MLB, football, and basketball

Hello. I've got some extra time because of the snow and ice outside, so I thought that I would go ahead and post mid-week instead of waiting till the end. The first article I have to post tonight is about former Astros pitcher Trever Miller, who signed as a free agent with the Rays last week. Miller played with the Astros the last two years, but had played for the Rays for the two years before that. Here's a quote from him about returning to play for the team near where he lives in Florida:

"It's been a blessing to be able to play big-league baseball at home,'' Miller said. "I didn't think it would happen again. ..."

Here's the article: http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2008/02/rays-add-trever.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080208&content_id=2368504&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's a good article about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt and his son Jon, both Christians. On Signing Day last week Jon, a senior at Prince Avenue Christian School in Athens, GA, signed to play football with Clemson, whose head coach Tommy Bowden (also a Christian) is a good friend of Mark. Mark thought that there would be less pressure on him and Mark if he were to play for someone other than him. I thought that it was neat that Mark went to Jon signing day ceremony before going back to his office to check on his own recruits. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3234394 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/233).

Next, an article about a group of Orioles fans, the Oriole Advocates, who have a neat program called "Cardboard to Leather". The group collects new and used baseball equipment (bats, balls, gloves, uniforms, etc.) to donated to kids in impoverished countries, like in Latin America. These kids would normally have to make-do with whatever they could find for equipment, like making gloves out of cardboard and balls out of tape. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080207&content_id=2367527&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article on NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian who is fighting breast cancer. This month is "Think Pink" campaign for breast cancer awareness with the women's NCAA teams, and several teams are wearing pink uniforms for one game to raise awareness. One of those teams was Yow's NC State team last week, whose uniforms all also had the name "YOW" on the back to honor her. Everyone at these games--players, coaches, fans, etc.--wear pink. Money is being raised for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, part of the Jimmy V Fund for cancer, named after the late former NC State men's basketball coach Jim Valvano who coached with Yow. He died from cancer several years ago. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/notebook?page=notebook/dish080207.

Also, an article about Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, whose comeback this season from a torn Achilles tendon last season was punctuated by winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award and being named to the Pro Bowl: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/comeback-led-cowboys-lb-greg-ellis-all/n20080208170809990011?ecid=RSS0001.

Here's an article about Kansas guard Brandon Rush, who tore his knee last summer which caused him to come back to college for his senior year this year instead of going on to the NBA. Here's a couple of quotes from his head coach Bill Self and him about it:

"There's no doubt Brandon's injury has been a blessing for the program," Self said. "No doubt at all. But I wouldn't go so far as to say it's been a blessing for Brandon. If he'd never gotten hurt, he'd be in the NBA right now, and that's his ultimate dream. But if he continues to progress, his draft status will be improved, in my opinion." ...

"'Blessing in disguise' _that's what my mama said. This might be a blessing in disguise," Rush said. "My mom always knows what she's talking about, especially about basketball."

Here's the article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/08/sports/BKC-T25-Kansas-Rush.php (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/260).

Next, an article about Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, who donated a custom car for a Boston children's hospital to auction off to raise money: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080209&content_id=2369324&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Bengals linebacker David Pollack, a Christian, who has a big decision coming up about whether or not he's going to attempt to comeback after a serious neck injury or not. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

“Even if I can’t play football again, I feel blessed that I’ve been able to play a kids’ game this long,” he said. “The experiences along the way have made me a better person, a stronger person. You learn a lot about life and who really cares about you when things like this happen.” ...

Deeply spiritual, he says he prays daily, not to play football again, but for direction and strength.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportscolumns/entries/2008/02/09/pollack_talks_a.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/7).

Also, an article about new Royals manager Trey Hillman, a Christian, and his style of managing: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080210&content_id=2369800&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about former Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, signing as a free agent with his hometown Padres this week: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3240246.

Next, an article about another Christian MLB free agent Mike Sweeney signing to play with the A's this week after having spent his whole career with the Royals: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3240225.

Lastly, a quote from a Q & A article with IU center D.J. White:

Once you sign your first NBA contract, what's the first thing you're going to buy?

If I am blessed enough to sign a contract, that would be great, but right now I am focused on my senior season and leading my team to a championship.

Here's the article: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/blogs/blogs.asp?topic_id=170.

Gibbs, Dungy, football, baseball, and basketball

Hi. Here's the second post for the weekend. First, some articles on former Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, who retired last week to spend more time with his family. Here's a good note about the news conference from Sports Spectrum's The Daily:

THE REAL JOE: If you caught the press conference in which Joe Gibbs announced the reasons for his retirement, you got the clear picture of a man with a deep faith in God and His direction in his life. But if you didn’t see that and just read published reports about Gibbs’ retirement, you wouldn’t know how important faith is to him. That part get left out of nearly every report about Gibbs. What was mentioned was his love and concern for family, which is a good thing. But that love of family comes from Gibbs’ solid faith and Christian convictions. That’s what he said, but for most reporters, the essence of Joe Gibbs wasn’t important enough to write about.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/080109.php.

Along those lines, here's a link to an article with video of the news conference last Tuesday if you would like to watch it, but it's kind of long--around half an hour I think--so I only watched the first part of six: http://www.wusa9.com/news/regional/story.aspx?storyid=67065.

Instead I found a transcript from the news conference, and here's the quote from near the end of the press conference referred to in the quote from The Daily:

... The last thing I want to say, it has been amazing for me to experience the fact that- we serve such a wonderful God that looks down and most cases takes a very average person, a physical education major in my case, with ballroom dancing and hand ball, and blesses him with some of the greatest experiences anybody could every have on earth. I have been blessed beyond belief. I want to say thanks to the Lord for letting me be a part of this and I want to say a personal thanks to all of you."

Here's the article: http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33975.

Here's a Christian article about Gibbs retiring from the Saved in Sports blog, and a quote about Gibb's Youth For Tomorrow center:

Joe Gibbs is known as a hard working man of faith, both on and off the field. An outspoken Christian, he has mentored hundreds of players in more than just field plays, but life itself. His passion for providing a strong foundation for young people led Gibbs to found the Youth For Tomorrow center in nearby Manassas, Virginia, a “residential program combining character rehabilitation, quality education, personal faith, and life skills,” according to the mission statement. Since opening in 1986, Youth for Tomorrow has served 800 young people. The campus includes several specialized schools, a library, gymnasium, computer labs, auditorium, and more.

Here's the article: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/washington-redskins-to-move-on-without-joe-gibbs/. Here's the Youth For Tomorrow website: http://www.youthfortomorrow.org/.

Next, here's the general news article about Gibbs' retirement: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_redskins_gibbs_resigns.

Here's a good sports column from the Washington Post about Gibbs too: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010804885.html?sid=ST2008010804632&sub=new.

Also, here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, and the community work that he's involved in through his Brandon Webb K Foundation and the Diamondbacks in Arizona: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080109&content_id=2342454&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a good blog post about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and her upbeat attitude during her fight with cancer. Here's a good quote:

As we all know, Yow is fighting a terrible foe every day. She never takes off the "armor"-- made up of her faith, her hope, her positive attitude. That armor has served her well so far.

Here's the post: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=ncwexperts&entryDate=20080109.

Next, a Q and A article with Washington State guard Taylor Rochestie, a Christian, talking about how well the team has done so far this season and his giving up his scholarship for next year so that they could use it for someone else: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=335345.

Here's a couple of articles on the possible retirement of Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, after this season. Unfortunately, the Colts just lost in the playoffs this afternoon to the Chargers, so now the Dungy watch is on I guess. The first article is a good one from the Indianapolis Star, and here's a quote:

It might not be enough. One of the most successful coaches in NFL history wants to be so much more.

Dungy has been involved in a prison ministry program in Tampa for several years and has devoted himself to All Pro Dad, a branch of the Tampa-based Family First. His book, Quiet Strength, recently sold its 1 millionth copy. When Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was shot and killed in November, Dungy spoke of the need for people in positions of influence to address a culture of violence that seems so pervasive among today's youth.

On the other hand, Dungy allows that "there's a vehicle to get that message out, and the NFL's a pretty good vehicle."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/SPORTS03/801100425/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's the other article, which gives some updated news about the Dungy retirement rumors: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArfW.TBnXvSah30L59.9ZEV.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dungysfuture&prov=ap&type=lgns. More on Dungy another day.

Also, a couple of articles about MLB players will be receiving Thurmon Munson Awards. The awards will be given to recently retired Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio and Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera, along with Mets 3rd baseman David Wright, Knicks guard Jamal Crawford, and Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. The award is for "excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community." Here's the Biggio article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080110&content_id=2343257&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb, and here's the Cabrera one: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080110&content_id=2343441&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Bills tight end Kevin Everett, who sustained a severe neck injury the first game of the season and is now miraculously walking on his own. Last week, he spoke at the football banquet at his high school, Memorial, in Port Arthur, Texas, to thank everyone for their support during his rehabilitation. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I feel blessed entirely," Everett said Thursday before addressing the Memorial High School football banquet. "I deal with some pain sleeping but not to the point where I can't sleep. I take my medicine and I'm good to go."

Here's a quote from New Mexico quarterback Donovan Porterie, who was also attending the banquet:

"Every night, especially in that first week, I was offering up a prayer after I heard about his injury," Porterie said. "It was all over ESPN and the NFL Network and being from Port Arthur, it was a real big blow ... a real heartbreaker."

"So it meant a lot to see a guy of his status to bounce back and be here like this," he said. "It was a big lift. Jesus came through and delivered him from his obstacle."

Here's a quote from Everett's friend and Memorial offensive coordinator Kenny Harrison:

"This guy is amazing," Harrison said. "Kevin has taught me two things. First, he's taught me that nothing is too bad and second, that with God you can overcome anything."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10569837/rss.

Next, an article about Mariners pitcher Chris Reitsma, a Christian, signing a minor league contract with the team since he's coming off an injury: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AsB1_FEIAPyO4Y9qrD.sJFt.T4h4?slug=ap-mariners-reitsma&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Lastly, last night there was a great interview segment with Jaguars quarterback David Garrard and his wife, both Christians, before they lost to the Patriots. At least three times during the interview Garrard said "a lot of prayer".

football, MLB, etc.

Hi. I'm going to split the articles that I have into two posts and I'll post the second part either later today or tomorrow. Here's the first post.

First, an article about Georgia special teams player Chris Gaunder and about how he's gone from walk-on to special teams player to medical school next year. Here's a quote from him:

This past August, he was rewarded with an athletic scholarship. On Saturday, Gaunder will become the first member of his family to graduate from college.

"We're definitely a family that's hardworking, a family that instills its values in hard work and dedication," said Gaunder, whose mother drives a school bus and whose father is an automobile shop foreman. "I think aptitude is there in a lot of people, but I've been very blessed to be in a family that believes in taking advantage of opportunities presented to you. I've been blessed with some wonderful opportunities."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/14/bowlgagrad_1215.html.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, who will be playing for a different team next year after a series of trades were made. Here's a quote from him about playing in Arizona:

A Glendale, Ariz., resident, Clark had long wanted to play for the D-backs and finally got his opportunity in 2005 when he was signed as a free agent by former GM Joe Garagiola Jr.

"It was an absolute blessing," Clark said. "I never envisioned an opportunity to play for my hometown team, so when Garagiola Jr. had called, it was literally the answer to my prayer and my hope to be at home. To think I had the privilege of playing for three years and not just one, I count myself as being very thankful."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327234&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy (a Chrsitian) and Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin before their teams played last Sunday. The two have known each other for several years because Dungy and Kiffin's dad Monte (Buccaneers defensive coordinator) coached together with both the Vikings and Buccaneers. Here's a quote from Lane Kiffin about Dungy:

Kiffin, now 32, vividly recalls a particular meeting with Dungy. It happened when Kiffin was a freshman at Fresno State, where he played quarterback.

"He brought me in and sat me down and talked to me about going to college and making the right decisions and all the trouble that could come with college," Kiffin recalled. "It was a pretty neat deal. I've never met a stronger person in his belief, faith and coaching, and in who he is, than Tony Dungy. I've never met anyone close to him."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/SPORTS03/712160417.

Now for some of the news about MLB's Mitchell Report about drug use in baseball. I am of course disappointed with the players included on the list, including some Christians, but I have much more respect for the handful of players who have admitted drug use and apologized than those who have either kept silent or denied it. A couple of the players who admitted their use of drugs are Christians: Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte and Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. They both admitted using drugs only once or twice, and then stopping because they felt it wasn't right. I have to say that, although they were wrong and that it was good that the truth about their drug use came out, I don't hold it against them too much. It's forgive them than the others who were heavier users and have not admitted using them. Here's some articles and notes about the report and those involved. First, an article about Pettitte and including his statement about his use: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-pettitte-hghadmission&prov=ap&type=lgns. Here's another article about Pettitte and about how reactions to each player mentioned in the report should be individually and not condemning the group as a whole: http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3157202.

Also, an article about Brian Roberts statement about drug use: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2329198&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The last article on the Mitchell Report is about how teams and fans are more likely to give second chances to those that admit their mistakes than those that don't: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2331424&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article on Astros 1st baseman Lance Berkman, a Christian, about how he became a switch-hitter. It also mentions that he likes to watch other switch-hitters, including a couple of fellow Christians: Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran and Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2329274&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article on the Appalachian State football team winning its third straight Division 1-AA national championship. Their head coach Jerry Moore is a strong Christian. Also, safety Corey Lynch is marrying Cissie Graham, the daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of Billy Graham, later this month. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5727.

Also, an article about athletic teams at Union University came together to buy Christmas presents for kids from a child abuse center: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5728.

Here's an article about Cincinnati head football coach Brian Kelly, a Christian, signing a new contract to stay with his team: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3159041.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, winning the AP Player of the Year Award, to go along with his Heisman Trophy: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10535759/rss.

Here's an article about Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, saying that he would like to coach the Redskins next year and beyond: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10534554/rss.

Also, an article about Tom Osborne, a Christian, becoming the permanent athletic director at Nebraska, instead of the interim one: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071219/ap_on_sp_co_ne/nebraska_osborne_1.

Lastly for now, an article about Colts tight ends Ben Utecht (a Christian) and Bryan Fletcher honoring a middle-school for their volunteer work last fall: http://cache.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=64b8cc96-1511-4bee-9305-202d9dbfd572.

MLB and football misc.

Hi. First of all, a neat article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, who helped to inspire a teenage boy dying from cancer, and was inspired himself in return: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071026&content_id=2283990&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Twins outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, winning the Marvin Miller Man of the Year by the MLB Players Association a week ago for his work with Little League Baseball's Urban Initiative, the Twins Rookie League and RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) youth baseball programs in the Twin Cities, Big Brother Big Sisters of the Twin Cities, and Athletes in Action. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284285&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about USC quarterback Mark Sanchez and his dad Nick, a captain with the Orange County (California) Fire Authority. Nick Sanchez was at the front line fighting the wildfires in the San Diego area, but was able to leave when the fires started to slow down. That meant that he was able to go see Mark start at quarterback at Oregon a week ago yesterday. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AoJw9mv5xyRnD5OokDBAbOZ.T4h4?slug=jn-sanchez102707&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's the first of a few good articles about the starting pitchers for the Red Sox and Rockies in Game 4 of the World Series a week ago yesterday. Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, a Christian, came back from lymphoma last year to pitch this year. Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook, also a Christian, came back from blood clots in his lungs in 2004 to pitch again after missing a year. Here's a quote from the article:

"I don't think it's a coincidence," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said before Game 3 on Saturday night. "I think this game drips with irony ... and I believe in a lot of different venues that God's fingerprints are all over a lot of things, if we are able to open our eyes and recognize (it), whatever faith you have.

"There's a battle that can be on your hands, but there's a battle that can be fought, and just as importantly there's a battle that could be won. These guys are representative of that. ... So it's good, it's real good."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AtZ2PeVi.R4OKzdT65w403x.T4h4?slug=ap-worldseries-game4pitchers&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a quote from an article about the game and Lester and Cook in response to what Hurdle said:

Maybe, as Hurdle said, "God's fingerprints" were all over this one. Or maybe it was simply two guys who got lucky. Whatever the reasons, they're here.

LUCK?! Whatever! Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3083332&sportCat=mlb&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines.

The last article about Game 4 is a transcript from an interview with Aaron Cook before Game 3. Here's a great quote from him about he and Lester's returns:

Do you find it ironic and somewhat special while you're literally not facing Jon Lester that both of you had near life threatening illnesses and now you're going head to head in Game 4?

AARON COOK: It is kind of ironic with him going through what he went through and me what I went through, both of us to work our way back up to the top level of professional baseball. It's tough enough to get here, and what we've been through, just to keep our focus, keep our faith, and just realize -- I'm sure he realizes, too, without me talking to him that baseball is not the most important thing, and once you realize that baseball is not the most important thing in the world, you're able to relax, put it back in perspective, play it like a game and just have fun, and I'm sure that's what he's been able to do, too.

You talk about having the strength to deal with that. Where did you get your strength from?

AARON COOK: Well, a lot of my strength came from my faith in God. I grew up in church. I believe that God has a plan for us all, and that we all deal with things differently, and there's a verse in the Bible that says "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because testing of your faith develops perseverance." That's one verse I really held onto. You can't really become the person you're supposed to be until you deal with something, and you never now how you're going to deal with it until you go through it. I think that gives you strength once you've been through something to deal with other things. I had the blood clots in my lungs in '04, and I believe that helped me to have the strength to get through the oblique injury this year.

Here's the article: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284428&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb. Here's an article with a video link of the press conference: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284631&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Also, an article about Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsch visiting a children's hospital in Denver before Game 3 of the World Series: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284394&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about recently retired Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio winning the Clemente Award for community service: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284369&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, the Phillies, including pitcher Ryan Madson, having their annual Halloween party at a children's hospital in Philadelphia: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071028&content_id=2285495&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about one person's opinion about the importance of Christianity to the Rockies organization. The writer makes it sound like they're the only team to hold a Faith Day, which they aren't. The last two seasons the Braves, Astros, Nationals, and Reds have had them too. I wish that the press would quit picking on the Rockies. Some sports teams have had so many players arrested that it has greatly effected their play. So which would the general public rather have, a Christian team in the World Series, or a bad team destracted by off-the-field problems? Here's the article: http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1677120,00.html?imw=Y.

Also, a great article about how some of the Rockies feel that God had a hand in them reaching the World Series. Here's a couple of quotes from pitcher Matt Herges, a Christian:

"I think God is the reason we got this far," Rockies reliever Matt Herges said. "We've done some amazing things this year (that are) hard to know. Something is going on. I think we may be getting favors from God.

"It's not like the Red Sox are going against God. I'm sure they have Christians over there. But we realize what a blessing this is." ...

"Not everybody in here is a believer," Herges said, "but this is the tightest-knit group and the most special bunch of guys I've ever been around.

"That will never be taken away from us."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/playoffs/2007-10-28-rockies-faith_N.htm.

Here's the last blog entry from Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton, a Christian, last Monday, the day after the Rockies lost the World Series. It's about how proud he was of the team to get that far. Here's a good quote:

People ask me if I can think about next season, about going to Tucson, Ariz., for Spring Training and preparing for 2008. But that's the last thing I want to think about right now.

I just want to go home and be a dad right now.

Here's the post: http://toddhelton.mlblogs.com/toddhelton/2007/10/proud_to_be_a_c.html.

Next, another good blog about the World Series from last Monday, this one from Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, also a Christian, about the Game 4 pitchers Lester and Cook and his end of the season thanks. Here's a couple of quotes:

“God has his fingerprints all over this game.”

I stole it. Clint Hurdle said that about game 4 and it resonated with me all day long. What Aaron Cook and Jon Lester went through to get to this point, to get the ball, was God’s work. What they did after “Play Ball” was awe inspiring in a million ways. ...

There are a litany of people that deserve huge kudos for what just happened. From a personal standpoint it starts with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What I have been able to experience, watch, be a part of, just adds to the already overflowing life of incredible memories I am totally undeserving of. To be able to participate in, and witness, events that millions of people around the world will never forget is pretty much indescribable.

I thank the Lord for an incredible wife, 4 beautiful and healthy children. Shonda remains my rock. In a life that sees me pretty much absent from the home for 6-8 months a year she has held the fort. That’s saying a lot when that fort contains 3 boys, ages 12, 8 and 5, and a young lady of 10. Wherever next year takes us it’s incredibly comforting knowing the ships in order and my children, even though I THINK they miss me, are being raised by a woman of virtue, passion, devotion and love that knows no bounds.

Here's the post: http://38pitches.com/2007/10/29/2007-world-series-champions/.

Here's an article about runningback Samkon Gado, a Christian, being claimed off waivers by the Dolphins from the Texans last week: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=298081.

Also, something interesting that I heard while watching part of the LSU/Alabama game last night. The broadcasters mentioned that LSU freshman safety Chad Jones dad worked with former NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, a Christian, and Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans. I just thought I would pass that along for what it's worth.

Just a funny note: Almost all of the monthly and weekly meetings planned for late afternoon/early evening at my church were either moved to earlier or postponed so that everyone could watch the big Colts/Patriots game, which started at 4:00 local time. Unfortunately, the Colts lost though. :(

Lastly, I started a page on Digg to post articles that I come across and think look interesting. Some ot the articles are ones that I will read, some I won't. Some of the artilces I'll end up posting, some I won't. I just thought that I would share my page so that you could check it out if you want to. You might have to register for the site to access it, I'm not sure. Here's the page: http://digg.com/users/milligan00.

lots of football and MLB

I'm kind of behind on reading, but I'm starting to get caught up some. Here's some of the articles that I've read this week so far, which is a lot. First, a couple of quotes from Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, the first quote on what he thinks about the Rockies fans chanting "MVP!" when he comes up to bat and the second one on what he thinks of his chances to get the MVP Award:

"It’s nice to hear," said Holliday. "I’m humbled and honored that anyone thinks enough of me to chant that." ...

"If it happens, it happens," Holliday said. "If it doesn’t, then that’s okay, too. It is not for me to decide. And it is not for me to have an opinion."

Here's the article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/sports_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_83_5703372,00.html.

Here's a couple of quotes from Phillies pitcher Tom Gordon about getting better after getting pneumonia earlier this season while he was still recovering from a shoulder injury:

"I never felt anything like that to the point where I felt so miserable," Gordon said at the time. "I had headaches for two days. I didn't know what to expect and what to do. Thank God I was able to get here and get to a hospital to where I could get seen. It actually gave me a little more time to allow my shoulder to get a little stronger, too, but that's not the way you want to do that." ...

So how fresh does Gordon feel?

"I don't even know the meaning of that right now," Gordon said, with a laugh. "I went through so much. I thank God for helping me get through what I went through. It was tough on me, but I didn't give up."

Here's the article: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070923&content_id=2225393&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi (both articles originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070924&content_id=2227357&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, taking the time during a recent series against the Astros to talk to Astros rookie outfielder Hunter Pence about baseball and how impressed Pence and Astros manager Cecil Cooper were by Pujols doing that (page down a little): http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2007/09/wade_arrives_w.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2231202&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Jane Hoeppner, the widow of late IU football coach Terry Hoeppner who died last June from complications from brain cancer. She has continued to come to the IU football team's home games and support the team with the same enthusiasm that her late husband always did. She's helped the players through their grieving and vice versa. Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=277873 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/222).

Also, an article about Ravens kicker Matt Stover, a Christian, and how important he is to the team's success: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=277892.

Here's an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, and how pleased he was with his rookie season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2231735&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Next, another article about Albert Pujols, this one about him becoming the only ML player to record at least 30 homers and 100 RBI's in each of his first seven years of a career last week. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's always awesome," said Pujols. "It's an honor to get 100 RBIs. That's tough to do every year. But I wish I could trade that and be in the postseason, playing next month. But that's the way it goes.

"Obviously I need to thank my teammates because I couldn't do it by myself. They're getting on base, being aggressive running the bases. It's a big accomplishment that hopefully I can continue to do."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2232453&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, and the increased number of passes and touchdowns that he's caught so far this season: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=79afffa2-f3ca-4698-a2bc-3a94b9452c34.

Also, an article about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger partnering with Marathon to raise money to support youth football in his hometown of Findlay, Ohio: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/CLTH018B27092007-1.htm.

Here's a good blog post from Tigers closer Todd Jones, a Christian, on how the end of the baseball season isn't the end of the world. He said that meeting a couple of kids fighting cancer this season helped him to keep baseball in perspective. Here's the post from his blog: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=278198.

Next, a good Christian article about Florida State fooball head coach Bobby Bowden and how he witnesses to his football players and coaches, including former assistant coach and current Georgia head coach Mark Richt: http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/7874.article (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Angels pitcher Chris Bootcheck and his new perspective since his wife gave birth to their first child, a girl, a couple of weeks ago. That along with his unexpectedly making the team last spring and the Angels making the playoffs, has made for a really special season for him so far. Here's a quote from him about it:

"This whole season has been one blessing after another," Bootcheck, the Angels' hard-throwing middle reliever, said.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070927&content_id=2233937&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana&partnered=rss_ana.

Also, two more articles on Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, about his faith and the affect of his example on the team, and about Christianity and football in general. Both articles are from ESPN's David Fleming: the first one is from ESPN the Magazine (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3036235) and the second one is more about Fleming's opinion about the issue (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/070927&sportCat=nfl). I love this quote from Kitna in the first article:

"I'm always happy," Kitna answered. "Only time I'll be happier is when I get to heaven."

Here's another good article about Bobby Bowden, this one from before Florida State's game last Saturday against Alabama. Bowden grew up in Alabama, rooting for the Crimson Tide teams of the 1930's and 40's, and the article is about him reminising about that before his first game ever against Alabama: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/feature/featureVideo?page=bowden/bama (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

Next, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton looking back at his rookie season. The article mentions how his season was a success just because he played after coming back to baseball from drug abuse. Here's a quote from him about the season and something that his coach/mentor Johnny Narron, also a Christian, told him:

And that's where he is this week, with his season over, gaining perspective on his first season in the big leagues.

"I don't look at the season and think about what I should have done different," Hamilton said. "Everything you do, you do for a reason. Johnny said to me at the beginning of the season, and this helped me a lot, 'God already knows what you're going to do tonight. No reason to get mad about it. He knows if you're going to go 0-for-4 or 4-for-4, so just go out there and do the best you can because it's already written down.'"

Even if it is already written down somewhere, everyone else - including Hamilton - is looking forward to reading the next chapter.

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AE/20070928/SPT05/709280320/.

Here's a note about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and his wanting to play every game this season, even after the Braves were eliminated from the playoffs and other players on the team were being rested:

No rest for Francoeur: During Friday's series opener, Cox gave Andruw Jones and Brian McCann a chance to rest. He'd planned to do the same for Jeff Francoeur until the 23-year-old right fielder convinced him that he wanted to start every game for a second consecutive season.

"When you've come this far through 159 games, it's something that you want to do," said Francoeur, who, including Friday, has started 324 consecutive games dating back to Oct. 1, 2005.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070928&content_id=2236891&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about University of Indianapolis basketball head coach Todd Sturgeon resigning this week so that he could spend more time with his kids. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It just came down to having young children, the time demands the job requires to do it right and kind of being at the point of my life where I needed to make a decision to be a lifer and coach forever or give something else a try," said Sturgeon, whose sons are 9 and 6.

"I wanted to give something else a try that didn't require me to be away from home so much."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071002/SPORTS06/710020382/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about the Rockies voting a full playoff share (money) for the family of late Rockies Double-A Tulsa coach Mike Coolbaugh, who was killed earlier this season when hit in the head by a foul ball. The Coolbaughs have two children with a third due this month: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071004&content_id=2249499&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, the websites of some Christian Major Leaguers that I've come across this week and will be added to my Christian baseball links. First is the personal website of Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins: http://www.jimmyrollins.com/ (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/programs/player_sites.jsp). The others are playoff blogs for Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton (http://toddhelton.mlblogs.com/) and Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark (http://tonyclark.mlblogs.com/) (Both blogs originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/index.jsp).

MLB, basketball, NFL

First of all, an article on Reds pitcher David Weathers, a Christian, who would like to come back as the team's closer next year, but ultimately wants to do what the team wants him to do. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070918/SPT04/709180343/ (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070919&content_id=2217840&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article on Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, who started a tradition with the team of putting pies in the face of the player doing the post-game interview. The team then made a video of the pies-in-the-faces, which they show on the big screen on the scoreboard to get a rally going. Whatever works, I guess. Nixon has became known as the "Pie Guy" in Cleveland. Here's the article: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/119019223612800.xml&coll=2 (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070920&content_id=2219938&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, another article on Washington, IN, senior center Tyler Zeller, a Christian, this one on his being recruited by IU. He's also being recruited by Notre Dame (where his brother Luke, also a Christian, plays), Purdue, and North Carolina. Zeller made his official visit to IU last weekend, going to the IU/Illinois football game. Here's some quotes from the article from the Indiana Daily Student, the IU student newspaper:

One look at Tyler Zeller's Facebook profile and you can get a good sense of what drives him.

Favorite Quotes: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

Activities: "I love to play basketball. I play it all of the time." ...

... Sure, he wants to be the best basketball player every time he steps onto the court. But he also wants to stay humble, something he has learned from his faith.

"The Bible teaches to stay humble," Zeller told the Indiana Daily Student on Wednesday, "and you will be blessed." ...

He said it is possible he would leave college early to enter the NBA. With players earning $3 million in signing bonuses, he admits it would be hard to pass that up.

Money is important to Zeller -- but for a reason different than most. Zeller wants to build a Christian camp with his brothers and his dad, an idea they've been thinking about for the past couple years.

He said he has been given a gift, and that he must use that gift for good.

"I'm seven foot for a reason," he said. "I didn't do that by myself."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AjWgXaejmwiMniKOdSyQMOY5nYcB?slug=uwire-iuafterstatestophoopsrecru&prov=uwire&type=lgns.

Here's another article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous healing from a concussion during their game against the Vikings on September 16th. This is a great article questioning why some people are so skeptical about Kitna's healing being a miracle from God. Here's a good quote from the article from Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, also a Christian, talking about what Christians are called to do:

"That's our calling," Munoz says. "To share the story. People hear the story all of the time, but what they are really looking for is someone who walks the talk. The weird thing is when someone doesn't walk the talk, they call him a hypocrite, and when he does, they call him a crazy fanatic."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/070921 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=249).

Lastly, I happened across this website for Astros catcher J.R. Towles, who was called up this month from the minors. The website really caught my eye because on the homepage it includes Philippians 4:13 and Ecclesiastes 5:3. There is also a couple of links of the church functions that he's involved with included on the "My Interests" page. Here's the website: http://www.jrtowles.net/ (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/programs/player_sites.jsp).

mostly MLB misc., etc.

First, another note about new Padres infielder Morgan Ensberg's (a Christian) thoughts about his first series against his former Astros teammates, this one from the Astros point-of-view: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154670&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou.

Here's the results of the Red Sox radio telethon to raise money for a local cancer hospital:

Final Jimmy Fund figure: On Saturday, the results were in. The sixth annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon raised more than $3.68 million. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt gave the largest gift, a record $50,000.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2156041&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a neat note about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, during his start last Friday in Atlanta against the Braves, a complete game shutout, which was during his 42 consecutive scoreless innings streak:

As he [Webb] stood in the on-deck circle in the ninth inning on Friday, a couple of Braves fans in the front row said to him, "Aren't you getting tired yet?"

Webb told them that he was still feeling good and they told him that they thought he was pitching well, to which he said, "Thank you very much."

The scene took place in front of D-backs CEO Jeff Moorad and team president Derrick Hall, both of whom were amazed that despite the fact that he was in the middle of his streak, Webb still acknowledged the fans.

"Are you kidding me?" Hall said. "That tells you right there what kind of person Brandon Webb is."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2156366&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a quote from Cubs 1st baseman/outfielder Daryle Ward about teammate Cliff Floyd after Floyd's father passed away:

"At first, I think I did a little too much thinking," Ward said. "There were a lot of thoughts going on, thinking about Cliff and his family and what was going on there, and feeling sorry in that situation. That's tough -- I thank God I still have my father here. We're sending our prayers out to him. I know it's got to be tough."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2156080&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Also, a couple of articles about Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings huge game at the plate last Saturday. He didn't do that bad pitching (3 runs on 3 homers with 7 strike outs and 0 walks), but that was overshadowed by his hitting. He went 4-5, with 2 homers, 6 RBI's, and 4 runs scored in one of the best offensive games for a pitcher ever. And to make it even better, it was in Atlanta, an hour from his hometown. He had 50 friends and family there to watch him. Here's a couple of quotes from him in an article about the game:

A humble, deeply religious man, Owings is an intense competitor, who is gracious in the time he gives the media, but if you expect him to beat his chest or say something outrageous you'll be disappointed.

"I'm just blessed," Owings said. "Early on in the season I was racking up some 'W's'. I had to learn some things and iron some things out. To be back home and have the game that I did tonight, that's all I can say, I'm unbelievably blessed." ...

"It's up there," he said when asked where this game ranked among all his others. "Maybe one of the best ever. Maybe after it slows down I can reflect a little bit. Right now all I can think is how blessed I am."

Here's that article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2156373&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The other article about Owings is about him and his family and their reactions to the game. Here's a couple of quotes, one from him and one from his sister Abi:

"I'm a believer, and I just kept praying," Owings said. "I've got a big God, and he did a lot of big things for me tonight." ...

"My favorite part was the part where he pointed up to the sky, because we believe that this is a God thing," Abi said. "We all prayed together before the game, and I think God really helped [Owings] tonight."

Here's that article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2157530&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari.

Here's an article about Bucks guard Michael Redd, a Christian, who is playing for Team USA in the Tournament of the Americas: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2007-08-19-reddteamusa_N.htm?csp=34.

Next, an article about new Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, on his having to adjust to National League pitching last week after having been traded from the Rangers: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070819&content_id=2158050&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Devil Rays shortstop Ben Zobrist, a Christian, having to go on the disabled list last Sunday: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070819&content_id=2158067&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, setting the Braves all-time franchise career strikeout record: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070819&content_id=2158289&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb.
Here's a great note about Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and his legal troubles from Sports Spectrum's "The Daily" this week:

HOPELESS? Imagine for a moment being Michael Vick. Your once charmed life of adulation and fortune is crumbling all around you. Whereas at one time your biggest problem was the occasional naysayer who said you weren't really a quarterback in the truest NFL sense of the term, now you have more problems than a PETA person at a hog auction. Not only do you face the wrath of the public and the decision of a federal judge, but now you also face the prospect that the state of Virginia will come after you with possible further prison time. Your NFL career is pretty much over, and you are so hated by massive groups of people that you can hardly chance going out into public. Imagine having all that against you. Where would be any hope--any reason to lift your head from the pillow and face another day? Hope for Mr. Vick could be found in the same source that rescued Chuck Colson from his Watergate-caused degradation. Or that lifted Josh Hamilton from sure destruction of his career because of drugs. That hope is Jesus Christ--who can forgive anyone, even a dog-abuser. Why not pray for Michael Vick--pray that he will allow someone into his life who can guide him to hope--guide him to Jesus, the light of the world.

Here's the link: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/070822.php.

Lastly, some more on the "Mark Teixeira" song that the two guys at Auburn, Tyler Crawford and Andrew Hall, wrote about the Braves Mark Teixeira. Here's the lyrics to the song from another blog:

Four and a half games back and I don’t Te-care-a
You know why we got Mark Teixeira
Got a new Braves jersey that I’m gonna wear-a
And written on the back is Mark Teixeira
The Mets are scared cause their lead’s gonna narr-a
They’re lookin’ over their shoulder at Mark Teixeira

Chorus:We got Fred McGriff back in ‘93
Hampton’s out cause of injury
Schuerholz smiles cause he is happy and Bobby says,“Let’s go Mark T.”

The National League it just ain’t fair-a
The Atlanta Braves got Mark Teixeira
Chipper and Andruw make a mighty nice pair-a
Let’s make it a trio add Mark Teixeira
A side effect is mild hysteria
The medical reason is Mark Teixeira

Chorus

Bridge:Scott Thorman stinks and Julio is old
What did Shuerholz do? Must’ve sold his Sooouuulll

Pitchers beware cause he’s gonna scare ya
Throw him a strike now if you dare-a
He could probably steal on Yogi Berra(NOT Yogi Bear-a)
Biggest thing in Georgia since Scarlet O’Hara
If I were a woman I’d probably marry ya.

And that’s not gay cause its Mark Teixeira.

Here's the blog post link: http://www.timellsworth.com/?p=2008. Here's the link to the video again, to sing along with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDHjGrbXiD4.

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.