MLB Christmas

Hi. I'm going to divide the articles that I have into two posts so that they won't be too long. This post has just MLB Christmas articles. Every Christmas each MLB team interviews one player, coach, broadcaster, or front office person for a Q & A article about the holidays. Following are quotes from the seven articles that stood out from a Christian perspective:

Blue Jays coach Brian Butterfield:

MLB.com: As the head of the house, are you required to still believe in Santa?

Butterfield: No. We've never really put too much emphasis on Santa. We put it more on our Lord and Savior. We have a strong faith, so the great thing of it all is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. That's big under our roof. We always remind people that he's the reason for the season.

Here's that article: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071216&content_id=2327545&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor.

Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus:

MLB.com: What's your favorite Christmas song?

Niehaus: It's always been "Silent Night." In fact, a couple of years ago, Marilyn and I went to Germany and went to this little town in Austria called Obendorf. I remember from my childhood that my mother told me the man who wrote "Silent Night, Holy Night" was from Obendorf. Anyway, we were on a bus tour and came into the town of Obendorf. There were houses painted with children's stories and all of a sudden it started snowing. I mean it was just beautiful. The snowflakes looked more like snowballs falling on this little village in the Bavaria Alps.

Here's the article: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327345&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea.

Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik:

MLB.com: Why will Christmas be special for you this year?

Bacsik: Our little girl, Mary Grace, who is almost 3 years old, has a pretty good idea about Christmas and Santa Claus. We are trying to teach her the religious part of it, too. She understands Santa Claus, which is neat for us. She will wake up Christmas morning and (realize that) Santa Claus came to our house.

Here's the article: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327306&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley:

MLB.com: What are your favorite things about the holiday season?

Trembley: Family. Good food. Reflection. Church. Where I grew up, there was a lot of snow at Christmastime. But I don't miss that at all. I like sunshine and 75 degrees on the beach. That's what I like now.

Here's the aritcle: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327287&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian:

MLB.com: You talk often about how important family is to you. How big a deal was Christmas growing up in the Peavy house?

Peavy: It was as big as it gets. I think down south, Christmas is much more than just the toys and stuff -- Christianity, the birth of Christ. I just think that a lot of that is bred into Christmas down south. It's a great holiday. There's lot of family involved, and now that we're doing it with my boys ... that makes it very special.

Here's the article: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327311&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, a Christian:

MLB.com: Finally, what is Dan O'Dowd's Christmas wish?

O'Dowd: My Christmas wish is that everybody's dreams come true. I believe that dreams are really an essential part of life. I think they're God-given. I think they're created down deep within you. I hope everybody's dreams true, people that do believe.

And I pray for that for my kids every day. It's the greatest feeling in the world -- in this world, anyway.

Here's the article: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071219&content_id=2333482&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

The last of the MLB Christmas articles, Tigers pitcher Jason Grilli, a Christian:

MLB.com: Having grown up in a baseball family, how important has Christmas been in your family, when you know everybody can be together?

Jason Grilli: It's definitely huge. Holidays for us are huge especially when you're away from them so much throughout the year. For us, the holidays that we play [during] can be tough. Any holiday, I think, especially during the baseball season, whether it's a birthday or a wedding, those are the occasions that sometimes you miss out on, unless it's someone in your immediate family. So Christmas and Thanksgiving are very huge in the sense that it's a point to celebrate the holiday for what it is. I celebrate Christmas and we celebrate the birth of Jesus and what his sacrifice means to us and we celebrate being together.

Here's the article: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2330412&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas! Remember the reason for the season.

even more Tebow, Christmas, football, MLB, music, etc.

Hello. Here's my last post for now, because I'll be caught up with the articles that I have read so far. The first article is another article on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, this one a Christian one. Here's a quote about the amazing story about how he almost was never even born:

His mother, Pam Tebow, in the profile [during the Heisman Trophy Show], said she declined the advice of a doctor to get an abortion after she became seriously ill and dehydrated when pregnant with Tim, her fifth child while living overseas. Bob Tebow said his son is a "miracle baby and so we have reminded him that hundreds of times."

Also in the article, Florida Atlantic quarterback Rusty Smith is a member of Tebow's church in Jacksonville too.

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5723.

Here's an article about the work in the community done at Christmas by some of the pro teams in Washington D.C.: the Redskins, Capitals, and Wizards. Among those specifically mentioned in the article are Redskins wide reciever Antwaan Randle El (a Christian) and Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas. Here's the article: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=91647&paper=69&cat=115 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next, an article about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, signing a contract extension with the team last week: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10526625/rss.

Here's an article about Braves pitcher Tim Hudson hosting a shopping spree for Make-a-Wish kids at a local Toys "R" Us: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2324395&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Also, an article about some of the Bengals giving back to their community at Christmas, including cornerback Blue Adams, wide receiver Chad Johnson, and kicker Shayne Graham. Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AE/20071212/SPT03/712120318/1022/.

Here's another Christian article about Tim Tebow, this one including a good video too: http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/284384.aspx.

Next, the last article on Tebow, at least for now! Here's a quote of the letter that he got from President Bush congratulating him on winning the Heisman, which I thought was neat:

The letter was dated Dec. 9 and read:

"Dear Tim, Congratulations on winning the Heisman Trophy. More importantly, I appreciate your priorities as stated in your speech! Faith, family, academics and sport. If your mission was to allow the Almighty to shine brightly, it worked. I appreciate the love and pride that your parents obviously felt last night. Please give them my best. Sincerely, George Bush."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10530101/rss.

Here's an article on the Cubs helping out one of their minor leaguers, Donnie Veal, a Christian, and his brother after the recent death of their father. Their mother had already died three years ago, and there were a lot of bills left after the deaths. Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071214&content_id=2326152&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Also, an article about former Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach, a Christian, being signed to the Redskins practice squad last week. At least he has a foot in the door, and as recent articles that I've posted have shown, you never know what can happen from there! Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=318622.

Here's an article about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, having his high school number retired this weekend in Oklahoma. Here's a quote from him about making it to the Majors:

"In high school, I never dreamed I would have the chance to play in the major leagues or play in the World Series. With the Lord's blessings and hard work, I've been able to do that. I always thought I had the talent, but I've learned that you have to keep working at things every day. With hard work, you can achieve your dreams."

Here's the article: http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=071215_2_B3_hStil42135 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/97).

Next, just for your information, here's the college bowl schedule, with the first game coming this Thursday: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=673438.

Lastly, a link to a free download of the song "O Come All Ye Faithful" by the Christian group Rush of Fools: http://www.rushoffools.com/index.html.

MLB, football, and more Tebow

Hi. I'm going to try and send two posts today, I still have so many articles left. First of all, an article about Pirates pitcher Salomon Torres, a Christian, being traded to the Brewers last week. We don't often think about how trades in sports effect the players and their families, but this article mentions how Torres is considering retirement over leaving Pittsburgh and either moving his family to Milwaukee or leaving them in Pittsburgh. Here's a quote from him about that:

"It's a giant move and I have to make a decision if I want to go forward," Torres told the newspaper. "This is going to change my life, my family's life.

"If I leave them here, they're going to have to be without me for a full year. If I take them with me, they're going to be affected."

Torres said he needed some time before making a final decision.

"I just need to talk to my family," he said. "I can tell you this: If I go to Milwaukee, I'm going to give my heart and soul to the Brewers."

Here's the article: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=694529 (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071210&content_id=2322310&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's three articles about the Red Sox Holiday Caravan, which visited several Boston-area children's hospitals in three days. Those that took part in the caravan were pitchers Julian Tavarez, Bryan Corey, Kyle Snyder, outfielder Brandon Moss, bench coach Brad Mills, pitching coach John Farrell, and president/CEO Larry Lucchino. They also brought the World Series Trophy with them too. Here's the article from the first day: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071210&content_id=2322427&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos, the second day: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071211&content_id=2322990&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos, and the third day: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2323758&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Next, an article about Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, a Christian, signing a new contract with indefinite one-year options last week. Also, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will succeed him as coach, someday when Bowden retires. Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071210/ap_on_sp_co_ne/fbc_florida_st_bowden_contract.

Here's another article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, about him winning the Heisman Trophy recently and the possibility of him winning one or two more. Here's a quote about how winning the award won't affect him as a person:

The people that know him best don't think he'll have any trouble dealing with life as Heisman winner.

If anything, it will help him because it will allow the message he preaches to reach even more people.

"That's how we see it, as God's plan," Tebow's mother Pam said. "He's just had a plan all along, and Timmy's aware of that.

"All of us will sit on him if he does [have trouble dealing with the expectations]. We remind him all the time God gives grace to the humble. He's given you so much grace, don't blow it now."

Tebow is grounded by his faith, his parents and his boyhood idol, 1996 Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel.

Just listen to how he hopes people will remember him as the 2007 Heisman winner.

"You want people to remember you for the way you won it," Tebow said. "I don't think anybody besides [the media] will probably remember how many touchdowns he [Wuerffel] scored, but everybody remembers him putting his hands together and praying and always being humble and always with the utmost integrity."

Outsiders might be skeptical about Tebow's sincerity, especially when he talks about integrity and being thankful. But Howard is emphatic that Tebow, "is that guy.

"They always look for a flaw. I guess people don't want to have a real American hero. Tim Tebow is the real American hero and he's the real deal."

Here's the article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121007/col_224212685.shtml (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Also, another article on Tebow winning the Heisman. Here's a quote from him about an interesting perk of winning the award:

Interestingly, now that he's a Heisman winner, Tebow has a lifetime vote and can cast a ballot for himself in 2008. Is it a definite vote for the Gator quarterback?

"It depends on what I do. I'm not going to be biased," he said without even a hint of a smile.

Here's the article: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/SPORTS/712100320 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's a good article about Jane Hoeppner, the widow of the late IU head football coach Terry Hoeppner, including video of the news segment that the article is about: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7477445&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Next, an article about the great season that Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, a Christian, is having this year, even though it hasn't been noticed in the Pro Bowl voting: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/SPORTS03/712110379/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about new Mets catcher Brian Schneider's involvement with ALS fund-raising events, after his grandmother died from the disease: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071211&content_id=2322759&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, a note from a blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy (a Christian) last week about his tight end Ben Utecht, also a Christian, and his part in a Christian Christmas concert:

On a note away from football, Ben Utecht is performing with Sandi Patty in her Christmas concert with the African Children's choir and is just great in a duet with Sandi. If you get a chance to see the show, it's tremendous.

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/de17ba18-1597-4f68-9a6b-ce6b005c5da2.

Here's an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, being honored with "Josh Hamilton Day" in his home area in North Carolina last week: http://www.theledger.com/article/20071211/APS/712110868 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/96).

Lastly, an article about Reds pitcher Aaron Harang donating money to the Miracle League in the Cincinnati area to help the baseball league for disabled children: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS05/712120342/1119/RSS1010 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/96).

I'll try to post some more articles later to get caught up. Bye for now!

the Heisman, football, basketball, MLB, and Christmas music

Hello. First of all, I just finished watching the Heisman Trophy Award Show, and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, won!!!!!!!! The piece that they showed on him during the show was great, and the conversations with him were too. He mentioned that his priorities are #1 his faith, #2 his family, #3 academics, and #4 football. He thanked God three times during his acceptance speech. What is so awesome about him is that not even the secular media can talk about him in depth without mentioning his faith and character. His head coach at Florida, Urban Meyer, even mentioned that his Christian faith, which had a big affect on him. Also, his hero growing up, former Florida Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, was there with the rest of the former Heisman winners. It was talked about how Tebow looked up to him both as a player and as a Christian. I went to college in Tennessee and quickly became a Tennessee football fan, and thus a Florida-hater, since Florida is Tennessee's biggest rival. But I gotta like Tim Tebow, even though I never thought I'd like a Gator. I'll send on articles and hopefully videos about him winning the Heisman as I can.

Here's an article about Seahawks runningback Shaun Alexander, a Christian, who recently returned to play after missing some games because of injuries. He's had to battle injuries both this season and last, after winning the MVP and helping to lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005. Here's a quote from him about it:

I know what it's like to hear it from your colleagues in a press box. But I don't know what it's like to hear it if you're Shaun Alexander. So I asked, and I was surprised how resilient -- or immune -- he is to the criticism that seems to follow him everywhere.

"I'm a man of faith, and I read the Bible," he said. "And one of the Scriptures says, 'Let me not be too rich or too poor.' If I'm too rich I might find I don't need God. If I'm too poor I might steal or insult God.

"I kind of feel like that with the fans. Let me not be so involved with what they say, but, at the same time, let me love what they say. Because if I fall in love too much with what they say I might feel like, hey, they're cheering for me. Good, I'm great. But if they cheer for me bad, then I'll feel miserable.

"I do respect and honor what they do because we have great fans. But I'm like, OK, let me love with what the fans do, but, at the same time, not take it so much to heart that it can throw me off."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10510347/rss.

Next, a great Christian article profiling 27 NCAA Division I-A and I-AA Christian starting and back-up quarterbacks who are involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at their colleges. Here's the list: Tim Tebow (Florida), Paul Smith (Tulsa), Colt McCoy (Texas), Erik Ainge (Tennessee), Ben Mauk (Cincinnati), Kinsmon Lancaster (Louisiana-Monroe), John Parker Wilson (Alabama), Mike Kafka (Northwestern), Stephen McGee (Texas A&M), Tim Bessolo (Sacramento State), Karsten Sween (Wyoming), Nick Hill (Southern Illinois), Daniel Evans (North Carolina State), Grant Throckmorton (Virginia Tech), Josh Freeman (Kansas State), Greg McElroy (Alabama), Blake Barnes (Georgia), Case Keenum (Houston), Jarod Bryant (U.S. Naval Academy), Carson Coffman (Kansas State), Chase Patton (Missouri), Tim Hiller (Western Michigan), Tom Zetts (Youngstown State), Joe Craddock (Middle Tennessee State), Ryan Roberts (Baylor), Chase Clement (Rice), and B.J. Coleman (Tennessee). Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=4BA537B4-6209-46FB-89B535CCC69B399A.

Here's a Christian article about Appalachian State head football coach Jerry Moore, who next Friday night will lead his team in their third straight NCAA Division I-AA national championship game in an attempt to win their third straight national championship. Here's a great quote about him, and something similar to what was mentioned by the broadcasters when I watched them win the national semi-final game last night:

“His legacy is not wins and losses and national championships,” said David Daly, FCA’s area director for Northwest North Carolina. “It’s what a difference he makes in kids’ lives.”

Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D8A903C9-A38A-4FFA-9C6701C788FEC4AC&method=display.

Also, a Christian article about Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, and how he made it from the projects to the NFL with the help of his mom and his faith: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=72F524CA-6FF9-48A4-9F2A726EEBAD9103&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Mississippi State women's basketball player Alexandria Hagler, who overcame a poor home life and some bad decisions in high school and college to be redeemed and renewed by God, thanks to a Christian friend and teammate Bethany Workman. Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=EA1ABF3B-607D-4522-A1046B24214D9701&method=display.

Next, a Christian article about Carson-Newman College football head coach Ken Sparks: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=665AC857-C7D7-43DB-B0AFA90171C993FC.

Here's a Christian article about Western Michigan women's basketball player Michelle DeNooyer: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=CDB45A77-AF71-44E9-B025DF6260E9320B.

Also, a Christian article by Jets wide receiver Brad Smith: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=8FA704D7-3601-4F7E-A299E6395FC23ADD.

Here's an article about the Jimmy V Foundation launching the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer fund. The late Jim Valvano was the head coach of the men's basketball team at NC State along with current NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and they became good friends. Valvano died from cancer, and Yow is currently fighting a long battle with breast cancer. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AhQOdARyhYQe2xGDUj.ZPI5.T4h4?slug=ap-yow-cancerinitiative&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Lastly, some Christian Christmas music information. First, a link to free downloads of two great Christmas songs from Christian music artist Aaron Shust, "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel": http://www.aaronshustmedia.com/holiday/.

The other is a great article about the story behind Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writing the words to the poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", which were later set to music. Longfellow wrote the poem during the Civil War, but its message of peace and God is still true in the world today. In the Christmas cantata that I'm singing in at my church, we're singing this song to another tune. Here's the article: http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/Edit_I.Heard.the.Bells.html.

MLB and NBA Christmas articles

Hi. First of all, some pictures of Georgia football players visiting children at a hospital in Atlanta while they're there for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl: http://lpe.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/2006/1206/1226ugavisit.

Next, the last two MLB.com Christmas Q & A articles. The first is about Aaron Cook of the Rockies, and here's a quote:

MLB.com: So what is the holiday season like around the Cook home?

Cook: We just try to spread ourselves as thin as possible on Christmas Day, visiting relatives, and really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, which was the day Jesus Christ was born. So we keep things relatively simple.

Here's the article: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765645&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

The other one is about Sean Casey, and here's a quote:

MLB.com: Big holiday tradition in your family?

Casey: We always open one present on Christmas Eve, and we always go to Mass on Christmas Eve. We always used to go to Midnight Mass, but the kids can't stay up that late. And before we open the presents on Christmas morning, we'll always sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Here's the article: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061220&content_id=1765305&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det.

Here's an article about Kobe Bryant making a little boy's Christmas just by spending time with him. Now, I don't like Kobe at all for some of the things that he's done, but this is still a great article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612240457.

Also, an article about what Dwayne Wade did to help needy kids at Christmas: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612250368.

Lastly, an article about what Jermaine O'Neal and some other Pacers did to help kids and others at Christmas time: http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/web_061225.html.

MLB.com Christmas Q & A's

Hi. I'm in the middle of reading through the now traditional MLB.com Christmas Q & A articles, one for each of the 30 teams. I've read through a little over 2/3 of them so far and have found some good ones. The first is about Tampa Bay shortstop Ben Zobrist. I think that I'd heard of his name, but that was about it, so I looked up his bio on MLB.com to find out some more. He was traded from the Astros organization last year in the Aubrey Huff trade, and then started in Tampa after that. He also went to college at Dallas Baptist. Here's a quote from the article:

MLB.com: Ben, what are some of the Zobrist family Christmas traditions?

Zobrist: Generally, we go the day after Thanksgiving and cut down our Christmas tree together. I didn't get a chance to do it this year with my family, but we've always done that in the past. Then on Christmas morning, we get up and read "The Christmas Story" first from Luke 2 in the Bible, then my dad prays for us and everything before we start opening presents. ...

MLB.com: Your wife is an accomplished singer. Does she have any plans to sing while in Eureka [hometown in Illinois]?

Zobrist: She will sing at our church once. And I don't know if she's singing anywhere else, but she's singing at church.

Here's the article: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061219&content_id=1764210&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb.

Next, an article about Cardinals broadcaster Rick Horton. Here's a couple of quotes from the article:

Not only is he active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he has worked for Baseball Chapel, and is best known these days for his work on Cardinals television and radio broadcasts. ...

MLB.com: What's your favorite carol?

Horton: I think it's "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." There are two reasons. One is that it's central to the "Charlie Brown Christmas Special." But I also think the words in it really have the spiritual reminder for me of why that day is so important.

Here's the article: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765530&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl.

Also, an article about new Giants manager Bruce Bochy. Here's a quote:

MLB.com: What about the true meaning of Christmas?

Bochy: I think you realize what Christmas really is -- a time when Jesus came down here on Earth, and you are thankful for what you have. It's a time of giving, and we thank the Lord for our family and friends. It has special significance for all our family.

Here's the article: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765730&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf.

Here's an article about another player that I wasn't that familiar with, Nationals pitcher Micah Bowie. Also, there wasn't much information on his bio, either. But the article about him was great, and it seems like he's a good Christian guy. There's too much to quote here, as I'd have to pretty much quote the whole article. So you will just have to read the article yourself: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061220&content_id=1765155&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was.

Lastly, for now, an article on Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. Here's a quote:

The popular Orioles second baseman is looking forward to getting his family together once more for the holidays and relaxing a little bit. Roberts is a religious man who spends loads of time with children in the Baltimore community -- time that's often out of the spotlight.

Here's the article: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061218&content_id=1763488&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

That's all for now. I'll send along more of the MLB.com Christmas articles later if there are any. I'll also add some back articles in another post later.

Sports misc.

Hi. First of all, here's a good article about Giants back-up quarterback Tim Hasselbeck and his wife Elisabeth, who is the on the TV show "The View". Here's the article, from the July/August issue of Today's Christian magazine: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2006/004/2.34.html. The article was part of the devotion this past week in the devotional booklet "Power Up!" included inside of Sports Spectrum magazine.

Also, an article about a Christmas party for needy kids held earlier this month by the Orioles. Those involved were current and former Orioles Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora and Jay Gibbons, Dave Johnson, and Rick Dempsey. Here's the article: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061207&content_id=1754427&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Here's an article about Clemson football player Ray Ray McElrathbey receiving the 2006 FedEx Orange Bowl Courage Award, which is given by the Football Writers' Association of America. He received for taking care of his younger brother Fahmarr because their parents aren't able to. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/stories/2006/12/14/1215clemson.html.

Next, a couple of articles about the retirement of the Twins Brad Radke. The first is about the player and person that he is/was: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061219&content_id=1764047&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min.

The second article is about the activities in the community that he and his wife Heather are involved in: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061219&content_id=1764202&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Merry Christmas!

Sports misc.

Hi. First of all, an article about some players on the Colts, Gary Brackett, Tanard Davis, Dan Federkeil, Michael Toudouze, and Darrell Reid, helping to host a Christmas party for elementary school kids: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=4399.

Here's an article about David Pollack of the Bengals and his neck. He suffered a possibly career ending broken vertebrae in his neck early this season. More later this week: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2006/12/14/1215pollack.html.

Next, a good article about Dallas Baker, a star wide receiver for Florida. Here's a quote from Baker about when Urban Meyer became the coach at Florida before last season:

"We called [Meyer] Bear Bryant," Baker said. "He came around the time 'The Junction Boys' was on TV. I remember saying, 'If I ever see something like that, I'd leave.' Then Coach Meyer showed up and it was like God was saying, 'We'll see about that.' "

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/stories/2006/12/14/1215baker.html.

Here's an article about former Dodgers pitcher Carl Erskine and how he spent the hours before his 80th birthday last Tuesday night in the hospital, but then at a birthday party at his church on his birthday last Wednesday: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612150529.

Lastly, a good article about Jeff Bagwell and his retirement. It talks about how good of a player and more importantly, a teammate he was. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061107&content_id=1736804&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou.

Cubs and Christmas

Hi. I just thought that I'd mention how I find these articles. These are articles that I get in e-mails from the websites and/or by looking at certian sites. I then print them out and put them in the bathroom. I read them as I have a chance to. So the articles may be a few days old by the time that I post them here, but I think that they're still relevant. Also, as I have time I'm going to post some articles that I have saved from the last couple years. Hopefully you will enjoy those as well.

There's not much for today. First, a quote (for what it's worth) from Cubs player development director Oneri Fleita about Cubs outfield prospect Felix Pie (pronounced pee-AY) and his chances of being the Cubs starting center fielder on opening day:

"There's a lot of stuff flying around," Fleita said of the rumors regarding the lineup. "I think that's why you have Spring Training. If he earns it, God bless him. I know he can play center field."

Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061214&content_id=1761233&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Also, here's just a neat picture that there was a link to in the weekly ad e-mail that I get from Hobby Lobby craft stores. In case you're not familiar with Hobby Lobby, it's a Christian arts and craft stores that's closed on Sundays like Chick-Fil-A. Here's the link: http://www.hobbylobby.com/site3/ministry/christmas2006.cfm.

giving to others and Evansville

Hi. I've added some websites on the left side of this page. There are websites and blogs of Christians in all different sports. If you know of any others, please feel free to let me know and I'll add them to the list. Also there are some general sports websites. These are the websites where I find most of the articles that I post on here.

First, some articles about athletes helping out. The first is about Twins catcher Mike Redmond giving out personalized hats to those with cancer: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061212&content_id=1759926&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about the MLB Players Trust donating money to help Katrina victims in New Orleans. The players directly involved in presenting the check were the Indians David Dellucci, A's Chad Gaudin, Rockies LaTroy Hawkins, and Cubs Jacque Jones. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061212&content_id=1760002&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about a friend giving a friend a kidney. Former Cowboy Everson Walls is going to donate a kidney to his friend and former Cowboys teammate Ron Springs. Springs is the father of the Redskins Shawn Springs. Shawn Springs was ready to quit playing and donate a kidney if he was a match, but his dad wouldn't let him. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2694968.

Also, an article is Tim Hudson and his family hosting a party and shopping spree for Make-A-Wish kids and their families: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061213&content_id=1760825&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Lastly, an article about the plane crash killing the University of Evansville men's basketball team in 1977 similarly to the one killing the Marshall football team in 1970: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612140522.