NFL, MLB, basketball, etc.

Hello. First of all, an article about LPGA golfer Lorena Ochoa, a Christian, winning the 2007 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year Award: http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3164961&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Here's an article about Broncos kicker Jason Elam co-writing a Christian fiction book, Monday Night Jihad, along with his pastor Steve Yohn. He's used what he's learned while studying about the world's major religions through Liberty University to write the book about a Christian in espionage overseas. Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=321194.

Next, an article about Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, and how important he's been to the team's success since the start of last year's playoffs: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/colts/2007-12-21-sw-dallas-clark_N.htm?csp=34.

Here's an article about ESPN's Stuart Scott, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy after cancer was found during an emergency appendectomy. The cancer was removed, but he's having chemo as a precaution. He's continuing to work some on NBA shows. Here's a quote from him about it:

"Talk about a shocker," Scott said. "But I feel good, am in great hands medically and the doctors are confident they got all the bad stuff. I'm not the type of guy to let this eat up my life. I've got strong faith and family and friends who are tackling this with me. I can't find the words to express how much I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. I probably won't be able to get back to you all; but know it means a ton."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3163058&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Also, an article about former Mariners community relations staff member Kristen Bushnell, who left the team to work for the Christian organization Children of the Nations. The Mariners are working with her and the organization, including their front office and some of the players. Here's a quote about outfielder Raul Ibanez and pitcher J.J. Putz:

Ibanez and Putz are among the most give-back-to-the-community-minded players on the team, giving their time and significant amount of money to charity. Both are financial contributors to the Children of the Nations, and Putz said he and his wife, Kelsey, plan to get even more involved next year.

The organization works with orphans or underprivileged kids in Africa, Malawi, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, the article doesn't mention that it's a Christian organization. I checked it out on their website (http://www.cotni.org/), and this is what their mission says:

To provide responsible care to orphaned and destitute children by the equipping of nationals, giving children every possible advantage available to grow in a stable, Christ-centered environment, empowering them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071221&content_id=2335850&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about the IU men's basketball team helping out a family in the area who recently lost their home to a fire (including video of the news segment): http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/14908711/detail.html?rss=ind&psp=news.

Next, an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, being traded to the Rangers last week before his second major-league season. It sounds like he's just what the Rangers were wanting and that he'll get a lot more playing time there. However, I'm kind of sad because we get over half of the Reds games on TV here in Indiana, but hardly any of the Rangers. He became one of my favorite players last season and it was nice to watch him last season. I'll just have to start following the Rangers now, I guess! Here's a couple of quotes from him:

... Hamilton missed 3 1/2 years from 2002-2006 because of his drug problems while going in and out of rehabilitation eight different times. He said he has been clean for over two years and his arrival in the Major Leagues last season appeared to be in the end of a long, hard road.

"I've never met anybody who hasn't made a mistake in the past or wrestled with demons," Hamilton said. "The main thing is you learn from it and you don't repeat it. I've taken some steps in my life to put God and my family first. I have a good support system in place and I'm very comfortable in saying that the past is in the past and the future is brighter.

"Now I really want to show these guys what I can do." ...

"Last year was a dream come true," Hamilton said. "I took a very different road to the Majors than most players, and that made it even sweeter. Before I was taking things for granted and going through the motions. When I finally got back, everything I did made me realize how fortunate and blessed I was."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071221&content_id=2336081&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson, a Christian, having his number retired by the Spurs, the team that he had the most success with as a player: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/12/23/spurs.avery.ap/index.html?eref=si_topstories.

Also, an article about Cardinals outfielder So Taguchi, a Christian, signing with the Phillies as a free agent today: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071223&content_id=2336269&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, Sports Spectrum has put on their website the Christian athletes that are in their January/February issue: Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson, Hurricanes Dave Tanabe, Senators Dean McAmmond, Rangers Ben Walter, Boise State safety Marty Tadman, and Michigan State basketball player Allyssa DeHaan, among others. Here's their website: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/. Matter in fact, I'm watching Boise State play East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl right now, and when they're on defense all I hear is Marty Tadman this and Tadman that. He's pretty good!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The letter was dated Dec. 9 and read:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MLB, football, etc.

First, an article about a 5K run sponsored by Hurricanes trainer Pete Friesen to raise money for cancer. Some of the Hurricanes players are also running, including Rod Brind'Amour, Glen Wesley (a Christian), and Cory Stillman. Here's the article: http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=335576 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/canes-plan-2nd-annual-5k-fun-run.html).

Here's an article about new Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, and his great defensive ability: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070812&content_id=2145712&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Next, an article about NASCAR Busch Series driver and former NASCAR driver Morgan Shepherd (a Christian), who races the Victory in Jesus Dodge. The article is about how he became a Christian and why he races now--to spread the gospel: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=f30cc9c5-7e81-4ee5-a7c6-a6a9c8216b5f (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5648). He is the co-owner of Faith Motorsports: (http://www.racewithfaith.com/).

Here's an article about Broncos kicker Jason Elam, a Christian, studying for his masters of divinity through Liberty University, a Christian college: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-08-07-126699183_x.htm (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5649).

Also, an article about Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford sponsoring two youth baseball teams in his hometown of Houston. The kids on the teams also were able to come see Crawford and the Devil Rays play a game against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas. Here's the article: http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/12/Rays/Youth_players_get_to_.shtml (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070813&content_id=2146290&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about the Bears winning the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Pro Team Community Award, a prestigious humanitarian award, for their work in the community: http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3611 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/chicago-bears-win-prestigious.html).

Next, an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, being named by President Bush to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/LOCAL/708140463/-1/RSS.

Here's an article about Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano, a Christian, and their success last year after the school had suffered through many terrible years: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/081407aak.html.

Lastly, a link with some pictures from the Reds Faith Day that I went to last Sunday in Cincinnati. The pictures are from Third Coast Sports, the organization that organizes the Faith Days: http://www.thirdcoastsports.com/content.asp?CID=100374.

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, an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt and his family's recent mission trip to Honduras: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/06/27/0628richt.html.

Here's an interesting story about how baseball trades effect the players involved and their families, and their former teammates/friends. The article uses the recent Cubs/Padres trade where Michael Barrett (a Christian) was traded to the Padres and Rob Bowen was traded to the Cubs as an example: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2054177&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about a fan who actually returned Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas' 500th home run ball, which he hit last Thursday at Minnesota. Personally, I think that it's great and I would do the same thing if I caught a significant home run ball too. I would just want to meet the player and get his autograph too. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2054521&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor.

Here's an article about the charity putt-putt fundraiser that Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek (a Christian) held on Thursday. Several Red Sox (Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, Mike Lowell, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Timlin [a Christian], Javy Lopez, Eric Hinske, Alex Cora, and Doug Mirabelli) and current/former NHL players (Raymond Bourque, Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, and former players Scott Young and Bob Sweeney) also took part. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2055246&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Also, an article about a celebrity flag football game that Colts defensive lineman Gary Brackett (a Christian) is hosting as a fundraiser for his IMPACT Foundation (http://garybrackett.org/): http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070630/SPORTS/706300444/1247/SPORTS.

Here's a press release about NC State women's head basketball coach Kay Yow (a Christian) being named the first recipient of the new Jimmy V ESPY for Perseverance for her battle with cancer: http://espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_06_jun/20070628_JimmyVESPYforPerseverance.htm.

Here's some more Christian athletes' websites that I've found:

Lorena Ochoa, LPGA golfer: http://www.lorenaochoa.com/
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers runningback: http://www.ladainiantomlinson.com/
Kyle Korver, 76ers forward: http://www.kylekorver.com/
Samkon Gado, Texans runningback: http://samkongado.com/

Lastly, Colts head coach Tony Dungy's book Quite Strength is coming out July 10th. I can't wait to get it and read it!