basketball, MLB, and football misc.

First of all, an article about the candidates for the WBNA Rookie of the Year Award. This article's writer picks Sparks and former Tennessee guard Sidney Spencer, a Christian, as the favorite to win the award. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/stories/082307aad.html.

Here's an interesting article on NC State women's head basketball coach Kay Yow, a Christian, on recruiting players: http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/uwire/082307aad.html.

Next, an article on Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr.'s charity bowling tournament in Cincinnati next week for the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He's also holding a charity golf tournament in Orlando to raise money for the Florida Children's Hospital. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070822&content_id=2163937&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about retired Knicks guard Allan Houston, a Christian, trying to make a comeback to the NBA. He was talking about his comeback on the same day that he was sponsoring a Father Knows Best Retreat, "a faith-based event in Harlem designed to strengthen father-son and mentor-mentee relationships" through his foundation. Here's a quote about it:

Though Houston hasn't played in two years, this will be the fourth year for his Father Knows Best Retreat. He said the inspiration for the retreat came from his relationship with his father, Wade Houston, who was his coach at Tennessee.

"He's been a good example as a man, a father, a friend and the head of the household," Houston said. "People are starting to come back and treat the father role serious. … Our purpose is to bring light to that and encourage fathers and sons (who are) trying to do that."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-08-23-AllanHouston_N.htm.

Also, an article about Colts rookie wide receiver Trent Shelton out of Baylor. He's trying to catch on with the Colts as a gunner who covers punts on special teams. Here's a quote from him about that:

“My focus is to do what I can do and put it in God’s hands,” Shelton said. “I can only do so much. I just go out and give it my all. On special teams, right now, I’m a gunner. If I can make a name for myself there, I know that’s the key to getting on this team, is at gunner.”

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=aa7ec573-406e-4f1c-b620-f7731305bd29.

Here's a great article about different things that college football teams do to promote unity on the team. They varied from fun activities to helping out the community. Some examples from the article are Georgia Tech had "a four-part 'Team Time' series, run by team chaplain Derrick Moore". Michigan ran a women's football academy and car wash to raise money for head coach Lloyd Carr's Coach Carr Cancer Fund. Central Michigan played water polo to have fun and get in shape. Notre Dame had an Iron Man competition and took part in "'Tackle the Arts,' a community service event where underprivileged South Bend youth came to campus to participate in crafts, poetry, music and painting with the team." Vanderbilt had team bowling tournaments. Lastly, Middle Tennessee State helped to build a home for an elderly couple with Habitat for Humanity. There are many more examples given too. Here's the article (includes a link with more pictures too): http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/cory_mccartney/08/23/bonding/index.html.

Next, an article about Rockies utility man Jamey Carroll, a Christian, and his ability to play all over the field: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070823&content_id=2165581&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col&partnered=rss_col.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb's (a Christian) 42-consecutive inning scoreless streak that came to an end last week: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070823&content_id=2165701&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about a baseball clinic that Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, a Christian, ran for underprivileged children from East Harlem: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070823&content_id=2165993&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, an article about how Colts safety Matt Giordano, a Christian, has improved his play in the pre-season because of more playing time due to injuries to the starter: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070824/SPORTS03/708240428.

MLB and other sports misc.

First, a short article about new Padres 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg's (a Christian) trade from the Astros last Tuesday. Here's what he had to say about the trade:

A difficult situation turned into a blessing for Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who was traded to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named or cash considerations two days after he was designated for assignment. ...

Ensberg, a native of the Los Angeles area, actually has a home in the San Diego area, where he spends much of his winter when he’s not at home in Houston.

“I think it was absolutely the best scenario,” he said. “This season was very turbulent. It was difficult. I wish I had done better, but once everything kind of went down you feel down and then you have this blessing. It really is a blessing from God. I’m certain of it.”

Ensberg, 31, and his wife Christi were already planning on flying to San Diego today [last Tuesday] with their one-year-old twins, Beckett and Chase.

“I’m shocked,” said Ensberg, who hit .232 (52-for-224) with eight home runs and 31 RBIs this year. “My wife and I are so happy we get a chance to get back there. I really was just speechless when Tim (Purpura) told me I was going out there. I can’t wait to go have Mexican food.”

Here's the article: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5015186.html (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2122710&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about new Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, returning to Atlanta, where he went to college at met his wife at Georgia Tech, when he was traded there by the Rangers: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/31/teixeira_0801.html.

Next, an article about charity hockey games that some mainly Swedish NHL players, led by Peter Forsberg and Markus Näslund, are playing this summer in Sweden and Finland: http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=335508 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/nhl-stars-play-for-charity-in-sweeden.html).

Here's a first-person article by Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, about his and his team's season so far: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2122707&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy's Christian book Quiet Strength hitting #1 on the New York Times best seller's list for non-fiction. He's also donating most of what he makes from the book to charities. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Alxwn1OIcXnIRHZ1VYGMpp1.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dungy&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's the latest injury update on Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, who's currently on the disabled list with a sprained wrist:

Josh Hamilton took batting practice off [Aaron] Harang at Dayton on Saturday and had no pain. As long as there is no "residual soreness" in his wrist on Monday, he'll be set to begin a rehab assignment.

Here's the article that it's from: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2131283&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Lastly, I came across a blog by Clippers center Chris Kaman, a Christian, although it hasn't been updated in awhile though: http://www.nba.com/blog/chris_kaman.html?rss=true.

sports misc.

First of all, Cubs outfielder Matt Murton's (a Christian) younger brother Luke was drafted #1,217 in the 40th Round out of Georgia Tech by the Yankees. He is a sophomore this year. Here's the webpage: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2007/drafttracker.jsp?p=1&s=30&sc=pick_number&so=&st=number&ft=TM&fv=nyy.

Here's some more news about the Yankees: they honored a twelve-year-old boy from New York who helped save his family during a robbery at their home. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070608&content_id=2014319&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy&partnered=rss_nyy.

Next, an article about former Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason, who now works for CBS, hosting a shooting contest to raise money for cystic fibrosis, which his son has: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/SPT03/706080311/1022/RSS0302.

Here's an article about Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson's race with a horse for charity. Johnson won. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070610/SPT02/706100404/1062/SPT.

Also, a Q & A article about Chelsea Held, a softball player at Pendleton Heights High School in Indiana (Indianapolis area, I think). Here's a quote:

Q: Being a softball player, do you have any crazy superstitions you've held on to through the years?

A: Before games where we're at home, I can't hit in the batting cage. I have to have my wristband on my right arm. When I get up to bat, I have this certain little ritual I go through, spinning my bat and drawing a cross for trust in Jesus Christ in the dirt.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070610/SPORTS0205/706100436/1247/SPORTS.

Here's a father's day article from Georgia football players/coaches, including Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/06/09/0610fathers.html.

Lastly, FYI: here's the TV schedule for the College Baseball World Series: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2734875. I always think it's fun to watch.

football, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Cremins and Mickelson

Only a couple of articles today. First, a Q & A article with former Georgia Tech and current College of Charleston basketball coach Bobby Cremins. Here's a quote from him about why he took his current job:

Q: Have you found something that you really missed while you weren't coaching?

A: Yeah. When I left Georgia Tech, my original game plan was to take one year off and then go right back. And then for some reason, one year led to six. I had a good life. The TV [announcing] was fun and I stayed busy with charity golf outings. But then, when I started to think that I would never coach again, I didn't like that feeling.

And then this thing came out of left field. It's had to be God-sent, the way it happened. The irony when [Winthrop coach] Greg Marshall taking the Charleston job and then going back was incredible. [Cremins had a similar experience with South Carolina in 1993]. The timing? I was hired on July 3rd. They don't hire college coaches on July 3rd. It all has to be a God-send.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/finalfour/stories/2007/02/16/0217cremins.html.

Here's a good story about Phil Mickelson paying for this girl to go to college when her family would not be able to otherwise afford it: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702170461.

Ortiz, Smith, and Murcer

Hi. Here's a few articles. First, an article on the Giants' signing of Russ Ortiz: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/16421776.htm (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070110&content_id=1776341&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Georgia Tech basketball player Jeremis Smith and his best friend Jeffrey Muriel, Jr., who was killed in 2005 along with three others by a drunk driver. It talks about how Smith still keeps his friend's memory with him. Here's a quote about how his teammate, Javaris Crittenton, has become a good friend and how he keeps his friend's memory:

Yet Smith has found a sub in Tech point guard Javaris Crittenton. Ask Smith about the "4 Js" written atop the shoes he'll wear against Duke.

"Before this season, my mom said, 'What has to happen for you to be the player you can be?' I said, 'Honestly, the only person that can make me good is Javaris.' She said, 'Why do you say that?'

"I said because in high school, Jeff would throw me lobs so I could show off my athleticism and get me the ball in places I needed it. Javaris can do the exact same thing, and he reminds me on and off the court of Jeff, even how he approaches people and class.

"My mom was like, 'There's three Js: you, Jeff, Javaris and you've got to add one more and put Jesus in the mix. That sounds good. You all can be the four Js. Two Js can be looking down on the other two Js."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/gatech/stories/2007/01/09/0110techmen.html.

Lastly, an article about former Yankees player and current Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer and his recent surgery to remove what was found to be a malignant brain tumor. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I'm gaining confidence that with God and my faith leading the way, we will as a team put up an incredible fight. Please continue to send up prayers. That's all I can really ask of you at this time."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070110&content_id=1776558&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

GA Tech's Lewis and "Facing the Giants"

Only one new article today. It's about Georgia Tech football player Jamal Lewis, who played in the Gator Bowl after he was in an accident which killed his good friend and mentor. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/gatech/stories/2007/01/01/0102lewisbar.html.

Lastly, here's some about the new movie "Facing the Giants" from today's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum. I haven't been able to go see the movie at the theater, so I'm glad to see that it will be coming out on DVD soon. From everything that I've heard, it's a great movie.:

• Sports Illustrated called it one of the most inspirational films of the year. It’s called Facing the Giants, and it was one of the most remarkable outreach efforts of 2006. Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia, produced this full-length feature movie using volunteers and a $100,000 budget—and then saw it become a Top 20 movie in terms of box-office take. And now Sherwood Pictures is preparing Facing the Giants for DVD distribution, which begins on January 30. To find out more about Facing the Giants, go to www.facingthegiants.com.

Here's the page: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/.