MLB, football, and basketball

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

football, MLB, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitna and the Lions, etc.

Hi. Okay, I'm back to playing catch up again. I'll post some articles tonight and then some more tomorrow and hopefully get caught up.

First of all, a "Rest of the Story" article. Last summer I posted a story about Texans defensiveback Jason Simmons asking runningback Ahman Green to put a down-payment on a house for a single parent in return for his uniform number 30. The two then picked out a single mother of an autistic boy, Regina Foster and her son Reggie. Last Sunday I was watching "NFL Countdown" on ESPN and they ran a video segment from when the Fosters moved into their new house a few weeks ago. I then was able to find a good article on ESPN.com about it too. Simmons and Green were there when the Fosters first moved in. Several local businesses provided groceries, furniture, electricity, cable, etc. too. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=3121923.

Here's another good Christian article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna. Here's a quote from him:

The Detroit Lions have a lot to shout about these days. They have a winning record after six losing seasons. Players say a key part of that turnaround on and off the field is number eight -- Quarterback Jon Kitna.

"My mission is to do whatever I can to be obedient to Christ and further His Gospel; tell people about the things He's done in my life and the things He can do in their life," Kitna said.

Here's the article, including a video interview: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/273495.aspx (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, an article on one of Kitna's Christian teammates, wide receiver Mike Furrey, who, along with his wife, helped to serve Thanksgiving meals at a mission after the Lions game on Thanksgiving afternoon. The article also talks about other things that the Furrey's are involved in their community. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's not all about football," Furrey said.

"God has blessed me with the ability to play football, and I feel blessed to be able to go out and help people who are less fortunate. It's something that my wife and I feel called to do."

The Furrey's were also joined at the mission by back-up quarterback Dan Orvlovsky, also a Christian, and here's a quote from him:

"It's gratifying," Orlovsky said of taking time out to volunteer. "Everyone thinks of us as football players, but God didn't put us here so that we'd have the ability to make a ton of money and live a lavish lifestyle.

"He calls us to serve other people."

Here's the article: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/11/receiver_is_happy_to_give.html (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's a good Christian article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, and how he was lead to Christ by Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden. Richt became an assistant coach at Florida State after his playing career at Miami ended. Here's a quote from Richt:

It was through his mistakes coach Mark Richt realized he needed God. And in his success he hopes others recognize his source of strength.

"Jesus means salvation," he said. "Jesus means everlasting life with god. If you know there's a power that created you that's much greater than you that's never ending you know you can tap into that resource that gives you peace, gives you hope instead of despair."

Here's the article: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/274318.aspx.

Also, an article about new Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, who recently signed with the Angels as a free agent. The article talks about how much respect his former team the Twins and the Rangers, who also tried to sign him, have for him after going through the free agent process. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20071122&content_id=2306723&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Lastly for now, here's two more articles on Jon Kitna and how he was able to build and maintain a winning attitude with the Lions this season. The first article includes this from former Lion and current Giant cornerback R.W. McQuarters:

The gesture caught New York Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters so off guard that he almost couldn't believe he was in Detroit.

Several of his teammates had just finished praying following their 16-10 win over the Lions when they started ambling toward their locker room. That's when McQuarters heard a gruff voice in the distance calling for the Giants. He whirled to see Lions quarterback Jon Kitna standing before several Lions players. Kitna motioned for the Giants to join hands with the Lions for one final group prayer.

It wasn't the offer that surprised McQuarters. It was the impression that the Lions were unified behind Kitna that startled him. McQuarters had played a season with Detroit in 2005 and that was enough time to know team chemistry wasn't the Lions' strength.

"I could see the difference Jon was making in that team," McQuarters says. "I figured that if he could be that kind of leader around strangers, he must really be something when he's alone with his own team. You can tell they really needed somebody like him."

Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3121857.

The other article on Kitna and the Lions and how important their Christian beliefs have become to bringing the team together and thus helping them to succeed: http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-lions22nov22,1,2246964.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-sports&ctrack=3&cset=true (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

That's all for now. I'll post more tomorrow.

MLB, football, etc.

Hi. I hope that you had a happy Thanksgiving!

First, an article about Yankees 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez running a baseball camp for kids at the Boys & Girls Club in Miami that he grew up at. He spent time talking to the kids before working with them on hitting. Here's a quote from what he told the kids:

Rodriguez told them, "When you see me on television, when you see me here, know I am the most humble and blessed human being on this earth. And that's why I think it's a responsibility for me to be here. You don't even have to thank me. It's my duty; it's my obligation. Now it's your job to try to live your dreams and play with me in the Major Leagues."

Here's the article: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071117&content_id=2302650&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2303812&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's a note about Royals DH Mike Sweeney, a Christian, receiving the Hutch Award last week:

Royals DH Mike Sweeney, currently a free agent, is this year’s recipient of the Hutch Award in recognition of displaying “the fighting spirit and competitive desire” of Fred Hutchinson, a former player and manager who died from cancer at age 45 in 1964.

Sweeney will receive the award in a Jan. 23 luncheon in Seattle after visiting children at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Hutch School. Funds raised through the luncheon benefit The Gregory Fund for early cancer-detection research at the Hutchinson Center.

“To receive the Hutch Award is an amazing honor for me,” Sweeney said. “If I can bring a glimpse of hope or an ounce of strength to a child fighting adversity, to me that’s more enjoyable than hitting home runs.”

Here's the article (page down): http://www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/366059.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2303812&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about the scouts that signed Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, out of high school and knew that he was going to be something special even back then. The article also noted that Rollins sister, Shay Rollins, is the starting point guard on the University of San Francisco women's basketball team as a junior. Here's the article: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20071118_Jim_Salisbury___Rollins_was_also_a_dynamo_in_high_school_.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2303812&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, being awarded the Branch Rickey Award for community service. Here's a quote from him about why and how he started Kings Ridge Christian School in Atlanta:

"I wanted to see kids have the best chance to fight for themselves with weapons of knowledge and sports and arts and all the different things," Smoltz said, explaining the origins of the school. "In 2000, I guess I had a wild idea to start a Christian school. That's been unbelievable.

"It's a book," Smoltz said of the path that led to his opening the school. "There's no way to explain the journey. God's hand has been all over the endeavor and we're seven years in the process with our first building. If I've been proud of anything, it's the opening of that building. The sweat, the financial challenges, all the different things that go into it. I dove in head first, and when you dive in head first, you don't know any rules, and good thing you don't, because had they told me the rules, I probably would have taken a pass. It's an incredible accomplishment for a lot of different people. To be able to see kids develop and be equipped and at least have the opportunity to serve and know what community is all about. What I like about it is I'll never get to see the fruits of it. It'll last the test of time. It'll be multiplied generations over."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2303892&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about new/old Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, who recently signed with the Braves after spending the last five years of his career with the Mets. He was with the Braves from 1987-2002. He said that the most important reason why he signed back with the Braves was so that he could be close to his family, who still live in Atlanta full-time. He's getting paid well, but it's neat that he gave up some money to be with his family. Not many players do that now. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2303892&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about LPGA golfer Lorena Ochoa, a Christian, and how she should be getting more attention for how great a golfer she is: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ma-ochoa111907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article from an interview with Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian, about how he's battled depression the last 13 years. Here's a quote from him about it:

Yet even in his lowest moments, Hunter found strength from above to win his battle.

HS: I believe in my heart of hearts that God has place me on this earth for a reason and I don't believe that reason and that purpose is to drive off a cliff. I believe he's placed me here to do something for him.

Here's the article: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7384954&nav=menu35_8. Just a note: I bought and listened to the new CD by Hunter Smith's Christian music group Connersvine and it's pretty good. I recommend getting it.

Here's an article about the Lions/Packers game yesterday, from before the game. The article is about how reportedly the Packers were paying their defense for keeping the other team's player and/or team under so many yards of offense. The Packers weren't trying to hurt the other team though. Here's a quote from Packers cornerback Al Harris after Vikings runningback Adrian Peterson was injured in the game between the two teams:

But while Peterson was injured in the game against the Packers, that didn't appear to be the Packers' goal. After making the tackle that injured Peterson, Packers cornerback Al Harris went out of his way to make sure the rookie running back was OK after the game.

"He said he was OK, and I just told him I'm praying for him," Harris said after the Nov. 11 game.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10486051/rss.

Also, another article about Jimmy Rollins, this one about him winning the NL MVP Award earlier this week. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's exciting. I've always said that I never thought about being an MVP player," Rollins said. "Winning the Gold Glove to me was winning the MVP for shortstop, and that's as far as I went. But to be blessed with the 2007 MVP ... ."

Here's the article (including a video of the press conference about it): http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071120&content_id=2304717&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb.

Here's a great story about Amanda Coolbaugh, the widow of Mike Coolbaugh, the Rockies Double-A Tulsa 1st base coach who was killed when hit in the neck by a foul ball last summer. The article is about how her and their kids are trying to cope, and includes a video interview with her: http://cbs4denver.com/seenon/local_story_324225227.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/97).

Next, a funny blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, about a funny Thanksgiving tradition/rookie prank that the team always pulls:

Every Thanksgiving the veteran players all around the NFL play a trick on the rookies. They pretend that some local business gives free turkeys to the players for Thanksgiving. Most teams go to some pretty elaborate measures to pull it off. There are flyers placed in every player's locker detailing where to go and how to pick up your turkey. Of course, only the rookies go, and the veterans then laugh at them on Thursday morning when they come into practice.

Since we are traveling tomorrow the veterans set it up for today (Tuesday) between 5:00 and 6:00 at Marsh Supermarket. We have our video director there to tape everything and we'll show it at the next team meeting. It's usually pretty funny and the good thing is, the rookies can't wait until next year to pull it off on someone else. Most rookies (including me) fall for it.

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/7905f382-1fc5-40ca-bd11-8118b2e8d9fd.

Staying with the Colts, here's a note about the Colts having a monthly family library night at different libraries around Indianapolis. Some of the players involved so far this season have been quarterback Josh Betts, defensiveback Matt Giordano (a Christian), and wide receiver Roy Hall. Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=events&id=3332.

Also, an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, spending part of his Thanksgiving day mingling with the guests and volunteers at a local mission's Thanksgiving meal for the poor (includes video): http://www.wral.com/sports/story/2078813/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/96).

Here's a quote from Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, from yesterday's game against the Packers:

Lions quarterback Jon Kitna on what he’s most thankful for: “That I don’t have to go to hell.”

Here's the article (page down): http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071122/SPORTS01/71122026/0/MISC (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, a Christian, having his coaches make sure that all of the players on the team had somewhere to go for Thanksgiving, especially because those from out of state wouldn't have time to go home: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=308683.

Here's some sad news: Blue Jays pitcher Joe Kennedy died suddenly early this morning of an unknown cause at 28 years of age. He left behind his wife and one-year-old son. I think that it would be good to keep his family in your prayers. Here's the article, with the information known so far: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-obit-kennedy&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Lastly, a tribute to the late Cowboys chaplain John Weber, who died from a heart attack on November 1st, with more articles about him: http://webertribute.aia.com/.

football, MLB, etc.

Happy Thanksgiving! I have several articles to post, so I think that I'm going to divide them into two groups and post one now and one after that or tomorrow.

The first article is about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and how he's been more energetic on the sidelines during games recently to get the team to be more energetic too. The team had been lethargic, so he thought that by being more energetic himself, it would help the team. Here's a quote about his new approach from Dave Van Halanger, the team's director of strength and conditioning:

"It's calculated fun," said Dave Van Halanger, the team's director of strength and conditioning. "There is nothing that is done without an immense amount of thought and prayer."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/11/13/gafoot_1114_3DOT.html.

Here's an article about Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle, a Christian, before his first NFL start last Saturday against the Colts in Indianapolis. By the way, he played well, but the Colts still won (GO COLTS! Sorry!). Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtVDuIPXPt5UgxQudPROaHl.T4h4?slug=ap-brodiethekid&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Cubs outfield prospect Sam Fuld and his playing with juvenile diabetes. A neat thing mentioned in the article is that when Fuld was twelve he got to meet and talk to then Tigers pitcher Bill Gullickson, who also has juvenile diabetes. Because of that, Fuld now makes a point to talk with kids with the disease now. He recently received the Stenson Award for leadership in the Arizona Fall League. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071114&content_id=2300768&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's an article about retired Panthers safety Mike Minter giving his testimony at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet in Nebraska recently. Here's a good quote from him:

"You can't have football all of your life, but you can have Jesus Christ," he said. "Right now, I'm former Nebraska Cornhusker and former Carolina Panther, but I'll never be former saved person or former follower of Christ."

Here's a quote from the article about some of the other athletes and coaches involved in the banquet:

In addition, Nebraska center Brett Byford spoke of his faith journey that led him from tiny Hartsville, Ala., to being the starting center for the Husker football team.

Broken Bow cross country and track standout Katie White was named the high school athlete of the year, Hastings College offensive lineman Brandon Jacobitz was awarded the college athlete of the year and Kenesaw girls' basketball coach Jodi Jacoby was given the Influence Award for being a positive minister of the FCA Mission.

Here's the article: http://www.theindependent.com/stories/11142007/spo_fcabanquet14.shtml (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5711).

Also, an article about how IU wide receiver James Hardy was and is still influenced by late IU head football coach Terry Hoeppner, a Christian, who died last summer from brain cancer: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/SPORTS0601/711150467/1070/SPORTS0602.

Here's an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton speaking at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet in his native North Carolina about how he overcame his drug addiction to return to baseball and have a successful rookie season this year: http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/773398.html/ (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Next, an article on Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, winning the NL Cy Young Award unanimously last week. Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, also a Christian, finished second after winning the award last year. Here's a quote from him about winning the award after fighting through injuries last season:

Peavy spent part of his conference call on Thursday praising the work of the team training staff.

"Those guys are the backbone of what any player on the San Diego Padres does," Peavy said. "Those guys see me every day. In-season, we modified the amount of work I did, especially my arm routine and shoulder. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be healthy."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071114&content_id=2300731&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb. Also, FCA re-posted this article about Peavy from their magazine last month after he won the award: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=60ECE133-3E2D-430B-B0FCBDE53AEBEA3A&method=display (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about the importance of the Colts bench this year with all of the injuries that they have had to deal with this season. One of those players is wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe, who a couple of weeks ago played the first offensive snaps of his career after bouncing around the NFL in his three-year career, and then played some more last Sunday. Here's a quote from him about getting a chance to play:

"I came in here and checked to see my name up there on the nameplate," Thorpe said with a nod toward the top of his locker. "I thank God every day I walk in this building and see it."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/SPORTS03/711160410/1100.

Also, an article about the Braves, pitcher Chuck James and his wife helping to delivery complete Thanksgiving dinners to five needy families in the neighborhood around Turner Field last week: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071116&content_id=2302300&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders, a Christian, and how he's overcome a stuttering problem to become a successful NFL coach. Here's a quote from him about it:

He went on to play collegiately at Davidson, but when he wanted to get into coaching, he was told he couldn't. Not with the way he talked.

"There were a lot of naysayers who said, 'You can't be a coach, because you have to be a school teacher, and nobody will ever hire you because you can't teach a class because you can 't speak,' '' Sanders recalled. "And then, when I wanted to be a college coach, they said, 'You can't go into anybody's home and recruit as bad as you stutter.' But sometimes the good Lord, he'll take the dumb things in the world and confound the wise."

Here's the article: http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports/index.php?ntid=257551&ntpid=1 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/12).

Lastly, for now, a couple of articles about the IU football team beating arch-rival Purdue to win the Old Oaken Bucket last Saturday. The win was huge because it gave them a good chance of making a bowl for the first time since 1993 and fulfilling late head coach Terry Hoeppner's goal to "Play 13" (12 regular season games and a bowl game). The win was so emotional for the team that there were many tears shed in the locker room after the game. Here's the first article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071118/SPORTS/711180396/1069/SPORTS0601, and the second article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071118/COLUMNISTS01/711180398.

MLB, football, and NBA

Hello! First of all, an article about Illinois women's soccer player Courtney Bell and her soccer/missions trip to Mexico over the summer with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes: http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/100907aai.html (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton, a Christian, and his long wait to get the post-season and the unbelievable success that he Rockies are having. In his 11th season with the Rockies, he's finally playing in not just the post-season, but the World Series. However, before the season the Rockies discussed trading Helton to the Red Sox, but it fell through. It's probably one of the best trades that never happened. Here's a quote about it from Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, also a Christian:

"Things happen for a reason," O'Dowd said, "and that (trade) didn't happen for a reason."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=AqZ6aKYeUG3CJiZ8.M8FNcI5nYcB?slug=jp-helton101007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, and how his career got to his current role as Cardinals starting quarterback. Unfortunately, he tore ligaments in his non-throwing elbow in last Sunday's game, but he might still be able to play this Sunday (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10417426). Here's the original article: http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10400866.

Here's an article about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, and how his previous playoff experience with the carefree Red Sox is helping his current team: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071010&content_id=2260476&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnered=rss_cle.

Also, an article about Georgia wide receiver Demiko Goodman and how he's made the most of his chances to play. Here's a quote about him and a quote from wide receivers coach John Eason:

Everybody at Timothy Road Baptist Church knows who Demiko Goodman is. And it's not because he's a Georgia football player.

It's just that on any given Sunday there's no telling what kind of outfit he might turn up in. When it comes to clothes, he is no shrinking violet.

"I'm not sure what you call it, but he's quite sporty," said Bulldogs wide receivers coach John Eason, who attends the same church. "It's a fashion show with him. I've seen some pretty neat outfits."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/10/10/gafoot_1011.html.

Staying with Georgia football, here's a good article about head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and how he's been able to spend more one-on-one time with his players this season since he gave up the calling the plays on offense late last season. It sounds like both he and the players are personally better off for it. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/10/11/gafoot_1012.html.

Next, a Christian article about basketball player Anthony Tolliver, who finished his career at Creighton last spring and is trying to make the Cavaliers team in training camp this fall. However, if that falls through he was also drafted by the CBA's Butte Daredevils. Here's the article from The Christian Sports Blog: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/anthony-tolliver-speaks-about-his-faith.html.

Here's an article about the MLB Action Teams where MLB players work with local high school kids to promote volunteering at their high schools. One of the main MLB players involved in this is Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071011&content_id=2260847&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, a neat article about Michigan high school soccer player Hannah Hackbardt, who won a contest to get to meet Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian. Here's a quote from the article about it:

... In her winning contest entry, she expressed her long-term goal of becoming a professional soccer player as well as her commitment to her teammates, whom she'd like to lead to a District title, and her assertion that "nothing is impossible with God."

This is a sentiment she shares with Lions quarterback, Jon Kitna. The NFL veteran has been outspoken about his faith and its influence on his athletic performance. He and his wife are founders of the Eternal Blessings Foundation, which supports various Christian ministries and he credited his faith for his "miracle" comeback in September, when he rebounded from a first quarter concussion to rally the Lions to a late victory.

Just as Kitna is part of a team prayer group and hosts a Bible study for teammates at his home, Hannah also leads her team in prayer. She attends Grace Community Church in Howard City and attends youth group every Sunday night.

"I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet Jon Kitna," commented Hannah when notified she had been named a regional In My Shoes winner. "I know Jon Kitna always stands up for what he believes in. He is a strong team leader and achieves amazing things on the field."

Here's the article: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0314425.htm (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Also, another article about Trot Nixon, this one about his playing against his former team, the Red Sox, after going to the Indians as a free agent before this season: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=288782.

Lastly, an article about LSU quarterback Matt Flynn, who's finally getting a chance to start this season after three years of backing up JaMarcus Russell, who was drafted by the Raiders last spring. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's not the way I was looking at it in high school when I signed, but I feel very fortunate to be able to stick it out and have such a great team that I'm able to lead," Flynn said. "I wouldn't trade being on this team and this one year for anything - not for four years starting somewhere else. I feel very blessed."

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101107acv.html.

lots of football and MLB

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

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

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

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

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

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

So how fresh does Gordon feel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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