday against the Braves. Tonight is his next start to extend the streak. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154866&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a Q & A article with Colts safety Matt Giordano, a Christian: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070818/SPORTS03/708180473/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about Orioles catcher/DH J.R. House, a Christian, who was recently brought up from the minors: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2155986&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Braves players Tim Hudson, Kelly Johnson, Peter Moylan, Chris Woodward, and Corky Miller hosting a shopping spree for kids who had perfect attendance last school year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2156073&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, an article about Bulls guard Chris Duhon attending a back-to-school bash to encourage school attendance among kids in inner-city Chicago: http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/duhon_school_070821.html?rss=true.