MLB awards and Redskin prayers

First, an article about Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, winning the NL Player of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070905&content_id=2190246&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, winning the NL Pitcher of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2189301&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next are the articles about Christian MLB players nominated by their teams for the Roberto Clemente Award for community service. To vote for the one ML player who you think is most deserving for the award, go here: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/clemente.jsp.

The first article is about Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan and his charity work: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183095&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil.

Here's a couple of quotes from an article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols and his charity work:

The [Pujols Family F]oundation was established in 2005, with the stated mission to "live and share our commitment to faith, family and others." ...

"Our main goal," said Pujols, "is to share with them what God has done in our lives and in my career, and what he has done throughout the foundation."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178431&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl.

Also, an article about Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz and his charitable work: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2178730&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf.

Here's a quote from an article about Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez and his charity work:

"I just think it's great to be in a position that I have been blessed with so much that it's only logical to want to give back," Ibanez said. "We have this great platform that allows us to give back in a positive way, and I intend on using that platform that the good Lord has blessed me with to hopefully impact other people in a positive way."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2178786&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea.

Next, a quote from an article about Orioles pitcher Jamie Walker and his charitable work:

"I felt once I started making some money, you're supposed to tithe," he said of his religious and moral conviction. "But I don't really go to church, because with baseball, we play every Sunday. The way I can tithe is with some of my money and some of my time to good organizations like the Army Relief Fund and by buying tickets for underprivileged kids."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178397&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Here's an article about Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson and his charity work: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183174&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit.

Also, an article about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday and his charity work. Here's a quote from him about that:

"I figure that I've been very blessed with all the things that I have," Holliday said. "I feel like it's my responsibility to give back and to give to people that are in need. I've been blessed with more than I would ever need, so I look forward to the opportunity to give to those who aren't as blessed, as fortunate."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183554&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's a great story from an article about Royals designated hitter Mike Sweeney about how he and his wife Shara helped out a pregnant teenager:

Sweeney and Shara had a major impact on two lives this season. On June 13, they hosted the Lunch for Life and raised $60,000 for crisis pregnancy centers through Kansas City and honored 19-year-old Virginia Hansen. Hansen was pregnant, but was going to have an abortion.

"Part of her family turned on her, part of her friends turned on her and the father of her baby turned on her," Sweeney said. Hansen didn't know how she could put food on the table and support her son. She scheduled a trip to Planned Parenthood for the abortion. However, on the way there, she pulled to the curb and started crying and knew she had to save her child. Hansen came to the Rachel House, a crisis pregnancy center where Shara Sweeney volunteers once a week.

"She went there and they talked to her about the reality of what was inside of her," Sweeney said.

Hansen had the baby and brought him to the Lunch for Life. Hansen believed she was just going to share her story with the audience. Sweeney, however, produced many unexpected gifts.

He presented Hansen with the first Life Award, an award that included gift certificates to salons and massage parlors, a grocery store, baby stroller, baby crib and clothes for the baby. She also received a $5,000 check to purchase a new automobile.

"She knew nothing about it," Sweeney said. "That is probably one of the greatest things that I have done in my life."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178572&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc.

Next, an article about Twins outfielder Torii Hunter and his charitable work. Here's a quote about some of his work:

... The center fielder also is a participant in Athletes In Action, a Christian-based mentoring organization, which has him meet with college baseball and softball teams, encouraging them to stay focused and find support in God.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178644&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min.

Here's where you can go to vote for the MLB Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for community service from the players association. You can vote for one player from each division, and then the players will choose one winner from those six. Here's that webpage: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188314&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, a note from the Redskins/Dolphins game earlier this afternoon. In overtime when Redskins kicker Shuan Suisham was kicking the possible game-winning 39-yard field goal, Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and a few other Redskins players were shown down on one knee praying. The field goal was good. Not that God will always help make outcome good, but this time He definitely did!