baseball, football, etc.

First of all, an article about new Butler basketball head coach Brad Stevens. Here's a quote from him about his coaching staff:

"The thing about all of those guys is they all have experience at Butler," Stevens said. "They know what we're trying to do and they're all really well-liked. They all do a good job. I couldn't be more blessed to have those guys stay around and be a part of it."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2962933.

Here's an article about Major League Lacrosse's Los Angeles Riptide giving back to the kids in inner-city LA. They not only provide instruction and equipment for lacrosse, but they also provide encouragement for the kids to do well in school and continue on to college. Here's the article: http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/index.html?article_id=756.

Next, a good article on Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and how much he helped Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (also a Christian) when Kitna was with the Bengals before going to the Lions. Here's a quote from Kitna about his season last year with the Lions, when they went 3-13:

"As hard as it was in terms of wins and losses, it was the year of the biggest spiritual growth for me and my family," Kitna said. "We had a lot of guys on the team getting saved for the first time and getting baptized. It was the same thing when the Lord led us to Cincinnati. He used football to move us to Detroit."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070807/SPT02/708070325/1066/rss07.

Here's a great blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, this week:

An Encouraging Scripture

In the last couple of days I've gotten a lot of letters and e-mails from people who've read Quiet Strength. Many people have asked about how our family dealt with some of the tough times in our lives and how we as a team dealt with disappointing losses, injuries, etc. I've really been surprised at the number of parents I've talked to who have lost children in some way recently. I've tried to share with them my faith and just the fact that we have to follow God, even in those painful times when we don't understand how He is working.

In our coaches' bible study we came across a passage in Isaiah Chapter 65 that has been a major encouragement to me and now I've been able to share it with people who have lost loved ones and give them some real, tangible thoughts on how to look at their situation and still have hope. Starting at verse 17 Isaiah describes God's plan for the heaven He has in store for us

"Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.
No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life.
Verse 25 ends like this:
The wolf and the lamb will feed together.. The lion will eat hay like a cow... In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the Lord have spoken."

I have read this several times in the last couple of weeks and when we have events like the bridge collapse in Minnesota, I can take comfort from this passage, knowing that, while we experience these trgedies now, there is coming a time when we won't have to experience them anymore and we will be living in perfect peace.

Here's the webpage: http://www.mycolts.net/blogentry/2bbfe82d-cd13-47c1-a005-e8b48b2ec00a.

Also, an article about Mets pitcher Tom Glavine and getting his 300th win on Sunday. Here's a good quote from him:

As he reflected on his accomplishment, Glavine viewed the 300 wins as a snapshot in his life.

"I am a baseball player for a short period of time in the scope of my life," he said. "I have a whole lot more time as a person away from baseball. Character is what matters."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/07/glavine_0808.html.

Here's an article about Braves 1st baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, being sent to Single-A for the rest of August. He'll be back with the Braves on September 1st, and then probably on the post-season roster, should (WHEN!) the Braves make it that far. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/07/franco_0808.html.

Next, an article about former Braves outfielder Dale Murphy and his opinion that Giants outfielder Barry Bonds is a bad example for kids: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/08/bonds_murphy_0808.html.

Here's an article about the retirement of Panthers safety Mike Minter (a Christian) this week. Here's a quote about him:

What Minter lacked in size and speed, he made up for with his toughness, crowd-pleasing hard hits and his work in the community, ranging from the YMCA to his local church.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-panthers-minterretires&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Also, a Q & A article about Colts offensive lineman Dylan Gandy, a Christain. Here's a couple of quotes from him:

Anything new this offseason?
"Well, I got married, to a Hoosier girl, so that's good."

Where's she from?
"She's originally from Sheridan, but she's been living in Indy for the past several years. I met her at a church we go to, Common Ground, through a friend." ...

There are two other Texas Tech guys on the team (rookies Gabriel Hall and Keyunta Dawson). Do you know them well?
"Yeah, I played with both of them. Keyunta and I were in Bible studies throughout college, off and on, and Gabe's a real good guy. I'm just proud to see those guys here and doing so well."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007708080452.

Here's another Q & A article, this one with Appalachian State head football coach Jerry Moore, a Christian: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/080807abb.html.

Next, an article about a men's outreach that a church in Missouri had recently. The speakers at the event included former NFL offensive tackle Grant Williams and former MLB catcher Mike Matheny. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5644.

Here's an article about an organization for Christian Minor and Major League umpires called "Calling for Christ". It was started by MLB umpires Ted Barrett and Rob Drake a few years ago. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5643.

Also, just an interesting bit of information about Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik, who gave up Barry Bonds record-breaking homer #756 last Tuesday, and his dad, a former MBL pitcher also named Mike Bacsik:

Once upon a time, a pitcher named Mike Bacsik faced a legendary slugger who had 755 home runs. The slugger, Hank Aaron, did not add to his total, and the confrontation became the stuff of Bacsik family lore.

Thirty-one years later, history did not repeat itself.

Bacsik's son and namesake, a round-faced left-hander with the Washington Nationals, faced another legendary slugger who had 755 home runs. And that slugger, Barry Bonds, blasted a full-count fastball 435 feet into the right-center field bleachers in the fifth inning Tuesday night, breaking Aaron's all-time record and thrusting the younger Bacsik into the limelight.

He grasped the moment. He didn't grope for words. It was almost as if he'd rehearsed a concession speech.

"If my dad would have been gracious enough to give up a home run, we'd both have given up a No. 756," he quipped.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sh-bacsik080807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Bengals defensive linebacker Landon Johnson. He's about a polar opposite of another Johnson on that team, Chad Johnson. By the way, their training camp is at Georgetown College in Kentucky, a Baptist college. Here's a quote from him:

"It's not all about attention. I think a little bit of attention is good because it gives you the opportunity to express your beliefs. I have a strong faith in God, so getting a little attention gives you the opportunity to express that to other people."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070808/SPT02/708080339/1066/rss07.

Next, a neat article about Astros outfielder Hunter Pence, who helped pass out T-shirts to fans on his T-shirt day last Wednesday. He's currently on the disabled list, so he was trying to fill the time. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070808&content_id=2137520&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou.

Lastly, an article about former NBA player Chris Dudley hosting a camp for kids with diabetes this week. He's also diabetic himself. Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/blazers/news/Chris_Dudley_still_giving_back-234071-1218.html?rss=true.

Butler, NBA, and MLB

First of all, an article about new Butler men's basketball coach Brad Stevens. Here's a quote:

...He took church mission trips to Texas and Louisiana...

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/SPORTS06/704220432/1247/SPORTS.

Next, an article about recently retired Pacer Jonathon Bender working to help out those effected by hurricane Katrina: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070423/SPORTS04/704230383.

Also, an article about Reds manager Jerry Narron and his brother Johnny, a Reds administrative coach. Here's a quote from Johnny Narron about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton:

"I've known Josh a long time," Johnny Narron said. "I was right there when he was being scouted, drafted and signed and left Raleigh, North Carolina. He and I have a tremendous relationship right now. We've been apart, obviously, during his problem times. I didn't know where he was, quite frankly. To have been put back in his life, I think it's God's plan for me. I'm his mentor both on and off the field."

Besides sharing baseball, Hamilton and Johnny Narron also share a religious bond and use those ties to maintain a strong friendship.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070423&content_id=1925543&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about one teammate helping out another on the Mariners, with Willie Bloomquist pitching batting practice to Ben Broussard during games to prepare Broussard for pinch-hitting: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070423&content_id=1925818&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, an article about a great assist at a Trailblazers game a few years ago. Natalie Gilbert, a then 13-year-old, was singing the National Anthem before a Blazers game when she forgot the words in the middle of it. Maurice Cheeks, who was then the Blazers head coach, went out and helped her finish the song. I had heard about this when it happened, but I read a devotion about it earlier this week, based on Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Here's the article (the page also includes video of it): http://www.nba.com/blazers/features/Cheeks_Anthem_Assist-73713-41.html.

mostly baseball misc.

First, an interesting article on the small-town players on the Butler men's basketball team: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070314/SPORTS0605/703140486/1004/SPORTS.

Here's an article on the Angels Howie Kendrick. Here's what he had to say about his grandmother who died last fall:

So I have no regrets now. She told me that it was her time and she wasn't afraid to be going because it was was God's will. She told me that all her work here on earth was done.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070314&content_id=1842434&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about the Red Sox David Ortiz mourning the death of a soldier who visited with him at Fenway Park in Boston last season before he left for Iraq: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070313&content_id=1842282&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Here's an article about Cubs Ryan Dempster teamming up with his teammate Derrek Lee's foundation to donate money for every save this season. The money goes towards finding a cure for the disease that Lee's daughter has. Michael Barrett is already donating for every homer he hits. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070314&content_id=1842830&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, a good article on pitcher Russ Ortiz's (a Christian) so-far successful return to the Giants: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Baseball_News/BBN_Giants_Ortiz_Comeback.html.

football, etc.

First of all, an article about the foundation that Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman set up to help kids. It includes the address for his website. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/03/07/0307coleman.html.

Here's a good article that I found on Georgia Tech football coach Chan Gailey on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes website: http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/032007/03072007/265368.

Next, a good article about the Jaguars Alvin Pearman and Stockar McDougle, former Jaguar Anthony Johnson, and the Panthers Steve Smith going to Africa with Athletes in Action that I found on the Athletes in Action website.: http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=5883.

Here's just a interesting article about Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis where Butler plays. Hinkle is like the Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, or Wrigley Field of high school basketball in Indiana. It was where the high school state finals were played for 50 years and were the state championship game in the movie Hoosiers was filmed. John Wooden played in the first state finals held there, that's how long it's been around! I got to go there 5 years ago to watch my high school's boys' basketball team play in the semi-state, and if you ever get the chance to watch a game there, do. The place just has an aura about it and is an awesome place to watch a game. It still has the old wooden bleachers in the upper level. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/SPORTS/703080413&theme=.

Lastly, a couple of Red Sox games to make note of in the upcoming season because of two Christian former Red Sox returning to Fenway. First, May 28 will be the Indians first game in Boston, which means it will be Trot Nixon's first game back at Fenway. I bet he'll get some kind of standing ovation when he comes up to bat for the first time! Also June 15th will be the Giant first game in Boston, so it will be Dave Roberts first game back at Fenway since the 2004 World Series. I bet he'll get a lot of cheers because he became a legend there for his stolen base late in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS.

sports misc.

First, a good article about Alabama basketball player Jermareo Davidson and the struggle that he's had following the death of his brother and girlfriend within a few weeks of each other. I think that I sent an article about him before, but this is a new one from this week's Sports Illustrated. Here's a quote:

How has Davidson found the strength to play basketball? How has he stood up to the pain? Perhaps the answer lies in the scene that took place on Dec. 28, during his brother's funeral at the Capitol View United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The night before, he had stunned his mother by telling her he wanted to be baptized in the church that he and Dewayne attended as children. So after giving his eulogy, Pastor Otis Pickett asked the congregation if anyone wanted to be saved. Davidson came forward. "It really was a powerful moment for every one of us who was there to witness it," says Croom, the brother of Mississippi State football coach Sylvester Croom.


And so, in a church that was filled to capacity, a grieving giant kneeled on a pillow, asked for forgiveness and gave his life to the Lord. Afterward, nobody could tell whether it was holy water or tears running down Jermareo Davidson's face.

Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/grant_wahl/01/29/davidson0129/index.html.

Here's an article about a charity golf tournament held by the Yankees Derek Jeter: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070129&content_id=1788935&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a good article about Butler basketball player A.J. Graves. Here's a quote:

"That's the main reason I committed to Butler so early," Graves said. "I didn't think I could have played anywhere else but Butler. Coming from a small school and with the slight stature I have, I knew I had to go to Butler. That's where I had to be. Major teams play more physical and they're faster. I don't have those skills. God didn't bless me with those skills. I had to go some place where the coaches and system could make me a better player."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2747216.

Here's another article about Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, giving the credit to God for his knee injury back in November not being as bad as it was originally feared. Here's a quote:

"Yeah,'' the veteran tight end said, "I feel very blessed. The Lord works in mysterious ways. The game can be taken away from you so fast, with an injury, being cut, not doing a good job, whatever.''

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701300360.

Also, an article about the A's Mike Piazza's charity involvement: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070130&content_id=1789491&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about the Mets Jose Reyes, John Maine, and Omar Minaya visiting children in a hospital in New York: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070130&content_id=1789990&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a great article about Colts chaplain Ken Johnson and head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5534.

Here's another great article on Bears coach Lovie Smith, a Christian: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5533.

Also, an interesting article on the Bears Nathan Vasher's mom, who has manic depression and what she has to go through: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2748764.

Here's a quote about the Bears Tommie Harris, a Christian, in an article about Bears rookie defensive end Mark Anderson:

He credited the entire defensive line for teaching him how to adjust to the pro game, but singled out Harris, the Pro Bowl defensive tackle lost to a season-ending torn left hamstring after 12 games.

"He came in and took me under his shoulder," Anderson said. "We used to watch film together and work out. He was probably the first person to help me out."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701310456.

Lastly, a good article on the Colts Jeff Saturday's strange road to the NFL. He is also a Christian. Isn't amazing how God works sometimes? As a Colts fan, I'm just glad that the Ravens didn't keep him! Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701310459.