Rockies, Colts, Indians, etc.

Hi. Go Rockies! I'm watching the World Series as I'm writing this. I like the Red Sox too, but I've got to go with the Rockies this time.

Staying with the Rockies, the first article is about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, who won the NLCS MVP. I posted the video of his interview after being awarded the MVP earlier, but I thought I would post the article and video now since I've read the article (yeah, I'm still a week behind reading articles). I thought that I would mention that in the interview Holliday thanks God twice, but there's no mention of that in the article, interestingly enough. But here's a quote that was included:

"Obviously, some time in the offseason, we'll sit back and say, 'Man that's quite a run.'" Holliday said. "To be able to do it with these guys, I feel very blessed."

Here's the article and video: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=2268550&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about Rockies reserve outfielder Seth Smith, who knocked in a couple big runs in Game 4 of the NLCS. Smith wasn't called up from the minors until Sept. 15th, but made the post-season roster after getting a big hit in the Rockies Wild Card play-in game. A crazy fact is that Smith was Giants quarterback Eli Manning's back-up at Ole Miss, who's now teammates with Todd Helton, who was Colts quarterback Peyton Manning's back-up at Tennessee. Here's a quote from him:

"It's exciting," Smith said. "I don't even know how I'm here. God just blessed me tremendously and this team."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=2268574&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb.

Next, an article about Colts long snapper Justin Snow, a Christian, visited with new parents at St. Francis Hospital and delivered care packages as part of the Colts Baby Bunch program: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=77260e2a-114c-42ca-b7f3-820c5274b2dc.

Back to the Rockies, here's an article about Rockies infielder Jamey Carroll, a Christian, raising money to help out people in his hometown of Newburg, Indiana (near Evansville), after a tornado hit there in November 2005. I remember when it hit, as it's only around 2 hours from here. It was very strange, as we never have tornadoes in November. Also, it hit in the middle of the night, which is also rare. So everyone was asleep not expecting anything, and to make matters worse, one of the hardest hit places was a trailor park. So put all that together and it wasn't good. Here's the article: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=2268696&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about Indians pitcher Paul Byrd, a Christian, before his start in Game 4 of the ALCS. Here's a quote from him about how he changed his pitching windup to resurrect his career back in 2002:

"Look," Byrd said Monday night, walking a concourse beneath Jacobs Field, "I'm not trying to convert anybody. I don't go to God as a vending machine. But, I prayed. I just said, 'I'd love to keep playing.' "

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/mlb_experts/post/Byrd-turns-back-clock-on-windup-career;_ylt=AvXvEzP5AhrmHBWcmKHD7AI5nYcB?urn=mlb,49327.

Here's an article about Colts tight end Ben Utecht, a Christian, speaking at a Character Counts! Rally in Anderson, Indiana (north of Indianapolis), last week. Just a note: the Wigwam is the name of the Anderson High School gym, as their mascot is the Indians. Here's a quote about what Ben Utecht said and did:

“The reason I’m here is to talk about what it takes to be a champion,” said Utecht. “Character is the most important part of who you are as a human being.”

Then, courageously, Utecht confessed a secret to the students: he has always wanted to be on “American Idol.” And then, he belted out “Amazing Grace,” convincing everyone in the room that he could do more than just carry a football.

“You just have to continue to have character each and every day,” said Utecht.

I just thought that it was so cool that he sang "Amazing Grace" and a public school assembly! Here's the article: http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_289182633.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/14).

Next, back to the Rockies with an article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, and what he's learned about life since having a daughter born with physical problems after not living up to expectations as a big baseball prospect: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2007-10-16-hurdle-rockies_N.htm?csp=34.

Here's an article about Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton, a Christian, and about how excited he was to finally made it to the World Series after playing with the Rockies for several years: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sh-nlcsgamefour101507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Also, an article about Allan Houston, a Christian, stopping his attempted comeback with the Knicks after being retired for two years: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=3071748.

Here's an article about the new Christian CD that came out yesterday by Colts punter Hunter Smith's group Connersvine: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/albumdetail.php?album_id=2208.

Next, an article about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, resuming chemotherapy for breast cancer: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AuvbSvyxI50jaWI4wr5lffJ.T4h4?slug=ap-ncstate-yow&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Lastly, a note from yesterday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about new Royals manager Trey Hillman, a Christian:

HILLMAN TO ROYALS: After spending five seasons managing the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, Trey Hillman is about to return to the United States to skipper a Major League Baseball team for the first time. Hillman has been hired to manage the Kansas City Royals. He’ll bring with him the same mission that he and his family had when they lived in Japan. While there, he said, “We’re here to, with our walk, with the way that we live our lives, to be a witness to the faith that we have in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.” Hillman spent many years in the New York Yankees’ organization, and he was at one time offered the managership of the Texas Rangers, but he had already committed to Japan.

Here's the link: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071023.php.

MLB, NFL, and NBA

Hi. Here's a shorter post, but I thought that I would go ahead since I'm off the next two days and don't know when I'll be able to post some more articles. The first article is a good Christian one about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon that FCA posted again. It's originally from the 2005 season when Nixon was still with the Red Sox (he signed with the Indians as a free agent before this season). Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=120A8893-423E-4494-8721D45DEBDCDD13 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about how versatile and important Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, has been this year for the undefeated Colts: http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10398667.

Next, an article about Rockies infielder Jamey Carroll and pitcher Matt Herges, both Christians. The note about Carroll is about he stays ready to play for whenever the Rockies need him. The note about Herges tells about his winding road to becoming an important part of the Rockies bullpen this year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071009&content_id=2259225&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew, a Christian, and how he struggled offensively during the regular season and then hit well in the ALDS against the Cubs. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's a blessing," he said, "because the team picked me up this year when things weren't going good. To contribute back in the postseason is exciting for me. The confidence, it's been there, Just to start having something to show for it helps."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=287971.

Also, an article about Knicks guard Allan Houston, a Christian, attempting to make a comeback this season after being retired for two years. Here's a quote from him about it:

"After much thought and prayer, I have decided to return to the NBA as a member of the New York Knicks," Houston said in a statement. "I have worked extremely hard in the last year and a half to accomplish my dream of playing in the NBA again."

"After my wife and I were blessed with the birth of our fourth child last week, I realized that New York is where I am supposed to be, and the Knick uniform is the one I want to wear. I have seen the Garden in some of its best moments, and I truly believe that this team is on the verge of experiencing that again. This team is hungry and energetic. I hope to contribute in the weeks and months ahead."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/10400730/rss.

Lastly, an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew and his little brother, Diamondbacks outfielder Stephen Drew, both Christians, on the possibility that they both could have made it to the World Series after they both made it to their respective League Championship Series. They were both looking forward to that possibility, but the Diamondbacks lost in the NLCS to the Rockies, so it won't happen. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071010&content_id=2260039&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB, NFL, and basektball

First of all, a couple of articles about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, and his MVP-like season. The first article is about his teammates campaigning for him for the MVP Award: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213555&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The other article about Holliday is about him winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week ending September 16th: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213899&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a good Christian article about Christian athletes and coaches to look up to with all of the trouble that some athletes, coaches, and others in sports have been getting into lately. The Christians included in the article are Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook, Magic center Dwight Howard, North Carolina women's basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell, Colts head coach Tony Dungy, and PGA golfer Zach Johnson. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5665.

Here's a couple of articles about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous return from a concussion during the Lions/Vikings game last Sunday. He suffered a concussion during the 2nd quarter of the game and returned in the 4th quarter to lead the Lions to an overtime victory. All of his concussion symptoms had disappeared and he checked out with the doctors and convinced them and the coaches that he was fine to return. Here's a quote from Kitna about it:

"It was a miracle," Kitna said Monday. ...

"I've never felt anything like that, and for it to clear up and go right back to as normal as I can be, is nothing short of a miracle," Kitna said. "I just definitely feel the hand of God. That's all it was. You can't explain it.

"I have no headaches, no symptoms, no lingering effects. But that was the worst my head has ever felt, and the worse my memory was in the second quarter. Yet, after halftime there was nothing."

Here's that article, including a video of the post-game press conference: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3024381 (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

The other article about Kitna is about what he did to bring the Lions back after his return from the concussion and how he inspired both his teammates and the fans: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/SPT02/709170357/1066/.

Also, an interesting note about Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis, who is Jewish, starting the Cubs game this afternoon with Yom Kippur starting at sundown today. He was happy that it was an afternoon game and that he would be done pitching by sundown. But what I thought was interesting was what he had to say about religion, family, and baseball:

"I look at it that religion is an important part of my life, but so is family and baseball," Marquis said. "To me, family takes precedent over all aspects of my life. Baseball and religion fall into place, and I try not to make one more important than the other."

Now, I know that this is the opinion of only one Jewish person, but what he said is completely counter to the order that most Christians put their faith, family, and sports in. Most Christians would say God, family, and then sports. I just thought that his quote was very interesting. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213853&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a happy article about Braves pitcher Peter Moylan being reunited with his wife and daughters for the first time since he left his home in Australia for spring training last spring. His wife gave birth to their second daughter in July, but Moylan decided to stay with the team because of all of the time it would take to get home to Australia and back. So last Monday night he got to meet his daughter for the first time. He also got to see his 6-year-old daughter too. Just a side note: Could you imagine travelling by yourself from Australia to Atlanta with a 6-year-old and 2-month-old?! Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213915&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about the "Further Adventures of Tyler Zeller". Zeller, a Christian, is a 7'0" senior basketball player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, and the younger brother of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller, also a Christian. He's one of the best high school basketball players in the country this year and is being recruited by his top four schools IU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Purdue. Here's an article about his official visit to North Carolina last weekend on his first official visit of the four schools. UNC conveniently had fellow Hoosier natives and former UNC players Sean May and Eric Montross there to meet him, among other current and former players. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/SPORTS0203/709180376/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, a Q & A article with former Knicks forward Allan Houston, a Christian. Houston is trying to make a comeback to the NBA after being retired the last two years. Here's a quote from him about his playing days with the Knicks:

Question: The Knicks had a long and storied history before you got there. Now you hold some of the team records and are mentioned in the same breath as Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and other greats. What is that like?

Houston: I get chills when I think about what that means. I really do. When people come up and say that to me, that they mention me in the same sentence with those guys and the history of the Knicks, it just means a lot. All I ever wanted to do was just get better every year I played. I had no goals in terms of going down in history. Every year I played I just wanted to continue to get better. To know that you are even part of history like that, I don't take it for granted. I look at it as a special, special thing and I thank God for it. It was a blessing to be a part of it every single day. I look at who I got to play with, and even lasting in New York that long was a miracle! (laughs)

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/houston_070918_interview.html?rss=true.

sports misc. and some music

Sorry that I haven't posted for awhile. I've been busy, so I'm going to catch up some tonight.

First of all, an article about Knicks guard Nate Robinson and the basketball camp that he hosted a couple of weeks ago. He sponsored 75 kids to attend the camp who couldn't afford it otherwise. Robinson did that because when he was a kid growing up in Seattle, Gary Payton, who was then playing for the Sonics, sponsored Robinson and his brother to attend his camp. Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/robinson_070826_camp.html?rss=true.

Here's an article about Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts, a Christian, hosting "Brian's Baseball Bash" to raise money for The University of Maryland Hospital for Children. Here's a quote about it:

Andy MacPhail, the Orioles' president of baseball operations, came to the party, along with several of Roberts' teammates, and liked what he saw.

"I've been around baseball now, working in it, for over 30 years and been around it all my life ... and it's really rare to find someone as committed to the fans and to causes that matter as Brian is," MacPhail said. "You might run into two or three of those guys in your entire career, no matter how many teams you're with. He's a special guy. I think he enjoys it; I think he gets a certain energy from it."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070826&content_id=2172811&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a few articles about the Little League World Series (LLWS), which concluded last Sunday. The first article starts with an awesome quote from Dalton Carriker, the player for Warner Robins, Georgia, that hit the walk-off homer to beat Japan in the world championship game:

Dalton Carriker remembers falling down to one knee and praying in the first-base dugout moments before his at-bat in the bottom of the eighth inning on Sunday.

"Please God," he said, "give me the strength to help my teammates."

I thought that it was great that he didn't pray to hit a home run, just for the strength to help his teammates. Dalton Carriker might be a name to remember. Here's that article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070826&content_id=2172326&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another article about the LLWS world championship game, including how the Georgia team tried console the crying Japan team after the game: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/08/26/little_0827.html?cxntnid=brv082707e.

The last LLWS article is about all of the appearances that the Warner Robins, Georgia, team will be making because of winning the LLWS world championship. Last year's world champ, from Columbus, Georgia, was kept busy for weeks afterwards. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/sports/stories/2007/08/27/llwssideb_0827.html?cxntnid=brv082707e.

Also, a Q & A article with Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian. Here's a great quote from him about putting last season (when they won the Super Bowl) into perspective:

What's your perspective on last season?
"Everything man makes is to manipulate man into wanting more. Everybody wants to know who the next Super Bowl winner is and everybody in Indianapolis wants a second one because the first one wasn't enough. That's the nature of the beast. What I've come to realize this past offseason is I want to give my life to God and his institutions, his purposes, and live in this world and play football and play music. Ultimately, I give my heart and my life to God."

Here's another quote from Smith, this one about his Christian music group, Connersvine:

So you cut your first album?
"It comes out Oct. 23. And our single, 'Live For You,' is on the radio and has been picked up by multiple stations all over America."

The album name?
"Self-titled."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/SPORTS03/708270362/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an interesting article about former Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann, who is now a pastor and works with coaches: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=65eb56ce-1428-4f24-9419-fadaaa278683.

Here's a link to his blog, which is also interesting: http://www.mycolts.net/jehrmann/blog/Sports__Culture__Coaching_and_Parenting

Next, an article about how Athletes in Action's (AIA) ministry with Major League Soccer (MLS)has grown: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=247.

Here's an article about Mississippi State football head coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, and how he's been working on rebuilding the MSU football program almost from scratch: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/082807aec.html.

Also, an article about Florida State football head coach Bobby Bowden and his son, Clemson football head coach Tommy Bowden, who are both Christians. In conjunction with the Florida State/Clemson game coming up on Monday, the Bowdens have promoted a contest to see which team's fans can give the most blood. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-bobbytommybowdenpromoteblo&prov=uwire&type=lgns.

Here's a quote from new Cubs outfielder Craig Monroe about the fact that there's no padding on the walls at the Cubs' Wrigley Field:

He is aware there is no padding behind the ivy on the outfield walls.

"That comes with it," he said. "I hope He's with me, and I'll be fine. I'm going to run into it, that's how I am."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070828&content_id=2175744&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Right now I'm listening to the IU/Indiana State football game, and IU wide receiver James Hardy was penalized 15 yards for "excessive celebrating" for going down on one knee in the end zone after he scored a touchdown. Since when is there anything wrong with that?!

Lastly, today I got the latest CD's from Casting Crowns and Point of Grace, which both came out last Tuesday. Casting Crown's CD is called The Altar and the Door and Point of Grace's CD is called How You Live.

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.

sports misc.

First, about two Christian outfielders trying to make their respective teams. Josh Hamilton I think has officially made the Reds roster. Here's a quote:

After a nearly four-year stretch out of the game because of injuries and drug use, outfielder Josh Hamilton has been the story of spring. Hamilton, a Rule 5 acquisition and former overall No. 1 draft choice, has led the team in hitting and stunned observers with his poise and plate discipline. He'll be a fourth outfielder this season.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1862217&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Also, Matt Diaz officially made the Braves roster. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/03/30/0331bravesroster.html.

Here's an article about Pacers broadcaster and CBS men's college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg, a Christian, getting to watch his sons play in the Ohio boys basketball state semifinals last week: http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/web_070327.html.

Here's another article about the guy who was North Carolina men's basketball mascot, who was killed in a traffic accident: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?id=2813005.

Next, an article by the Angels Garret Anderson, a Christian, about the upcoming season: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1861374&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article I originally found on the Athletes In Action website about a program to help disadvantaged high school boys through the New York Giants and AIA: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070327/latu118.html?.v=69.

Also, an article about the Knicks Stephon Marbury and the Bulls Ben Wallace promoting a line of shoes that are a lot more affordable for parents to buy for their kids: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bkn_wallace_starbury.

Here's an article about Astros outfielder Luke Scott and the upcoming season: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/4657985.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1861332&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, a short note about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, and the Cubs (I would think that it would be kind of strange on the Cubs part, since the Colts beat another Chicago team!):

Tony Dungy, coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, was a guest of general manager Jim Hendry on Tuesday.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1861914&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Also, a couple of articles about IU men's basketball recruit Eli Holman. Here's the first one: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS0601/703280376/1069/SPORTS0601.

Here's a quote from the second one, where he's talking about how long he might stay at IU before going pro:

"Some people have me projected two-and-done. If it happens, I thank God it happens. If not I'll stay there four years and get a degree and go see what life has in store for me."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS0601/703280410/1069/SPORTS0601.

Lastly, an article about Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., and what he does to help the Boys and Girls Clubs: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070328&content_id=1863641&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.