football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hello! I'm going to have to once again split the articles that I have into two posts this weekend. I just have trouble finding time to post during the week.

First of all, here's a great article about Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, a Christian. Here's a quote about him and having to go through treatment for Crohn's disease:

Garrard admits that, through quarterback controversies and physical setbacks, it hasn't always been easy to stay positive - to remain, as he calls it, a "good teammate."

One test came in 2004, when he had surgery for Crohn's disease, a painful inflammation of the intestines. He takes medication every eight weeks, a 3?-hour procedure; his next appointment is Tuesday, three days after playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs tonight.

"It's a horrible disease, something that a lot of people are affected by," he says. "But I think the Lord blessed me with it, so I could talk about it."

To Mary Garrard, her husband's Christian faith is a key to both his personality and his playing style. "About 95 percent of his temperament comes from his faith," she says. "We're both Christians: There's a higher power, God is in charge of everything, there's no reason to worry about anything."

Here's the article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/010508/met_231653371.shtml (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/15).

Here's a great article on the importance of prayer and their Christian faith for several players on the Packers. Those mentioned as Christians in the article are defensive ends Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, wide receiver James Jones, and head coach Mike McCarthy. Here's some quotes from Kampman on the topic:

It's not a stretch, then, to wonder about the team in the other locker room and logically ask, why isn't God a fan of their team?

"I do believe that God is sovereign and he does orchestrate or know what's going on, yes,'' said Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, the acknowledged spiritual leader of the team. "Do I think that God cheers more for one team than the other? No.

"I think that our ways are on his ways. So the outcome of a game, while very, very important, could be part of his plan to achieve something. But a loss could do that. It's a lot bigger than trying to put God in a box for the NFL playoffs. It's the other way around. Everything filters down from God.'' ...

No one knows what will transpire at Lambeau on Saturday, but Kampman is sure of one thing: If you're looking for assistance from above at this point, you're either too late or just don't understand.

"This is my opinion, but I think if a person turns it up more, maybe they didn't understand the principles from the beginning,'' he said. "I go back to a verse in Colossians (3:23) that says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as though you were working for the Lord and not for men.'

"To me what that means is applying that to all aspects of your life, my marriage, this job here, my parenting. Work at it with all your heart. Not for the external outcomes that men will give you but for your internal gratitude for what you've been given."

Also, here's a quote about McCarthy:

Kampman leads a Bible study group on Thursdays in the team's defensive meeting room. On the eve of the game, a half-hour interdenominational chapel service will be held in the team hotel — usually led by someone associated with Athletes in Action — and then a full Catholic mass. That the mass begins 4½ hours before kickoff is a tradition handed down through the years.

The two services used to coincide but Baraniak said since Mike McCarthy, an Irish Catholic, has become head coach, the two are separated so he can attend both.

"He wants to hear what the team is hearing,'' said [team chaplain Rev. James] Baraniak, adding McCarthy uses bits and pieces from both services and weaves them into his address to the team each week.

"He pulls it all together so beautifully.''

Here's the article: http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/APC0101/801100589/1979 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5741).

Next, an article about a great program that the Diamondbacks have began for the upcoming season. They are giving season ticket "scholarships" for families that apply and are having hard times. Here's the article: http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10571485 (originally found at: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/080114.php).

Here's a Christian article about Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who grew up in the projects of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here's a quote about his life:

Henry has come a long way from the mean streets of Michigan Links Court. When you survive the perils he did, life is all about perspective. Playing football is good. Being alive is better. Being alive in Christ is best.

“Growing up like that made me realize a totally different relationship with God and being thankful for what you’ve got,” he said. “Being a pro athlete with money, sometimes you take it for granted. But I want to stay focused and know that God has blessed me to be where I am, but that I also need to care for other people.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5740.

Also, a good article about how Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, has helped turn around the men's basketball program after one of the worst team scandals in NCAA sports history. It was especially bad since Baylor is a Baptist college. Here's a quote from athletic director Ian McCaw, also a Christian:

"People were still shocked from the scandal when I got here," said McCaw, a Baptist deacon whose faith and belief in Baylor's mission convinced him to leave his post as athletic director at Massachusetts, his alma mater. "The hardest thing to overcome was the morale. It was incredibly low."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=3189351.

Here's a good article about recently retired Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and why he decided to retire to spend more time with his family: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/11/AR2008011102493_2.html?hpid=topnews.

Next, an article about Cowboys outside linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, being awarded The Associated Press 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year last week. He won the award after coming back this season from an Achilles injury to be a huge part of the Cowboys defense. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

"It's been great," Ellis said. "I thank God for blessing me, letting me get out there and have a good support group, starting from the doctors. We have good people here, the coaches have done a good job working me back into it. They've been telling me 'You're fine, you're fine.' It was just getting the confidence to get out there and do it." ...

"Guys will tell you the correct thing -- you don't seek after those awards," Ellis said. "But when you're blessed to get any award on a national level ... our (linebackers) coach, Paul Pasqualoni, says the respect of the game is one of the reasons everybody in the NFL plays. And he's right.

"So once you've got the respect of everybody in the country, if you will, at doing something -- whether it's for your efforts on coming back or for your just play on the field, whatever it is -- it's a great award to get, obviously."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArMpT1RfAGTjMifg3YncDXc5nYcB?slug=ap-comebackplayer&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl Rally, one of the largest FCA rallies in the nation, that is held next weekend in conjunction with the Senior Bowl. Two of the featured speakers at the event are also participants in the game -- Alabama All-SEC defensive end Wallace Gilberry and Auburn All-SEC defensive end Quentin Groves. Here's the article: http://www.seniorbowl.com/2008/news/2008fca.htm (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Also, an article about Colts owner Jim Irsay offering Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, some flexibility if Dungy would decide to return as coach. Irsay would be willing to give Dungy more time off to travel to visit his family in Tampa, etc. That's how badly Irsay wants Dungy to return. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/SPORTS03/301130019/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez starting a scholarship program for college-bound high-schoolers from a section of Detroit: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/SPORTS02/80113080/0/BUSINESS01 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/113).

Next, an article about the Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) helping to raise money for a couple who's home was destroyed and they were injured. The couple, Dave and Jan Goble, are also raising their grandchildren. Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey, a Christian, was also at the game and donated one of his jerseys to a silent auction for some of the money that was raised. Here's a quote from Dave Goble:

"God is providing all of our needs," Dave Goble said.

Here's the article: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/CFP02/801130452/1057/SPORTS (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Lastly, an article about a children's book that former Braves outfielder and Falcons player Brian Jordan has written, called "I Told You I Can Play". Here's a quote from him telling what the book is about, and it sounds like it should be pretty good:

"It's about believing in yourself," Jordan told the group before he began reading.

The story is about young Brian, who wants to play with his brothers, who don't allow him to because they think he is too young. They do everything they can to avoid him until one day he gets a chance. Brian not only plays, but scores a touchdown.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080113&content_id=2344870&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hi. First, a good article about Auburn football chaplain Chette Williams, who is known as the team's "spiritual coordinator" (offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, spiritual coordinator!). The article talks about his life and his new memoir Hard Fighting Soldier. Here's a quote about him from head coach Tommy Tuberville, also a Christian, when he was named Coach of the Year in 2004:

Williams "has made the biggest difference in my life, our coaches' lives, our families' lives and our players' lives than anything I have ever seen," Tuberville said in accepting the award from the American Football Coaches Association.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/31/bowlchaplain_1231.html.

Here's an article on Texas forward Gary Johnson, who was cleared to play this week after doctors checked out a heart problem that was discovered last summer. It was originally feared that he might not be able to play again. Here's a quote from him about being able to play again:

"I feel it's a gift being able to play again," Johnson said Monday as he talked with reporters for the first time. "Right now I'm taking it as that, trying to take every minute as a gift on the court."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3175273&campaign=rss&source=NCBHeadlines.

Next, a couple of articles about all of the hardships that the Redskins have gone through this season to make it to the playoffs. They've had to deal with injuries to key players, the murder of one of the players, etc. Here's a quote in the first article from head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian:

"I just want to say a big thanks to our fans and our players," Gibbs said. "It was really a testimonial these past four weeks of really just character. The Lord's blessed us with a great group of guys. When you think about what they've gone through this year . . . everybody would have said this is just impossible."

Here's the article: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/1231nflinsider1231.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Here's the second article on the Redskins and Joe Gibbs: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5huhioZ9aocDiie_nAjBKnFONRzyg (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Also, an article on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, and how winning the Heisman Trophy has created increased attention on him, for better or for worse. Here's a quote from him about that:

In the three weeks since Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy he hasn't been able to go anywhere without being swarmed or having his photo taken and flashed around the Internet. He accepts the role-model part of the deal and the scrutiny that comes with it.

"It really makes you think about everything you do, that someone's watching. That's a good and bad thing," said Tebow, whose 29 passing touchdowns and 22 running TDs made him the first player in NCAA Division I-A history to achieve that 20-20 double in the same season.

"Hopefully it's a good thing, that they see things I do and are impressed with and I can influence people for the better. But it can also be a bad thing if you're not careful about what you do."

Here's the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott31dec31,1,178156.column?coll=la-utilities-sports&ctrack=3&cset=true (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Just a note: during the Sugar Bowl on New Year's between Georgia and Hawaii, they showed Georgia's "water wife". Head coach Mark Richt's wife Kathryn (both Christians) and some of their kids fill the team's cups with water and give them out during their games. I just thought that was kind of neat.

Here's an article about former MLB 3rd baseman and new Indians minor league manager Travis Fryman, a Christian, who is eligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year. Here's a quote from him about his career:

If part of the measure of a player is the effect he has on his teammates, however, then Fryman can look back on his days in uniform and feel pretty happy. That's how he likes to look at his career, and that's one reason he's giving himself a shot at managing.

"That would be what I am most proud of in my career," Fryman said, "not what I ever did between the chalk lines, but the changes that took place in my life, to the point that I began to care for the men that I played with and try to contribute to their success in life and their careers. Some of those relationships continue even through today.

"When you look back, it is about relationships. For me, those relationships were the most important thing. As athletes, we're limited by what God has given us. It's our responsibility to get the most out of that." ...

Injuries helped prompt him to retire in 2002 at age 33, but the numbers he put up were nothing to easily dismiss. Yet as he prepares to re-enter the rigors of the baseball season as manager of the Indians' short-season Class A club in the New York-Penn League, it's the relationships he values, and the values he wants to pass along to the first-year professionals he'll be leading.

"All I really set out to do," Fryman said, "is get the most out of ability that God gave me, to do it the right way, and to respect the game and guys who came before me. At the end of the day, I felt like I did that."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071219&content_id=2333710&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson, who is having a fund-raiser for his Grand Kids Foundation, which helps inner-city schools. Some of his teammates are helping him out, including Nate Robertson, a Christian. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080102&content_id=2338008&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Redskins assistant head coach Joe Bugel and his daughter Holly, who is fighting a rare form of bone cancer. Here's a quote about her from Bugel's wife Brenda:

"You pray for a miracle," Brenda Bugel said. ...

Here's the article: http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/SPORTS/735083145/1001&template=nextpage.

Also, an article about Washington State women's basketball coach June Daugherty, who is back coaching after going into cardiac arrest last summer. She had just pulled into the parking lot at a hospital for a doctor's appointment about her heart when it happened, which probably saved her life. Here's a quote from her about it:

"I'm truly blessed to have a second chance in life," Daugherty said.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AiS9FnH4FDBtezCqR1L9EAV.T4h4?slug=ap-daughertysreturn&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Colts assistant coach Jim Caldwell, a Christian, interviewing for the Falcons head coaching job: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/SPORTS03/801030483/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about former Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement, a Christian, signing as a free agent with the Cardinals: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10557449/rss.

Also, an article about Colts center Jeff Saturday, a Christian, being named the NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=99835dee-b214-4f58-afea-860200994ed2&et_cid=13884153&et_rid=464416201&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.colts.com%2fsub.cfm%3fpage%3darticle7%26news_id%3d99835dee-b214-4f58-afea-860200994ed2.

Lastly, here's the website for professional freeskier Dave Treadway, a Christian: http://www.davetreadway.com/.

basketball & football, especially coaches & SEC

Hi. Happy New Year! This will be my last post of the year.

First, a good article about basketball player Wayne Simien, a Christian formerly with Kansas, the Timberwolves, and the Heat. He was released by the Heat and is currently rehabbing a knee injury so that he can return to play with some team in the NBA next season. Simien and his wife and daughter are living in Indianapolis now while he's rehabbing. Here's a quote from him:

Simien said he was in no hurry to give up basketball and perhaps pursue a career as a minister. A man of deep faith, he’d said in the past that might be an avenue he’d like to explore someday.

“That was in my heart at the beginning when I first had a transformation in life,” Simien said. “One of the great things I learned to look into the last few years is you can be a minister in every area of life and not be ‘Pastor Wayne’ or ‘Preacher Wayne.’ I still have it in my heart. But it’s my main focus trying to live it out every day of my life and administer with people.

“I am working in the inner city, working with high school kids here in Indianapolis in one of the poorest areas around. It is really fulfilling that desire.”

Here's the article: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/dec/25/former_jayhawk_upbeat_despite_release/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/260).

Here's an article about Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and how his style of coaching has worked through all of the years that he's coached in two different stints with the Redskins: http://washingtontimes.com/article/20071226/SPORTS01/238927720/1005/sports (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next, an article about Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., who struggled this year with the terrible Dolphins team after playing in the national championship game with Ohio State last year. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I think God just puts you in situations where he wants you to fight," Ginn said. "That's the only thing that I can take out of it ... You go from a 12-1 team (at Ohio State) to a 1-15 team ..."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071228/SPT02/712280358/1066/.

Here's an article about the wives of the head coaches of the teams playing in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (CFA Bowl) tomorrow night in Atlanta -- Linda Bowden, wife of Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, and Suzanne Tuberville, wife of Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville -- who are all Christians. Here's a couple of quotes:

Q: How do you balance the demands of football and family? How do you get used to new towns when you move or travel?

LB [Linda Bowden]: My son was in three high schools. The first thing we do is get involved with church and Bible study. That’s been my rock and foundation. The people there don’t care about what happens on Saturdays. ...

Q: If you were going to offer advice to someone who’s new to the coaching life, what tips would you offer?

ST [Suzanne Tuberville]: If I was talking to a young woman who’d just married a football coach, I’d tell her to get involved in your church, your kids’ school, your community. You’re going to have a lot of time on your hands.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/living/content/shared-blogs/ajc/social/entries/2007/12/28/catching_up_the_cfa_coaches_wi.html.

Also, an article about Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, who turned around the football program at Mississippi State and lead the team to its first bowl game since 2000. They beat Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl last night. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3170858.

Here's an article about Illinois head women's basketball coach Jolette Law, who became the coach before this season after being an assistant coach at Rutgers under C. Vivian Stringer for several years. She returned to the Midwest and the Big Ten after having played at Iowa. Here's a quote from her about taking the Illinois job:

It was the call of the Midwest and the Big Ten that were pivotal in Law deciding to take this job. With Rutgers' success, she'd had other opportunities to become a head coach.

"God had been wrestling with me for some time," she said, smiling. "And Coach Stringer kept telling me, 'You're ready, you're ready, you're ready.'"

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/columns/story?columnist=voepel_mechelle&id=3170965.

Next, an article about the IU football team playing in the Insight Bowl tomorrow in Arizona. They dedicated the season to their late head coach Terry Hoeppner, who died last June from brain cancer. Here's a quote about IU kicker Austin Starr and Coach Hep:

The program from June’s “celebration of life,” is still in Starr’s locker in Bloomington. It’s the only one he owns, so he didn’t bring it to Phoenix.

He’s memorized the details of Hoeppner’s face printed on the cover, as well as the Jeremiah 29:11 passage his late coach loved.

Here's the article: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105458 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/222).

Here's an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and about how he's been more involved with the team as a whole this season. In past seasons he ran the offense, but he gave up that job late last season. The move has seemed to help him and the team as a whole: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/28/bowlricht_1229.html.

Also, an article about Tennessee quarterback Eric Ainge, a Christian, and about how winning their bowl game, the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year's, will define his legacy at Tennessee. However, he wishes that his legacy would be something else. Here's a quote about that:

"Wins, rings, championships, all that kind of stuff, obviously that's what everybody wants, and I understand how it works," Ainge said. "But at the same time, being remembered as a good person who grew up at the university in the great place of Knoxville and used the system to my advantage and being a good teammate. That to me is what is most important."

Here's the article: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/dec/29/sp-ainge-looking-to-define-legacy/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/401).

Here's an article about Georgia defensive lineman Michael Lemon, who has had to deal with the death of his best friend a few years ago and the murder of his mother last winter. Here's a quote about how he's dealing with the deaths from their team chaplain Kevin "Chappy" Hynes:

"Michael Lemon is a very quiet, very introverted young man," said Kevin "Chappy" Hynes, the team chaplain. "I wouldn't say he's handling it well. I wouldn't say he's not. I don't know. I do know he's internalizing it."

Here's the article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/29/sports/FBC-Sugar-Bowl-Lemons-Burden.php (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/233).

Lastly, here's the NFL Wild Card Playoff games schedule for next weekend, for your information: http://www.nfl.com/schedules?seasonType=POST&season=2007#Week.

Bowdens, MLB, NBA, and music

Hi! First, a good Christian article about Rockies infielder Jamey Carroll from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Sharing the Victory Magazine from last year, since the Rockies are still going in the playoffs (make sure and check out the "Related Stories" link on the upper right side of the article too for more): http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=4AEA9B47-A348-4BAC-8D4DF6BEDDC86ABD.

Here's a good Christian article about the Christian coaching legacy that Florida State football head coach Bobby Bowden passed down the his son, Auburn football head coach Tommy Bowden: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5676.

Next, another article on Jamey Carroll, and his teammate, pitcher Ramon Ortiz, and their unlikely role in the Rockies beating the Padres in a one-game playoff for the NL Wild Card title on October 1st (yes, I'm still behind!). Here's a quote from Ortiz, the game's winning pitcher, about his role in the game:

"I thanked God, I don't know, 100 times. The thing is I stayed positive every day and did my routine. I'm very happy."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245374&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col&partnered=rss_col.

Here's a good blog post from Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, from last Tuesday about his day off the day before. He was able to spend it going to his kids soccer games and practices, which he's usually not able to do. But how many athletes would spend a rare day off running around going to their kids sports and not doing their own thing. I thought that was neat. Here's the post: http://tonyclark.mlblogs.com/tonyclark/2007/10/its_fun_playing.html. With the Diamondbacks and Rockies continuing in the playoffs, you can keep checking both Clark's (http://tonyclark.mlblogs.com/) and Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton's (also a Christian) (http://toddhelton.mlblogs.com/) blogs, updated pretty much daily.

Also, an interesting story about Nuggets guard Allen Iverson and some friends stopping to check on an overturned car on a highway in Virginia last week. Iverson asked the ladies, still hanging upside-down in their car if they were okay, and surprisingly they recognized him, even in that situation. Iverson and his friends stayed with the ladies until emergency help arrived, and even checked on them at the hospital later that night. Here's a good quote from a friend of the ladies about Iverson:

Iverson said he has not heard from the women since, but another woman who knew about the accident wrote a letter to the Philadelphia Daily News to commend Iverson for being a good Samaritan.

"We, the public, seem to hear only the negative stories, but never the small acts of kindness he performs," wrote April Snoparsky, of Boston. "This story reaffirms my belief that just because he's 'street' doesn't mean he isn't one of the good guys."

Here's the article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_5712295,00.html (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/478832.html?rss=true).

Here's an article about Padres outfielder Brian Giles volunteering his time to visit at children's hospitals: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245607&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, and about how he improved over the second half of the season from his struggles during the first half. The second half of the season he dominated to lead the Diamondbacks to first place in the West and the playoffs. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245917&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

During one of last weekend's Indians/Yankees games, there was a short segment on former Yankees great Bobby Richardson, a Christian. He was the MVP of the 1960 World Series. In the segment it also mentioned that he is a volunteer speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which I thought was neat.

Lastly, last week I got the 2007 WOW CD, but I haven't had time to listen to it yet. I just thought that I'd share that it does have a website: http://wowonline.com/.

MLB, football, etc.

First of all, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, credentials for the MVP Award. Two of the top candidates for the NL MVP Award are Christians, with Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday along with Rollins. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070930&content_id=2242483&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi&partnered=rss_phi.

Here's an article about Royals 1st baseman/DH Mike Sweeney taking out a full-page ad in the Kansas City Star last Sunday to thank the Royals fans and organization for all their support over the many years that he's played there. This could have been Sweeney's last season with the Royals, as he is a free agent. Here's a quote from him about it:

He has said he would like to play another year, taking a reduced role. But club officials have been noncommittal both to him and to the media.

"I talked with [general manager Dayton Moore] yesterday and he said he wasn't sure what direction they'll want to go in," Sweeney said Sunday. "But if this is my last game with the Royals, I know I've been blessed like very few people have ever been blessed. I've loved every minute of it."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3043675.

Next, a good Christian article about recently retired Panthers safety Mike Minter, who is now going into the ministry: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/minter-retires-into-ministry/. Also, the article includes a link to Minter's website: http://www.mikeminter.com/index2.html and a link to the Ruckus House Learning Center in Harrisburg, North Carolina, a Christian based daycare/preschool/afterschool program that he runs with fellow Christians Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker, Rams runningback Stephen Davis, and Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad: http://www.ruckushouse.com/.

Here's several new articles this month from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Sharing the Victory Magazine. The first one is about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a favorite for the Cy Young Award this year (includes video): http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=60ECE133-3E2D-430B-B0FCBDE53AEBEA3A&method=display. Here's a short note about him and a friend of his, former MLB player Turner Ward, too: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=46498FAB-F957-46B8-BC86948E7CB173B2&method=display.

The next FCA article is about Clemson football head coach Tommy Bowden and how his faith helps him to deal with all of the pressure of his job (including a video): http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D5F71ED2-33F7-43E1-864A78650FFEA0AA&method=display. Also, the article includes a link to the FCA's Bowden Breakfast (http://www.bowdenbreakfast.com/), which is held annually the morning of the Clemson/Flordia State game, where Tommy Bowden coaches against his dad, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden.

Here's an FCA article about Olivia Brock, the kicker for the Conner High School football team in Kentucky. Yes, she's a girl playing football. Here's the good article about her: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=E5079E65-22FA-490C-B4FF2F4953AE4128&method=display. Someone who's helped her with her kicking has been former Bengals kicker Doug Pelfrey, who's now involved with FCA and his own organization Kick's for Kids: http://kicksforkids.org/.

Also, an FCA article on Auburn football chaplain Chette Williams and his new memoir Hard Fighting Soldier: Finding God in Trials, Tragedies, and Triumphs. Also included in the article is former Auburn and current Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor. Here's the aritcle: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=710FE6B0-36F6-4AEF-BE0E22476E0D6C5B&method=display.

Here's an FCA article about a father-son retreat led by Rogers (Arkansas) High School football coach Ronnie Peacock for the senior players on his team: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=9453B812-8727-42FD-93B3950AA7FCD250&method=display. His former/current players include Missouri State's Cody Kirby and future Wisconsin player Jake Byrne.

Lastly, a few short FCA articles by Southern California offensive lineman Sam Baker (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=CDA7DA59-0CEF-418C-976A10129566EB1B&method=display), Browns runningback Jason Wright (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=B34FED23-4553-4EDC-81C5B76B7968DAB7&method=display), and Notre Dame volleyball head coach Debbie Brown (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=BD53DE94-9657-4664-87F212118E471646&method=display).

sports misc.

First of all, the last three articles from the NBA's trip to South Africa to conduct a basketball camp and help out the community. The players involved were Spurs forward Bruce Bowen, Bobcats center Primoz Brezec, Hawks guard/forward Josh Childress, Suns forwad/center Sean Marks, Magic forward Pat Garrity, Kings guard Kevin Martin, Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, Bobcats forward/center Emeka Okafor, Knicks forward Malik Rose, and former NBA players Jim Jackson and Steve Smith. Here's the articles: http://www.nba.com/global/bwb_africa_day_3_recap.html, http://www.nba.com/global/bwb_africa_final_day_recap.html, and an article about Emeka Okafor's reflections on the trip: http://www.nba.com/global/okafor_070909.html.

Here's a neat article written in a first-person format by Will Jauss, the 11-year-old son of Dodgers coach Dave Jauss about he and his family's summer with his dad. During the school year he and his family live in Boston, but they spend the summer in Los Angeles with his dad while he's coaching. The article gives some neat insight into what it's like to be a "baseball kid": http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AsJvdQFHAQsKOUa9BT.Uax05nYcB?slug=ys-willjauss091007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Shock 6-8 center Katie Feenstra, a Christian, who played collegiately at Liberty University, a Chrisitan college. Her team is currently playing in the WNBA Finals against Phoenix. Before this season she was traded to the Shock after spending two years with San Antonio, which was good for the Michigan native. Here's a couple of quotes from the article:

Feenstra could have stayed closer to home to go to college and/or played in any major conference she wanted to. Her faith led her to Liberty, where her older sister also played. Liberty has dominated the Big South and made the NCAA Sweet 16 in Feenstra's senior season. ...

"I think they figured, 'Katie's from Liberty, she's a Christian, she's gonna play soft, she's from the Big South -- what's that?' I had to prove myself. I had to do that in San Antonio, and I had to do that here in Detroit. So it's a battle, constantly, but I think it's started to change."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/columns/story?columnist=voepel_mechelle&id=3012543.

Here's an article about Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, a Christian, winning the MLB Clutch Performer of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070910&content_id=2199636&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, a Christian, winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week ending September 9th. Here's a quote from him:

But Wilson seems to have found a comfort zone while hitting in the no. 8 spot for the Pirates. He's averaging .304 in that position, tops in the NL.

"I try to take pride in everything I do," said Wilson. "If I'm going to be hitting eighth, I'm going to try to be the best eighth hitter that I can be. Wherever I hit, I have to do my job."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070910&content_id=2200103&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Auburn football head coach Tommy Tuberville supporting a fellow Christian football coach, embattled Mississippi State football head coach Sylveter Croom. Ironically, Mississippi State upset Auburn today, which I guess proved Tuberville right! Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AmKxUPXfeklpMyMa1TCYl_l.T4h4?slug=ap-tuberville-croom&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about John Jackson, an Indianapolis-area guy who is private contractor working for the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq, and a huge Colts fan. Here's an interesting quote about him and Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian:

The father of a 25-year-old daughter, Jackson hopes to one day meet Colts coach Tony Dungy, whose work with All-Pro Dads inspired Jackson to help create an Iraq chapter.

"This is a guy who epitomizes everything I think a man should want to be," Jackson said.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070911/SPORTS03/709110397.

Here's an article about Heat guard Dwayne Wade winning the NBA's Community Assist Award for August: http://www.nba.com/heat/community/wade_communityassist_070911.html?rss=true.

Also, an article about the six finalists for the MLB Players Association's Man of the Year Award. One finalist was chosen from each division by the fans, and then last week the players then voted on a winner from among the six finalists. The finalists are Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols (a Christian), Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Twins outfielder Torii Hunter (a Christian), Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, Mets pitcher Tom Glavine, and Padres pitcher Jake Peavy (a Christian). Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070911&content_id=2201399&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, I had been wondering if Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Chrisitan, would be eligible for the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. Unfortunately, a player had to have played in the Majors before coming back, and Hamilton had only played in the Minors. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070913&content_id=2206844&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

mostly MLB misc., etc.

First of all, an excellent Christian article on Mississippi State pitcher Justin Pigott. Mississippi State beat Clemson to make it to the College World Series. It includes an audio quote from him. Here's the article: http://clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/SPORTS030102/706080345 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=226).

Here's an interesting article about renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Here's a quote about him:

On a Sunday in January 2006, Andrews was rushed from church to St. Vincent's with a heart attack....

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/06/10/0611andrews.html.

Next, a quote about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his last start:

Did Zambrano stop pointing his finger to the sky in his latest outing June 6? He definitely seemed less emotional. Have the Cubs told him that his super-heightened emotional state for starts is no longer the way to go?-- Dan G., Louisville, Ky.

Actually, Zambrano did point -- it's his way of thanking God -- but you must have missed it. A Milwaukee reporter actually asked me about that during the game. As for his emotions, Zambrano has had a tough few days, with his birthday blowup in the dugout and tearful meeting with Barrett the next day. Let's hope he can channel his energy into his pitching.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070611&content_id=2019647&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's an article about former boxer, etc. George Foreman and the his new Christian book that was just published: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5603.

Also, an article about former Falcon Greg Brezina and how he became a Christian and changed his life: http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local_sports/story/6546919p-5826391c.html (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5604.

Here's an interesting article about the Brewers Gabe Gross, a Christian, and his career as a quarterback at Auburn before switching to only baseball, and other two sport stars on the Brewers: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070611&content_id=2020251&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil.

Next, an article about Cubs outfielder Cliff Floyd and his dad, who's in very poor health in a hospital ICU. That family could probably use some prayers, especially with Father's Day coming up on Sunday. Here's a quote from him about that:

Floyd has not played for the Cubs since Thursday in Atlanta, and had returned to Chicago over the weekend to be at his father's side. Is it hard to concentrate on baseball?

"It's not hard," Floyd said. "My mind is on winning. I can leave my dad where he is. You do a lot of praying and talking to the man upstairs and know it's out of my control. Me sitting there is a good thing because I can keep my eye on things, but in terms of him getting better, it won't help.

"Believe it or not, being around the boys has helped me tremendously," he said of his teammates.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070612&content_id=2021873&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article that I came across just today about Ta'Shia Phillips, who finished her basketball career at Brebeuf Jesuit High School in the Indianapolis area this past season. She won the Marion County High School Female Athlete of the Year Award. At the height of 6'6", she might be one to watch for next year at Xavier. Here's a quote about her from her high school coach Kendall Kreinhagen, when nominating her for the award:

"It's called the County Athlete of the Year, but you've got to look at them as student-athletes, and that's what Ta'Shia is," Kreinhagen said. "She excels on the floor but she also excels off the floor in the community. She helps out through her church, mentoring in youth basketball, and she did what it took to help out our younger players by staying after practice with them.

"She gives back."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/SPORTS0217/706130505.

Lastly, a Christian audio interview with Astros 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg on Sports Spectrum Radio: http://www.rbc.org/radio_and_tv/sports_spectrum/programs/55750.aspx#. Also, here's a link to the Sports Spectrum Insider blog: http://insider.sport.org/.

MLB--Mother's Day, etc.

First, an article about the Major-League debut of Andy LaRoche with the Dodgers last Sunday. He is the younger brother of Pirates 1st baseman Adam LaRoche, and Andy's debut came against Adam's old team, the Braves. The Braves traded Adam to the Pirates last winter. Here's a neat note about Andy's first ML hit, where Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur (a Christian), one of his brother's former teammates, helped take care of things for him:

When the ball La Roche struck for his first big league hit took a high bounce into the first row of the right-field stands, outfielder Jeff Francoeur, aware of its significance, ran to the fence and asked the fan to throw it back.

Here's the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-dodrep7may07,1,3488704.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070507&content_id=1950883&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's another note about Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, helping to raise money for his teammate Derrek Lee's foundation to raise money to help fight the eye disease that Lee's daughter has:

Good cause: Michael Barrett raised $12,000 for teammate Derrek Lee's Project 3000 during a silent auction Sunday at Gino's East restaurant. The top items sold were a "W" flag signed by the Cubs players, and four field passes.

"We had a lot of support from a lot of people," Barrett said.

That included a $300 donation from a youngster who set up a blog and promised $1 for every hit he got.

"I was so encouraged, I want to do another [fundraiser]," Barrett said.

Project 3000 is raising money to fight Lebers Congenital Amaurosis, a rare genetic eye disease, which has caused partial blindness in Lee's 4-year-old daughter, Jada.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070508&content_id=1952977&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, the annual MLB Mother's Day page, which includes some articles, articles about each team and the pink bats that many players will be using tomorrow, and postcards from a player on each team for their mom or wife. I'll add some specific things to check out too. Of note about the pink bats, at least the Rangers, Rockies, and Mariners bought two pink bats for each of their position players to use, leaving it up to each player to use them or not. Here's the page: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/mothersday/index_07.jsp.

Here's a quote from Stephen Drew, a Christian, in the Diamondbacks' pink bat article about his using a pink bat to honor a friend who died from breast cancer:

Drew, a deeply spiritual man, said that his friend's ordeal served as a reminder of how fragile life can be and what an insidious disease cancer is.

"You never know when life could end," he said. "You think you have all your life to live, but only God knows when you're ready. It's a touchy situation I guess you could say. We're talking about somebody's life. To swing the pink bat, I just look at it as a way to honor those who have gone through it, have fought through it. It's my way of paying tribute and acknowledging it."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070508&content_id=1953554&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari.

Here's a quote from Alex Rios in the Blue Jays article:

Jays right fielder Alex Rios is another member of the Jays who is excited to take the field on Sunday in honor of his mother.

"I thank god for the way my mom raised me," Rios said. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her support. [Sunday] will give me a chance to show that on the field."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070508&content_id=1953950&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor.

Here's the last Mother's Day article for now, a quote from Eric Hinske in the Red Sox article about teammates Jon Lester and Mike Lowell overcoming cancer:

"I think it's helped us come together as a team," Hinske said. "We don't usually talk about it. It's not something you can talk about all the time. [Lester and Lowell] are always in our prayers and we'll be thinking about both of them on Sunday."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070508&content_id=1953812&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Lastly, a note about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt and Auburn football head coach Tommy Tuberville, who are both Christians, being friends and playing golf together. I guess the Georgia and Auburn don't like each other much though. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/05/11/0513ugabuzz.html.

Colts, Irons brothers, and new music website

First of all, an article about Auburn football players David and Kenny Irons, who have finished their careers at Auburn and are headed to the NFL. Kenny started out at South Carolina and then transfered to Auburn where David was, and they finished up their careers together. Here's a quote from David about that:

"I guess God wanted us to stay together," David said. "It's been like a family reunion. Now, it's over. Finally."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/stories/2007/01/25/0126irons.html.

Next, an article about Jeff Saturday and Tarik Glenn, a couple of Christians, and their importance to the Colts: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070127/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_colts_no_name_line.

Lastly, a really good article on Colts owner Jim Irsay: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/SPORTS03/701280395/1100/SPORTS03.

I also added a new Christian music website "New Release Tuesday". It previews all of the new and upcoming Christian music album releases. The website is http://newreleasetuesday.com/.