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.

MLB Christmas

Hi. I'm going to divide the articles that I have into two posts so that they won't be too long. This post has just MLB Christmas articles. Every Christmas each MLB team interviews one player, coach, broadcaster, or front office person for a Q & A article about the holidays. Following are quotes from the seven articles that stood out from a Christian perspective:

Blue Jays coach Brian Butterfield:

MLB.com: As the head of the house, are you required to still believe in Santa?

Butterfield: No. We've never really put too much emphasis on Santa. We put it more on our Lord and Savior. We have a strong faith, so the great thing of it all is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. That's big under our roof. We always remind people that he's the reason for the season.

Here's that article: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071216&content_id=2327545&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor.

Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus:

MLB.com: What's your favorite Christmas song?

Niehaus: It's always been "Silent Night." In fact, a couple of years ago, Marilyn and I went to Germany and went to this little town in Austria called Obendorf. I remember from my childhood that my mother told me the man who wrote "Silent Night, Holy Night" was from Obendorf. Anyway, we were on a bus tour and came into the town of Obendorf. There were houses painted with children's stories and all of a sudden it started snowing. I mean it was just beautiful. The snowflakes looked more like snowballs falling on this little village in the Bavaria Alps.

Here's the article: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327345&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea.

Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik:

MLB.com: Why will Christmas be special for you this year?

Bacsik: Our little girl, Mary Grace, who is almost 3 years old, has a pretty good idea about Christmas and Santa Claus. We are trying to teach her the religious part of it, too. She understands Santa Claus, which is neat for us. She will wake up Christmas morning and (realize that) Santa Claus came to our house.

Here's the article: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327306&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley:

MLB.com: What are your favorite things about the holiday season?

Trembley: Family. Good food. Reflection. Church. Where I grew up, there was a lot of snow at Christmastime. But I don't miss that at all. I like sunshine and 75 degrees on the beach. That's what I like now.

Here's the aritcle: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327287&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian:

MLB.com: You talk often about how important family is to you. How big a deal was Christmas growing up in the Peavy house?

Peavy: It was as big as it gets. I think down south, Christmas is much more than just the toys and stuff -- Christianity, the birth of Christ. I just think that a lot of that is bred into Christmas down south. It's a great holiday. There's lot of family involved, and now that we're doing it with my boys ... that makes it very special.

Here's the article: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327311&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, a Christian:

MLB.com: Finally, what is Dan O'Dowd's Christmas wish?

O'Dowd: My Christmas wish is that everybody's dreams come true. I believe that dreams are really an essential part of life. I think they're God-given. I think they're created down deep within you. I hope everybody's dreams true, people that do believe.

And I pray for that for my kids every day. It's the greatest feeling in the world -- in this world, anyway.

Here's the article: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071219&content_id=2333482&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

The last of the MLB Christmas articles, Tigers pitcher Jason Grilli, a Christian:

MLB.com: Having grown up in a baseball family, how important has Christmas been in your family, when you know everybody can be together?

Jason Grilli: It's definitely huge. Holidays for us are huge especially when you're away from them so much throughout the year. For us, the holidays that we play [during] can be tough. Any holiday, I think, especially during the baseball season, whether it's a birthday or a wedding, those are the occasions that sometimes you miss out on, unless it's someone in your immediate family. So Christmas and Thanksgiving are very huge in the sense that it's a point to celebrate the holiday for what it is. I celebrate Christmas and we celebrate the birth of Jesus and what his sacrifice means to us and we celebrate being together.

Here's the article: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2330412&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det.

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.

MLB, NBA, and football

Hi. I'm behind on reading and posting articles again, sorry. So I'm going to try and get caught up some on posting articles tonight.

The first articles are a few quotes from some of the MLB Thanksgiving articles, which tell what the teams have done to help their communities during the last year. The first article is about the Padres, and here's a quote from their pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, about the importance of giving back:

"We're so blessed financially that I feel great to help out," Peavy said about his role in various charitable endeavors. "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=20071117&content_id=2302762&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Here's a quote about former MLB catcher Jim Sundberg, who was recently hired as the Rangers vice president of public relations, did to help the community while he was playing:

Jim Sundberg retired as a Major League player at the end of the 1989 season. At the time, he was actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Arlington Cares, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Arlington and the Bill Glass Prison Ministries.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2304491&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex.

Next, an article about what the Rockies did in their community the past year, including helping out the family of Mike Coolbaugh, one of their minor league coaches who was killed when hit by a foul ball last summer. Here's a quote about what outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, did to help the Coolbaugh's:

Since that day, the Rockies have donated time and money to the family. Their efforts include the players voting to donate a playoff share to the family, Holliday donating his $7,500 from his Roberte Clemente Award nomination to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund and having Coolbaugh's two sons, Joseph and Jacob, throw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the NLCS.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2304060&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about what the Royals did to help the community this season, including outfielder David DeJesus helping to serve a Thanksgiving dinner at a local Christian mission. The Royals also donated to the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund because he was a former Royals minor leaguer. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071117&content_id=2302574&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc.

Also, an article about what the Orioles did to help their community. Here's a quote from their pitcher Jamie Walker:

"I felt once I started making some money, you're supposed to tithe," he said of his religious beliefs. "But I don't really go to church because, with baseball, we play every Sunday. The way I can tithe is with some of my money and some of my time to good organizations like the Army Relief Fund and by buying tickets for underprivileged kids."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2304267&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

The last one of the MLB articles is about what the Yankees did for their community. Here's a quote about what their closer Mariano Rivera, a Christian, has done personally:

Closer Mariano Rivera has also long been involved in charitable endeavors, both in the New York area and in his native Panama. The future Hall of Fame has helped open after-school programs in Panama City to give young people access to computers, and also helped to finance construction of a new elementary school and a new church building in Panama.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071119&content_id=2304020&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.

Next, an article about Pistons forward Tayshaun Price buying a luxury box at the Palace of Auburn Hills for 16 different kids with cancer to come to each of the Pistons games this season: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/11/21/prince/index.html.

Here's a great blog post about IU runningback Bryan Payton, a Christian, about the team's reaction to beating arch-rival Purdue on November 17th. The win more than likely secured a bowl bid for the team, which will fulfill their late coach Terry Hoeppner's goal to "Play 13" (12 regular-season games and a bowl game). Here's a quote about the lockerroom celebration, which included Hoeppner's widow Jane:

... The scene in the locker room was one of jubilation and immense happiness. We couldn't contain ourselves from dancing, singing, crying, hugging each other and praying. There were so many people in the locker room, everyone wanted to be a part of the celebration, and I don't blame them. It's been a long time coming.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/11/were-playing-13_21.html.

Also, the first of several articles that I will be posting in the next few days on Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian. The articles say some of the same things, but I think that they're all good. The first one is the importance of his faith both at home and with the team. Here's a couple of quotes, the first one from team president Matt Millen, and the second from linebacker Alex Lewis:

"He's not a prophetizer with his words," Lions president Matt Millen said Tuesday. "Jon offers his life as his testimony. I think he does that because he's been there. The reformed are usually the best examples because they understand." ...

Alex Lewis, who goes to Kitna's house weekly with his wife, understands why religion is a tricky topic in the workplace and society.

"It should make you feel uncomfortable," the linebacker said. "People like to be comfortable, and truly questioning yourself in terms of how you live your life and what you believe in is not easy.

"It's just too bad stuff like this doesn't get discussed more instead of what Michael Vick or Pacman Jones are doing with their lives."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ak6K7DHjfOuKrPKKlwvPpcx.T4h4?slug=ap-lions-kitna&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger donating money to police departments to buy dogs for their K-9 units: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/14663348/detail.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/25).

Lastly, an article about U. of Louisville head football coach Steve Kragthorpe, a Christian, and his commitment to remaining as the coach their, despite rumors that he was leaving to coach elsewhere. Here's a quote about him from Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich:

Reached by telephone in California, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich said he was pleased to hear Kragthorpe voice his commitment to the job.

"He's the right guy for this place," Jurich said. "He's a perfect fit for us: great values, great work ethic, great morals. We've got a lot of work to do rebuilding the infrastructure of this place, and I wouldn't want anybody else to do it."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3122453.

Well, that's all for now. I hope to get caught up more on Saturday.

MLB awards and Redskin prayers

First, an article about Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, winning the NL Player of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070905&content_id=2190246&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, winning the NL Pitcher of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2189301&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next are the articles about Christian MLB players nominated by their teams for the Roberto Clemente Award for community service. To vote for the one ML player who you think is most deserving for the award, go here: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/clemente.jsp.

The first article is about Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan and his charity work: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183095&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil.

Here's a couple of quotes from an article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols and his charity work:

The [Pujols Family F]oundation was established in 2005, with the stated mission to "live and share our commitment to faith, family and others." ...

"Our main goal," said Pujols, "is to share with them what God has done in our lives and in my career, and what he has done throughout the foundation."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178431&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl.

Also, an article about Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz and his charitable work: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2178730&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf.

Here's a quote from an article about Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez and his charity work:

"I just think it's great to be in a position that I have been blessed with so much that it's only logical to want to give back," Ibanez said. "We have this great platform that allows us to give back in a positive way, and I intend on using that platform that the good Lord has blessed me with to hopefully impact other people in a positive way."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2178786&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea.

Next, a quote from an article about Orioles pitcher Jamie Walker and his charitable work:

"I felt once I started making some money, you're supposed to tithe," he said of his religious and moral conviction. "But I don't really go to church, because with baseball, we play every Sunday. The way I can tithe is with some of my money and some of my time to good organizations like the Army Relief Fund and by buying tickets for underprivileged kids."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178397&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Here's an article about Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson and his charity work: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183174&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit.

Also, an article about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday and his charity work. Here's a quote from him about that:

"I figure that I've been very blessed with all the things that I have," Holliday said. "I feel like it's my responsibility to give back and to give to people that are in need. I've been blessed with more than I would ever need, so I look forward to the opportunity to give to those who aren't as blessed, as fortunate."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183554&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's a great story from an article about Royals designated hitter Mike Sweeney about how he and his wife Shara helped out a pregnant teenager:

Sweeney and Shara had a major impact on two lives this season. On June 13, they hosted the Lunch for Life and raised $60,000 for crisis pregnancy centers through Kansas City and honored 19-year-old Virginia Hansen. Hansen was pregnant, but was going to have an abortion.

"Part of her family turned on her, part of her friends turned on her and the father of her baby turned on her," Sweeney said. Hansen didn't know how she could put food on the table and support her son. She scheduled a trip to Planned Parenthood for the abortion. However, on the way there, she pulled to the curb and started crying and knew she had to save her child. Hansen came to the Rachel House, a crisis pregnancy center where Shara Sweeney volunteers once a week.

"She went there and they talked to her about the reality of what was inside of her," Sweeney said.

Hansen had the baby and brought him to the Lunch for Life. Hansen believed she was just going to share her story with the audience. Sweeney, however, produced many unexpected gifts.

He presented Hansen with the first Life Award, an award that included gift certificates to salons and massage parlors, a grocery store, baby stroller, baby crib and clothes for the baby. She also received a $5,000 check to purchase a new automobile.

"She knew nothing about it," Sweeney said. "That is probably one of the greatest things that I have done in my life."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178572&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc.

Next, an article about Twins outfielder Torii Hunter and his charitable work. Here's a quote about some of his work:

... The center fielder also is a participant in Athletes In Action, a Christian-based mentoring organization, which has him meet with college baseball and softball teams, encouraging them to stay focused and find support in God.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070829&content_id=2178644&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min.

Here's where you can go to vote for the MLB Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for community service from the players association. You can vote for one player from each division, and then the players will choose one winner from those six. Here's that webpage: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188314&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, a note from the Redskins/Dolphins game earlier this afternoon. In overtime when Redskins kicker Shuan Suisham was kicking the possible game-winning 39-yard field goal, Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and a few other Redskins players were shown down on one knee praying. The field goal was good. Not that God will always help make outcome good, but this time He definitely did!

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.

a lot of sports misc.

First of all, an article about Padres pitcher Chris Young and his wife hosting a shopping spree for underprivilidged kids to buy things for school: http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20070815-9999-1s15beyond.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2153848&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian, and his veteran status on the team: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2785db45-6853-48de-be7c-fd02dc1af0b4.

Next, an article about Clemson runningback Ray Ray McElrathbey, who is also guardian of his 12-year-old brother. Unfortunately, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and is out for the year. Here's a quote from him about his injury:

"At first I was upset," McElrathbey said. "But I am past that now. Sometimes God tests you in different ways and it makes you stronger in the end."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2979535.

Here's an article about Nets forward Richard Jefferson, a Christian, donating $3.5 million to his alma mater, Arizona, to help finance a new practice facility: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2979756.

Now for something fun. Here's a blog post and an article by one of the Braves beat writers about a song that a couple of guys at Auburn wrote about new Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian. The guys, Andrew Hall and Tyler Crawford, wrote, sang, and video-taped the song, and then downloaded it onto YouTube. Some how Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur (also a Christian) found out about it and loved it, then e-mailed it to several other guys on the team, including Teixeira himself, who also liked it. The song is good and funny, with some creative rhymes for Teixeira (like Scarlett O'Hara), and I really recommend watching it. First, read more about it in the blog post about it: http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/08/17/tex_ditty.html. Here's the article with Teixeira's reaction to the song (second section): http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/17/bravesnotes_0818.html. Here's the link to the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDHjGrbXiD4.

Also, an article about the Red Sox raising money for cancer research at a local cancer hospital. One boy with cancer who was involved with the radio telethon had his wish come true when he was able to meet Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester (a Christian), a cancer survivor himself. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154014&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, having to patiently wait for playing time recently: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154346&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about new Padres infielder Morgan Ensberg, a Christian, playing against his former team the Astros last weekend: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154655&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, reaching 42 consecutive scoreless innings last Friday against the Braves. Tonight is his next start to extend the streak. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070817&content_id=2154866&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a Q & A article with Colts safety Matt Giordano, a Christian: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070818/SPORTS03/708180473/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about Orioles catcher/DH J.R. House, a Christian, who was recently brought up from the minors: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2155986&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Braves players Tim Hudson, Kelly Johnson, Peter Moylan, Chris Woodward, and Corky Miller hosting a shopping spree for kids who had perfect attendance last school year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070818&content_id=2156073&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, an article about Bulls guard Chris Duhon attending a back-to-school bash to encourage school attendance among kids in inner-city Chicago: http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/duhon_school_070821.html?rss=true.

MLB and NFL misc.

First of all, an article about how Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, has become a leader on the team in only his first year with them after several with the Red Sox: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070726&content_id=2111186&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnered=rss_cle (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070727&content_id=2112639&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's a quote from Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, after he helped the Cubs to win with both his pitching and hitting last Sunday:

"Any time I can do something for myself -- pitching, running, fielding, kicking the ball, whatever -- it's good for me," Zambrano said. "I have to be able to use what God gave me and use the ability."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070729&content_id=2116811&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about the Baseball Hall of Fame inductions last Sunday, including the induction speeches given by former Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn and former Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr.: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070729&content_id=2116814&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a link to the latest blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/762777e1-17e5-4430-a915-cabbd3ae1337.

Also, here's a note from Sports Spectrum's "The Daily" about the health of former Major Leaguer and current Double-A Mobile BayBear manager Brett Butler, a Christian, after he had a stroke last week:

WHO TO PRAY FOR: BRETT BUTLER, Manager, Mobile BayBears, Double A team of the Arizona Diamondbacks

WHAT ABOUT? Former major league star Brett Butler suffered a stroke last Thursday. He is resting in Mobile, Alabama, taking things slow and easy before considering a return to the field. After the first couple of days in the hospital, his progress was called, "remarkable." In a conversation with his daughter, Stefanie, Butler told her, "Stef, I don't know what's going on but I know that God is going to get us through it. We just have to remember that and trust Him."

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/070731.php.

The Braves designated 1st baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, for assignment today to make room for Mark Teixeira (also a Christian), who they just traded for from the Rangers yesterday. It's sad, he's one of my favorite players. I assumed they would send down the other first baseman Scott Thorman instead, but he doesn't have any options left. So they went with youth instead. I'm wondering that if no one picks up Julio if he'll go to the minors for August as like a player/assistant coach, and then come back up for September. Then he might retire and be hired as a minor league coach by the Braves for next season. Here's the article: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2123087&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Lastly, a few websites that I've come across recently. They are also all included with my links too. First, a couple of websites for Christians in sports. The first is for Baseball Hall-of-Fame catcher Gary Carter and his foundation: http://www.garycarter.org/. Here's a quote from the website homepage:

"The Baseball Hall of Fame is something every player dreams about, but being a member of God's Hall of Fame is the greatest achievement of all. God offers each of us the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. When we accept God's gift of salvation, our name is written in The Book of Life, guaranteeing us a place in heaven forever."

"I made that decision during spring training in 1973, and prayed asking Jesus to come into my heart as Lord and Savior. It was then that I first realized that when Jesus died on the cross, he died for me and paid for my sins. Accepting his payment was all I needed to do. I couldn't earn my way into heaven. You can become a member of God's Hall of Fame too, by making the same decision today."

Also, the website for James Brown, from the NFL Today on CBS: http://www.jbjamesbrown.com/.

The last website is another website about the good things that are going on in sports, called, appropriately enough, Good News in Sports: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/.

a lot of sports misc.

First, three columns on the death of Wake Forest men's basketball head coach Skip Prosser last week: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news?slug=dw-prosser072607&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

The next one about Prosser is by Dick Vitale: http://espn.go.com/dickvitale/070726skipprosser.html.

The last one about Prosser is a good one by Andy Katz of ESPN about the reaction to his death by several other NCAA men's basketball coaches and how it made them think about the frenetic pace of their own lives while on the recruiting trail in July like Prosser was: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2950594.

Here's a note about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and his trying to reach out to his former player Odell Thurman of the Bengals. Thurman has been suspended for the season by the NFL for recurring drug and alcohol problems. Here's the note:

Richt trying to reach out to Thurman
Former Georgia player Odell Thurman is out of the NFL for the next year and Mark Richt is out of ways to reach him.

The coach has tried to get in touch with his former star linebacker just to check in on him and talk to him about the problems swirling around his life. But Richt has not had any luck yet.

"I really like Odell," Richt said Friday. "I just pray that he gets everything straight and takes advantage of the blessings that God has given him with his ability and his talent."

Thurman was suspended for all of last season after skipping a drug test and later being arrested for drunken driving. He asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to reinstate him for the 2007 season, but was turned down Thursday.

"I tell our players once you make a mistake you lose control of the consequences," Richt said at SEC media days. "You don't have any rights anymore. You have to abide by the authority over you and that is what he is doing right now."

Here's the webpage it's on: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/07/27/thurman_0727_.html.

Next, a blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, partly on the retirement of left tackle Tarik Glenn last week. Here's a quote about it that I thought was good:

Back at work, it was good to get back into the routine. The only downside was Tarik Glenn's retirement. He had talked to me at the ESPY's about the possibility of retiring. I told him I wanted him to be sure in his mind it was the right thing for him and his family. I didn't want him to come back because he felt the team needed him, because we'll find another person to play left tackle. I only wanted him to come back if he really wanted in his heart to play. In the end, it was the right time for Tarik. He's at peace with his decision and that's what counts. He had a great 10 years and capped it off with a Super Bowl. So we'll miss him but we're all very happy for him.

Here's the blog post: http://www.mycolts.net/blogentry/09055d15-8079-4a7c-9c10-c5d6ec0f25df.

Here's an article about Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) president Max Siegel. I don't know if he's a Christian or not, but he is/was good friends with Tony Dungy and NFL Hall-of-Famer the late Reggie White, who are/were to great Christians. I know that doesn't necessarily mean anything, but I thought that I would include it for what it's worth: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070727/SPORTS0109/707270335/1052/SPORTS01.

Also, an article about Cubs outfielder Matt Murton, a Christian, being called back up from Triple-A Iowa after having been sent down earlier this year: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070727&content_id=2112980&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Braves rightfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and how he's hitting better overall this year, even though he's hitting fewer homers. He did, however, hit a homer tonight though (Go Braves!). Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/27/francoeur_0728.html.

Next, an article about the Bluffton University baseball team, the team from the Christian college that was involved in a deadly bus accident last March, and how they were given the royal treatment as guests of the Indians at their game last weekend: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AggDqIS8kOL0wFdNpxbns4d.T4h4?slug=ap-indians-bluffton&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, a couple of articles about former Padre Tony Gwynn and former Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr., before their induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame last Sunday. The first article is about Tony Gwynn that I again found in my local Sunday paper and then found online. Here's a quote from him about his career:

"I had no idea that all the things in my career were going to happen," he said. "I sure didn't see it. I just know the good Lord blessed me with ability, blessed me with good eyesight and a good pair of hands, and then I worked at the rest."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-07-26-255672894_x.htm.

The other article is about Gwynn and Ripken now are teaching baseball: Gwynn by being the head coach at San Diego State and Ripken by doing clinics for kids, etc. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AjcNgLvDEnT4OgsHFnzzico5nYcB?slug=sh-gwynnripken072907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Devil Rays infielder Ben Zobrist, a Christian, who was also recently recalled from Triple-A Durham after having been sent down earlier in the season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070729&content_id=2116850&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Morgan Ensberg, a Christian, being traded by the Astros to the Padres today: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070731&content_id=2119971&vkey=trade2007&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, a blog site by another Orioles Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson, a Christian. He unfortunately hasn't updated it since last October though: http://brooks.mlblogs.com/.

Dungy, and MLB and basketball misc.

First of all, I mentioned Colts head coach Tony Dungy's (a Chrisitan) blog before, but that was before I had read any of his posts. After having read them, his blog is a must read. They're great, and give some idea of his day-to-day life. Recently, he's been tellling about his travels on his book tour for his Christian book Quiet Strength. It's a Christian blog too, where he sometimes tells about his faith too. Here's the blog page: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blog/Dungy_Perspective.

Also about Dungy, he was on Focus on the Family last week, Wednesday through Friday. I missed it, but I found that the show is available to buy on audio CD for a $9 donation. Here's more information on the CD: http://resources.family.org/product/radio+broadcasts/most+recent+/b01244d+tony+dungy-+a+man+of+quiet+strength.do. For more information about the broadcasts, go here:
Part 1: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000512.cfm
Part 2: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000513.cfm
Part 3: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000514.cfm.

Here's another article about Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts, a Christian, and the charity work that he does in Baltimore: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070712&content_id=2082754&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, a Christian article on 76ers forward Kyle Korver: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5628.

Here's a great article about former MLB player and current minor league manager Brett Butler, a Christian. He's currently the manager for the Mobile BayBears, the Double-A team for the Diamondbacks. Here's some quotes about/from Butler:

Brett Butler has shared a bunker with some of baseball's most, shall we say spicy, elocutionists. Bobby Cox and Tommy Lasorda are two of the notable managers on that list.

But in some important ways, Butler is a manager of his own making. His production carries a hard PG rating.

We take you to an evening early in Butler's latest assignment, shepherding the Class AA Mobile BayBears of the Southern League.

"There was a point he got into an argument with the umpire and he was really going off," begins BayBears team president and part owner Bill Shanahan.

"I called up [to the press box] on the walkie-talkie and told them to turn off the music. Turn off everything. I knew he wasn't going to swear, and I wanted to hear what was going on.

"Another manager in the past, I would have turned the music up." ...

"I'm 50 years old and I've never really had a real job," he said. "I had a job in college and things like that, but all my life, I'm a baseball player. There are three things I love: I love the Lord, I love my family and I love baseball." ...

"God runs my life. If I'm supposed to manage in the big leagues, I will. If I'm not, then He's got another purpose for me. Right now, I'm the Double A manager. All I'm trying to do is get as many kids as I can to the big leagues." And one 50-year-old, too, in the process.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/14/0715butler.html.

Lastly, an article about Fever forward Tamika Catchings, a Christian, and her season so far at the WBNA midpoint and her prospects of getting the MVP award: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/SPORTS05/707150392/1223.

baseball misc. and Hoeppner

First of all, I was watching Rice in the College World Series last night, and I thought that some of the names sounded familiar. I went back and checked the articles that I had sent to you, and found a Christian one on the Rice baseball team from back in April (http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=04715208-C6B1-4378-953BAC0F51EED0E9). It was about juniors Joe Savery, Bobby Bramhall, and Brian Friday. On the bottom of the screen during the game it told when and by whom each of them were drafted: Savery in the 1st round by the Phillies, Friday in the 3rd round by the Pirates, and Bramhall in the 18th round by the Brewers. Here's an article about Savery being drafted: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070607&content_id=2011822&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi. Also, Rice won its 2nd game last night to take the lead in their bracket in the CWS. They get extra time off and wait for the winner of the Louisville/North Carolina game. Rice started and ended the season #1.

Here's a Father's Day article about Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts, a Christian, and his dad: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070613&content_id=2023337&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Next, a Father's Day article about Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, a Christian, and his kids. I thought that it was neat that he said that he was going to retire in a few years to become a full-time dad. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070610&content_id=2017915&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit.

Here's an article about Red Sox infielder Alex Cora talking to highschoolers about volunteering in their communities this summer: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070615&content_id=2027835&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about Giants outfielder Dave Roberts, a Christian, standing ovation in his 1st return to Fenway Park in Boston since the 2004 post-season during the Giants/Red Sox game Friday: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070615&content_id=2028321&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about what IU football incoming freshman Jeff Boyd had to say about coach Terry Hoeppner missing the upcoming season because of illness:

"It's going to be weird because (Hoeppner is) who I came to play for," said Boyd, an all-state defensive lineman from Warren Central High School's Class 5A state champions. "But it's still his staff, and I will do the best I can while I keep praying for him and hoping that he can return in good health."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070616/SPORTS0601/706160501/1069/SPORTS0601.

Next, an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, and throwing runners out at home plate: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070617/SPT04/706170420/1071/.

Lastly, an article about the Reds players and Father's Day. Here's some quotes from pitcher David Weathers and Josh Hamilton on fatherhood:

To closer David Weathers, being a father is old hat. He is the parent of son Ryan, 7, and daughters Karly, 3, and Ally, 9 months. They're worth more than a thousand saves. Said Weathers: "Being a father is the greatest honor of my life - to have three kids and raise 'em and try to teach them a good Christian way to live and make society better instead of worse. It's the best thing that ever happened to me."

For outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has two daughters, 6-year-old Julia and 21-month-old Sierra, being a parent helps him stay focused on himself as well as his family.

"Being a husband and father reminds me of the responsible person I have to be, the way my dad was when I was growing up," Hamilton said. "Watching him be a man, husband and father - supporting us and taking time with us - showed me how to do it. (The kids) do things that catch me off guard. At one moment, they do something or say something that is absolutely hilarious, and in the next moment they do something that drives me crazy. That's all part of it, learning how to do it. The Lord's helping me with it every day. It's fun.

"The family comes out to the ballpark every night."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070617/SPT04/706170421/1071/rss08.