football, MLB, basketball, etc.

Hi, again. The first article this time is a good editorial about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, by a sports columnists near Indianapolis. Here's a good quote from the article:

The late great coach Vince Lombardi was famous for his quote, “Winning isn’t everything – it’s the only thing.”

Dungy likely would understand where Lombardi was coming from, but he also would disagree. No doubt he would opt for his teams to be all they can be, both on and off the field. The victories that follow provide the icing on the cake.

Here's the article: http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/columns/local_story_033201157.html?keyword=secondarystory (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/14).

Here's an article about White Sox catcher Toby Hall and the community work that he does in both Chicago and in Tampa, where he played at before last season. Like Dungy, he still lives in Tampa, although he now works in the Midwest. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080205&content_id=2364908&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Franklin Central High School (Indianapolis) girls basketball head coach Pam Taylor, who is fighting breast cancer during the season. Here's a quote:

The team rallied around Coach Taylor bringing food, prayers and lots of pink.

Here's the article, including a video of the news segment: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7827426&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Here's an article about NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr. and his wife Crystal (both Christians), who became parents for the first time last Monday. They had a little girl, Addison Faith. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080205/SPORTS/802050374/1247/NLETTER12.

Also, an inspiring article about Georgia high school star football player DeAngelo Tyson, who was abandoned and abused by family and has lived in a boys home since he was eleven. He recently signed to play football at Georgia next year on a football scholarship. With the help of his middle school and high school coaches and the people at the boys home, he's been able to keep his life on the right track even without a true family. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2008/02/05/deangelo_0206.html.

Here's an article about the MLB Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.), which provides financial assistance for anyone who has been involved in Major League Baseball. Those who have received help include players, families, umpires, scouts, managers, and front office personnel. Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/columnist/thorne/2008-02-06-thorne-bat_N.htm?csp=34.

Next, a Christian article about former Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, a Christian who is expected to be a top ten pick in April's NFL Draft, supporting the Christian organization Mercy Ships and its work to help people in Africa in particular: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080206/31098_Top_NFL_Draftee_Endorses_Christian_Charity.htm.

Here's an article Detroit Shock 6'8" center Katie Feenstra, a Christian, being drafted in the WNBA expansion draft by the Atlanta Dream: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/sports/hawks/stories/2008/02/06/dream_0207.html.

Also, I just have to brag a little bit here. The new over-budget Yankee Stadium's facade is being made of limestone from my hometown of Oolitic, the "Limestone Capital of the World". Several important buildings in the U.S. have been made from limestone from here, including the Empire State Building and the Pentagon. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/SPORTS/802060464/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about NCAA Division 1-AA national champion Appalachian State starting next season and NCAA Division 1-A National Champion LSU. Last season Appalachian State went to Michigan and upset the then highly ranked Wolverines to start the season. Appalachian State's head coach is Jerry Moore, a Christian. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AuLZ5MeYrdOxKj8Hpu1PINV.T4h4?slug=ap-appalachianst-lsu&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, a note about Tigers pitcher Jason Grilli and his wife Danielle, both Christians, who became parents for the first time last Wednesday. The had a boy, Jayse Rowan. Here's the article (end): http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080208&content_id=2368893&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb.

Here's an article about former Tigers and Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth, a Christian, signing a minor league contract with the Royals last week, with the hopes of making the major league team out of training camp: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080208&content_id=2368908&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about former Seahawks quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, a Christian, being named as the Redskins new head coach yesterday. He's replacing the recently retired Joe Gibbs, also a Christian. Zorn is a former Seahawks quarterback and has worked help current Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (also a Christian) a star. Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080210/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_redskins_zorn.

Here's an article about Bengals linebacker David Pollack, a Christian, visiting a second doctor for an opinion about whether or not he should attempt an NFL comeback after suffering a serious neck injury in September 2006. Here's a quote from him about how he will make his decision:

"I will want to take some time, though, to fast and pray and spend time by myself a lot and try to figure out where God is leading me," Pollack told The Enquirer in January. "If it closes one chapter, it opens another."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/SPT02/802100357/1066/.

Lastly, a blog for the Christian music duo Connersvine, which includes Colts punter Hunter Smith: http://www.connersvine.com/blog/.

baseball, football, etc.

Hi. First, a couple of articles about college teams reaching out to their communities. The first is about the Oklahoma baseball team helping out a residentinal childcare facility for boys: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/101207aah.html.

The other article is about the Arkansas football team spending time with children with disabilities in Little Rock (includes video): http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=54108 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/135).

Next, an quote from Red Sox 3rd baseman Mike Lowell about teammate Manny Ramirez's hitting in the ALDS:

"We saw the way he was swinging the bat," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "I can't say we knew for sure he was going to do what he did, but we knew his at-bats were good. With his God-given ability, we feel pretty confident with him in that spot. I don't think there's anyone else on our team we'd rather have hitting behind David than him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071006&content_id=2254029&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about the sons of the late Mike Coolbaugh throwing out the first pitches of Game 3 of the NLDS in Colorado. Coolbaugh was the 1st base coach for Rockies Double-A Tulsa team when he was hit in the head by a pitch and killed in July. The Rockies have really reached out to the family to help them out. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10393033.

Also, an article about Seahawks fullback Mack Strong, a Christian, having to retire last week because of a neck injury. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I've played a long time, 15 years. I felt like I was pretty lucky, pretty blessed," a teary-eyed Strong said Monday after learning that a herniated disc in his neck is pinching his spinal cord -- and ending an unheralded, improbable career that began as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 1993.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10396345/2.

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian. The article isn't all that flattering about Drew, but here's a good quote from Drew in it:

"I've always been pretty much a family man and blessed with the ability to play baseball," Drew said. ...

Here's the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers6oct06,1,1120224.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger&ctrack=4&cset=true (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071008&content_id=2256958&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, getting the starting job last Sunday after starting quarterback Matt Leinart broke his collarbone and is out for the year. Here's a quote from Warner about getting the job because of Leinart's injury:

"This is what you want to do every time you enter a season," Warner said. "Every time you come back to play, you want to be in there playing every snap. So I'm excited about that part of it, relatively speaking. Obviously, I'm disappointed for Matt. You never want to get this position and take over a job due to an injury."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=287643.

Unfortunately, Warner tore elbow ligaments in his non-throwing shoulder during that game last Sunday, and is out indefinitely. However, the Cardinals did sign Tim Hasselbeck, also a Christian, to be the new back-up quarterback, after he was released by the Giants. Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3066197&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines.

Here's an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, and the 10th anniversary of All Pro Dad, which he's been a part of since it began. The organization's goal is to help dads to be an important part in their kids' lives. They're running an event in Indianapolis in November, with Dungy, wide receivers coach Clyde Christianson, and punter Hunter Smith, both also Christians. Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=89614927-4064-4dfd-bc1e-549b858da527.

Also, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his autobiography that he recently released, "The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story". I don't know anything about the book, but I just thought that I would sent the information along: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071009&content_id=2258612&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's a quote from a blog post from IU runningback Bryan Payton about their game on October 6th when they beat Minnesota:

As you probably know, I scored three touchdowns. It was truly a blessing to have the opportunity to get in there and make plays for our team. But at the same time I'm not going to sit here and dwell on it. I was very happy to have my parents there to see everything. They were so proud. It felt like high school again.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/10/halfway-mark.html and here's the blog site: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, having to get a new cell phone number after receiving threatening phone calls before their game against LSU on October 6th. It's prett sad that people would do something like that. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10398747.

Here's another Christian article about Panthers safety Mike Minter, a Christian, retiring before the season and what he's up to now: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5679.

Also, an interesting Christian article about a lady in Moldova, Marika Sofianu, who became a Christian through Tae Kwon Do: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5680.

Here's a note about Saints quarterback Drew Brees donating $2 million to his alma mater Purdue for an student athlete-academic center that I thought was interesting:

Time of uncertainty: Things worked out OK for Brees

When he was reaching the decision to donate $2 million to create the Drew and Brittany Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center at Purdue, the former Boilermakers quarterback recalled a time when he wasn't sure which would mean more to his future, academics or athletics.

Not highly recruited, Brees had offers from Purdue and Kentucky and was unknown as a college freshman.

"I remember stepping on the field the first day of two-a-days and seeing six other quarterbacks and just saying to myself, 'Well, at least I'm going to get a great education,' " Brees said. "I did get that, but not only that, a lot of great memories and the opportunity to play in the NFL and donate back in this way."

Yeah, that football thing did work out. Brees is in the second year of a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/SPORTS/710120433/1247/NLETTER12.

Next, an aritcle about Twins outfielder Lew Ford becoming a free agent: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=288717.

Here's an article about former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne, a Christian, becoming Nebraska's new interim athletic director today: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101607acm.html.

Lastly, a great interview with Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, after he was awarded the NLCS MVP Award last night after the Rockies swept the Diamondbacks. I haven't read the article yet, but I thought I'd go ahead and send along the interview video anyways. In it, he thanks God twice. Here's the link to the article with the video (you may have to download the video program, unfortunately): http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=2268550&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Peavy, Colts, Alexander, and Easley

First of all, I missed the article for Padres pitcher Jake Peavy in the list of articles of Christian players nominated for MLB's Roberto Clemente Award for community service, so I'll include it now. Here's a quote from him about why he gives back:

"We're so blessed financially that I feel great to help out," Peavy said. "It's something I'm fortunate enough to do for my charity work in San Diego and Alabama. Anything I can do to help, I'm going to continue to do."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183325&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Here's an article about the St. Vincent Children's Hospital in Indianapolis being renamed the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent after Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his wife Ashley donated an unspecified amount of money to the hospital. The hospital approached the Mannings about the name change. The hospital is one of two children's hospitals in Indianapolis, the other being Rily Hospital for Children. Here's the article, which also includes a video too: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/BUSINESS/709060539/1003/RSS03.

Next, a good article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy and about how others see him and his Christian faith: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060541/1247/SPORTS.

Here's a great article about how Dungy reached out to a little boy in a wheelchair at one of his book signings over the summer: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060543&theme=.

Also, an article about when some of the Colts were kids and they met college football or NFL players and how much that meant to them. It just goes to show how much influence an adult can have on children, no matter what their job. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060434/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's a quote from a Q & A article with Colts offensive tackle Tony Ugoh:

Don't want to get you fined by your teammates for saying nice things about them, but you seem like you fit right in with the personalities of this [offensive] line. "Yeah, definitely. I'm blessed to be on this team because we do have a great group of guys, not only great players, but personality-wise, they're all very good. They've been a tremendous help to me."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060444/1058/SPORTS03.

Next, a good Christian article about the David Barham and his family, who helped raise former Oklahoma and current Vikings linebacker Rufus Alexander: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5661.

Lastly, an article about Mets utility player Damion Easley, a Christian, and his lost opportunity to finally play in the playoffs this year. He's second on the list of current players with most games played without reaching the playoffs, and the Mets are in line to make the playoffs this year. However, Easley tore ligaments in his ankle a few weeks ago and will likely be unable to play in the playoffs at all. Here's the article: http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10336575.

NFL, NBA, etc.

Just a few articles today. The first is a great Q & A article with former Oklahoma runningback and NFL draft prospect Adrian Peterson. There's too much to quote here. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2818755.

Here's an article about the Christian activities from Fellowship of Christian Athletes and others during the men's basketball Final Four weekend: http://www.fca.org/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=65AB2D90-97D9-427D-AF86B424BF53930E.

Going along with the first article is one about awards given out during the weekend to TNT basketball studio host Ernie Johnson, Jr., among others: http://www.fca.org/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=3154E2C1-8C79-4023-90BDFEDED8CCF7D6.

Next, another article with more details about Colts coach Tony Dungy's Christian book coming out this summer: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2827962.

Lastly, a Christian article about the SuperSonics Luke Ridnour from Fellowship of Christian Athletes: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=F10AF9D8-5E91-416A-959F5BAC3AA6B942.

MLB and NCAA football

Here's some articles from back in October. First, an article about the Southern Methodist (SMU) football team getting an award for taking in the Tulane football team after the Tulane campus was hit by Hurricane Katrina last year: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2645333.

Here's a quote from an article about Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein, a Christian, during the Cardinals post-game celebration after winning the World Series. I was impressed with him:

As the postgame activities headed from the field into the clubhouse on Friday night, Scott Spiezio, Eckstein's teammate on the title teams both in St. Louis and Anaheim, interrupted another interview session and held out a half-empty bottle of tequila.

"He doesn't drink," Spiezio said. "It's the second time in the history of the world. It's tradition. He had to do it in Anaheim, too."

Obligingly, Eckstein took a long, uncomfortable swig and asked friends standing near him for a glass of water. It was that kind of day.

Here's the articlce: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061027&content_id=1725950&vkey=ps2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl.

Next, an article about Oklahoma football player Carl Pendleton, who plans to quit playing football after this season to concentrate on his studies and take care of his younger brother, who he has custody of: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2639742.

Here's an article about the Phillies Jimmy Rollins hosting a Halloween party for kids in a children's hospital: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061029&content_id=1726979&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, a good article about Albert Pujols and the foundation that he and his family started: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061024&content_id=1722120&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.