MLB, football, and basketball

Hi. Here's the second half of my posts this weekend. First of all, an article on White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome raising money for the Children's Hospital of Illinois: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080113&content_id=2344771&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080116&content_id=2347477&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about the nominees for the Bart Starr Award given out annually at the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast. This year's nominees are Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson,and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner. The award "honors NFL players who show exemplary character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community". Here's the article: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=261.

Next, a few articles about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, who is considering retiring to spend more time with his family and on his many other ventures. As much as I'd love to see him stay, as both a Christian and a big Colts fan, I can totally understand if he decided to retire. The first article is about the players on the team and how much they want Dungy to return, but they would also understand if he didn't: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080114/SPORTS03/801140373.

The second article about Dungy's decision (the Indianapolis Star has ran articles every day this week I think) is about Dungy's decision itself. Here's a quote from Dungy about how he's making his decision:

"We'll probably do a lot of praying about what we want to do," Dungy said Monday afternoon. "We'll probably come to some decision this weekend and be ready to move forward on Monday one way or the other.

"It's really just making sure that I'm doing the best job I can do as a dad, and I do think that is my No. 1 job. And if I'm doing that, can I still do enough to be a good coach for the Colts? If I think I can, I'll be back."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/SPORTS03/801150404/1247/NLETTER12.

The last article on Dungy, for now, is his blog post about the season and his decision from last Tuesday. Here's a quote from him:

So many people want to know what I am going to do next year and most of the media believe I have made up my mind already. They don't believe me when I say that my wife and I will sit down this week and talk and pray about what is best for our family. But that is what we're going to do. I really enjoy coaching and wish I could do it forever, but I do know that God has placed a family in my care and I have a responsibility to them first. So we'll reach a family decision this weekend.

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/49dac150-6d51-426c-a85d-67f8aef57573.

Also, an article on Purdue women's basketball player Lauren Mioton publishing a recipe book to help her hometown of New Orleans: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?LIST_ID=1&STORY_ID=13870.

Here's another article about a fund-raiser for New Orleans, this one with Heat center Shaquille O'Neal and Saints runningback Reggie Bush teaming up for a fund-raiser during the NBA All-Star Game weekend in New Orleans: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ai5Y_85Gi9RMvzrRNA8aeld.T4h4?slug=ap-oneal-bushparty&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about former Pirates and Braves 1st baseman Sid Bream, a Christian, re-joining the Pirates organization as a coach with their Class-A State College team: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10578914/rss.

Here's an article about University of Buffalo head football coach Turner Gill, a Christian, signing a contract extension to stay with the team: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10578894/rss.

Also, an article about the girl that got booed last Sunday at the Colts game when she was recognized for winning her age group of the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition. Why was she booed? She was wearing a Patriots jersey, the team that she was representing and the hated rival of the Colts. Patriots owner Robert Kraft got upset and invited the girl, Anna Grant, to be honored before the Patriots home game tomorrow afternoon. It's a nice gesture, but anything Patriots is going to be booed in Indiana regardless. And she realized that it was the jersey, not her. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3198479.

Here's a good article by former MLB outfielder Doug Glanville about fear in sports and life, and how it sometimes drives people to do anything to succeed: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/opinion/16glanville.html?_r=1&oref=slogin (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350277&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, some articles about Christian MLB players signing new contracts this week. First, a couple of articles about Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson and his new deal: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=As.rEICINK7WfqWWrtfWeNE5nYcB?slug=ap-tigers-robertson&prov=ap&type=lgns and http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5746. Other Christian players include the Braves Mark Teixeira (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080117&content_id=2349888&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl) and Matt Diaz (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350763&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl), and the Rockies Matt Holliday and Willie Taveras (http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350393&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col).

Here's an article about Colts coach Jim Caldwell, also a Christian, who is apparently next in line to become the Colts head coach whenever Tony Dungy decides to retire, should it be this year or in the future: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/SPORTS03/801170498/1058/SPORTS03.

Also, an article about Florida men's basketball head coach Billy Donovan, a Christian, and how much he's enjoying coaching his young team this year. He's had to completely start over without his whole starting line-up from his two-time defending national championship teams. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AgQQqtJ8euO9t4QN6qODXZw5nYcB?slug=jn-donovan011708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Lastly, an article about Rockies pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, a Christian, signing as a free agent with the Reds today: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080119/SPT04/301190047/1071/.

MLB, football, etc.

Hi, I'm back. Happy Thanksgiving again. I'm going to stay up late tonight anyways, so I thought that I might as well add the rest of the articles that I have now.

The first article is another one about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, who won the NL Cy Young Award last week. The article is about the scout who encouraged the Padres to draft him eight years ago, and how good that move looks now: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071118&content_id=2303262&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, about their game last Sunday against the Chiefs and their upcoming game tomorrow night (Thanksgiving) against the Falcons. Here's a good quote from him about Thanksgiving:

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and we're going to do our best to make it an enjoyable evening for you. We also hope you remember what this Thursday is really all about--being thankful to God for all the good things He has done for us throughout the year. And most of us do have a lot to be thankful for in 2007.

In other words, the most important thing about Thanksgiving isn't football, contrary to popular belief. Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/a41ede17-56df-4a81-9444-6c1f750b36ea.

Also, an article about Red Sox DH David Ortiz helping to collect non-perishable items at a Boston-area supermarket to send to his native Dominican Republic to help after the devastating tropical storm Noel hit there recently. He was there at the supermarket on his birthday, November 18th. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071118&content_id=2303309&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a Christian article about Purdue women's soccer player Caroline Gamache. Purdue began national tournament play this week. Gamache, a red-shirt junior, is giving up her last year of athletic eligibility next year to get a start out on the mission field with an internship in China beginning next semester. Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=3D01B651-79CD-42A0-A77672508B902792 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Also, a note from "The Christian Sports Blog" about NASCAR Busch Series driver Morgan Shepherd, a Christian who drives the #89 "Victory in Jesus" car, and his annual trip to help the needy in the Virginia mountains each December: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/morgan-shepherd-bringing-christmas-to.html.

Here's another article about Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs and his dad, former Cowboy Ron Springs, who is in a coma. Here's a quote from Shawn about his dad's condition:

"I'm a little more at peace about the situation and I feel whatever happens, whether God comes and he wakes right up or it's his time, I have accepted that my father is in a better place and it was meant to be," Shawn Springs said. "I just have faith, but I'm also very real about the situation. Not many people have ever awakened from this type of coma. At this point I think it's more of a decision that my stepmom has to make in what she wants to do and I have to come to grips with it."

Here's the article: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=40D4E0FC-CFC0-D797-325F7C16EBE59A1C.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, who is one of the nominees for the Maxwell Award, which is given to the nation's best all-around player. It's a step below the Heisman Trophy. He's also one of the nominees for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=Av4ltU70NjmYXmmMNj5LMCh.T4h4?slug=ap-awardsfinalists&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a webpage with articles about what MLB teams have done to help their communities in honor of Thanksgiving. I may include some of the individual teams' articles here after I have a chance to read them. Here's the webpage: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/mlb_spirit/index.jsp.

Also, a short article about Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks hosting his second annual Max Starks and the Home Team Thanksgiving Food Drive yesterday: http://www.wpxi.com/news/14659150/detail.html.

Just a note: Last Sunday, the boys high school basketball team from Blackhawk Christian School in Fort Wayne, IN, came to first service at my church. They were in the area to attend a men's basketball practice and game at IU last weekend, and stayed at a hotel in our town, which is 20 miles from IU. The came to church for first service at 8:30, because the IU game was at noon that day. We all just thought that it was the neatest thing that they would get up that early and come to our church. I just thought that I would share that. Here's the school's website: http://www.blackhawkchristian.org/.

Lastly, I think that I've figured something out with the articles that I've posted on my Facebook profile. I subscribed to the RSS feed for the articles, and I think that anyone can access them from that page. Here's the page, and I hope that this works: http://www.facebook.com/feeds/share_posts.php?id=559889093&viewer=559889093&key=e7408885b8&format=rss20.

college sports, MLB, NFL, etc.

Hi. I'm trying to play catch up again. The first article is about Indiana high school basketball player Tyler Zeller, a Christian, committing to playing for North Carolina starting next year. He turned down IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame, which is were his older brother Luke, also a Christian, plays. Here's the article: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/nov/06/zeller-finds-comfort-in-tar-heels/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/321).

Here's a Christian article by Lee Warren about Nebraska volleyball player Tracy Stalls: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/nu-volleyball-player-tracy-stalls.html.

Next, a couple of articles about MLB players trying to help out in their native Dominican Republic after tropical storm Noel devastated the island. Those that were helping and asking for help were the Mets Pedro Martinez and Moises Alou (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071107&content_id=2295120&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb) and Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2296948&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb).

Here's a good Christian article about former Nebraska football head coach and current interim athletic director Tom Osborne: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5702. Also, here's the website, included in the article, for the TeamMates Mentoring Program that he and his wife started: http://www.teammates.org/.

Also, a couple of articles about the late Cowboys chaplain John Weber, who died November 1st following a hear attack. The first article is about his funeral in Dallas, which those who attended included many current and former Cowboys, including defensive lineman Greg Ellis, a Christian, and quarterback Tony Romo. Football broadcaster Pat Summerall also attended. Here's that article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5703.

The other article about Weber article is a good article written by a Cowboys website columnist about his friendship with Weber and the funeral: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?editorialAuthor=1&id=17E260AC-EBD2-060B-2FCFEED2691DFFD4 (http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=254).

Next, another article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian. The writer of the article seemingly is not a Christian, but she still takes a positive approach to Kitna's outspoken Christian beliefs. I thought that this statement by the writer in the article was very interesting:

Some fancy Kitna as a religious zealot, but if having strong faith is the worst thing we can say about a professional athlete, maybe we're the ones who need to reevaluate our priorities.

I don't agree that being a Christian is a bad thing off course, but even if you're not a Christian, there are athletes doing and saying things on and off the field of play that should be seen as worse by non-Christians. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/071107&sportCat=nfl.

Here's an article about Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson and the Fight for Life Foundation that he started to encourage education and wellness in kids: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=e011c704-06b1-4524-859b-2ae2d95bd7d4.

Also, an article about a football player at Landmark Christian High School in Atlanta, Walter Lenard, and how his extended family has helped him: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/stories/2007/11/08/hsback_1109.html.

Next, an article about the Gardner-Webb men's basketball team's unbelievable upset at Kentuckty last week. Gardner-Webb is a Baptist school in North Carolina. They went on to play in the next round of the tournament that they were in last night, but they were beat in New York by Connecticut. Here's the article about the celebration back on their campus after the game last week: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5707.

Lastly, a couple of Christian notes from Sports Spectrum's The Daily this week. The first is about retired LPGA golfer Betsy King, and the missionary work that she's doing to help orphans in Rwanda:

KING KEEPS GIVING: Betsy King put together a Hall of Fame career on the golf course. Put now that she has mostly retired from the game, she is using her fame, her contacts in the golf world, and her Christian faith to do something of much more eternal value. She has created an organization called Golf Fore Africa, which is a mission to Rwanda to assist the children of that war-ravaged, disease-torn country. Recently, King and several others LPGA golfers returned from a visit to this tiny African country just east of Congo . King has teamed up with World Vision to provide essential services to the suffering folks of Rwanda . One of the major problems King is trying to address is the huge numbers of orphans. There are an estimated 1.3 million of them in a country of 9 million people. An atrocious attack on the Rwandan citizens by ruthless warriors in 1994 is one of the reasons for these orphans. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed. Also, AIDS has taken thousands of other parents from their children. If you wish to help King in her efforts, go to www.worldvision.org to find out more.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071112.php.

The other note is about a Christian outreach at tomorrow's Ohio State/Michigan game that' being run by a Christian former football player from both schools:

RIVALS NO MORE: Shawn Lazarus played football for the University of Michigan. Joel Penton played football for the Ohio State University. That should make them . . . brothers? Well, the fact that they suited up for rival schools doesn't make them brothers, but their shared faith in Jesus Christ does. And they want others who relish the rivalry to join them in knowing the freedom of salvation. So they have teamed up to form Rivals Team Up, which will have a presence in Ann Arbor on Saturday when the Buckeyes roll into town to face the Wolverines at the Big House. While 111,000 people or so will have their minds set on enjoying another reenactment of one of college football's favorite border wars, Penton and Lazarus will be trying to tell some of those people about winning the most important battle ever-the battle for the human soul. Find out more about what these two former rivals and their friends have in mind. Go to http://www.rivalsteamup.com/ to find out more.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071116.php.

More tomorrow!

MLB, basketball, and college football

Hello! First of all, a note about now former Brewers outfielder Corey Koskie, a Christian, who might be attempting a comeback after missing the last season and a half because of post-concussion syndrome (page down some): http://www.startribune.com/twins/story/1496748.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071022&content_id=2275925&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Indiana high school basketball star Tyler Zeller, a Christian, after his recruiting visit to Purdue. He's also considering IU, North Carolina, and Notre Dame: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/SPORTS0602/710230390/1070/SPORTS0602.

Next, an article about San Diego State athletes helping out at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, an evacuation center for those evacuated from their homes because of the wildfires there. The athletes thought that since their housing and food was taken care of by their scholarships that they would help those who had neither. Two of the athletes that helped were football players Chaz Schilens and Mike Kravetz. Here's a quote from Schilens about it:

Added Schilens: "We've been blessed to go to school here and most of us are on scholarship. So while other people's houses are being evacuated, you just think, 'hey, we can do something about this.'

"You can't just sit around."

Here's the article: http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/media/storage/paper741/news/2007/10/23/Sports/Athletes.Help.In.A.Time.Of.Need-3051196-page2.shtml (originally found at: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3077025&searchName=feldman_bruce&campaign=rsssrch&source=bruce_feldman&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3077025%26searchName%3dfeldman_bruce%26campaign%3drsssrch%26source%3dbruce_feldman).

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian, and his family and hometown in southern Georgia: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-10-22-drew-hometown_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, an article about Hornets guard Chris Paul, a Christian, and how important he is to both the Hornets season and the team getting back a fan base in New Orleans after they played most of the last two seasons in Oklahoma City after Katrina. It also tells about how he learned hard work by working at his grandfather's filling station growing up. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-chrispaul102307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's another good article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, and how he went from failed baseball phenom to successful manager: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3075136.

Next, a blog entry from IU tailback Bryan Payton from the weekend before last, after they got beat by Penn State. The first part is about him and his good friend Josh Gaines, linebacker at Penn State, who he grew up with. Here's a quote from him about Gaines and his family:

I spent so many nights over at their place, went to church went them, ate meals with them and went on trips with them.

He also talked about some shopping he did the day before his post too:

I bought some button ups, T-shirts, jeans, khakis and some church shoes.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/10/footballshoppingand-good-friends.html.

Here's an article about the Red Sox donating some fun electronics to the Children's Hospital in Boston. Helpling out was Red Sox pitcher Kyle Snyder. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071024&content_id=2280650&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Also, in case you haven't seen it yet, here's the video of the amazing 15-lateral game-winning touchdown play by NCAA Division 3 Trinity University in San Antonio last Saturday: www.yahoo.com/s/722983.

Lastly, a Christian note from Monday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about recently-hired Yankees manager Joe Girardi:

KIM’S PEP TALK BEARS RESULTS FOR JOE G: It appears that the NY Yankees will still have a Joe at the helm. Reports are indicating that Joe Girardi will be named to replace Joe Torre as the Yankee skipper. Girardi was the 2006 National League manager of the year in his rookie managerial season in Florida. If Girardi indeed takes over and leads the Yankees into fall success, the team can thank Joe’s wife, Kim. In the mid-1990s, Girardi was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the New York Yankees. Girardi, born in Peoria, Illinois, was not a big-city guy, and he was hesitant about going to the Yankees. Throughout his first season in the Big Apple, he felt uncomfortable. But Kim came to the rescue. “It was amazing what Kim did for me,” Girardi said in the book Safe at Home 2. “We had times when I really struggled. She always seemed to pick me up and let me know that God had me there for a reason. ‘Don’t give up,’ she would say. ‘Fight this through. If you do, you’ll see later in your life that God put you here for a reason!’ ” Did He ever!

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071029.php.

MLB LCS, etc.

Hello! First of all, just an interesting tidbit about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian. His senior year of high school, he was rated one of the four best high school quarterbacks in the country, along with fellow Christians Carson Palmer (now with the Bengals) and Drew Henson. Palmer (at USC) and Henson (at Michigan) went on to be two of the top college quarterbacks when they played. But I think that Holliday, who is one of the two leading candidates for the NL MVP and won the NLCS MVP, made a good choice going with baseball. Here's the article: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1011holliday1011.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=2262438&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article with more information about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano's (a Christian) new biography The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story. Here's a couple of quotes from him:

''At first, nobody thought I would become anything like the baseball success I became,'' Zambrano said. ''I was too clumsy and skinny. So I started out as a benchwarmer who played only during garbage time.

''But thanks to my faith in God, my hard work and God-given talent, I became what some people call a big star.'' ...

''But remembering where I came from keeps me humble,'' he said. ''Hopefully, my book will inspire other kids who started out poor like me that they can also be a success with talent, hard work and faith in Jesus Christ.''

Here's the article: http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/598309,CST-SPT-bigz11.article (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=2262438&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article on another baseball book, Pitching with the Papelbons, which was written about the Papelbon brothers to raise money for a good cause. The Papelbon brothers are Jonathon, who's the Red Sox closer, and his younger twin brothers Josh, who pitches for the Red Sox Class-A Greenville Drive, and Jeremy, who pitches for the Cubs Class-A Peoria Chiefs. The book is to raise money for the C2 Mission Foundation, which "benefits children and families affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis." Here's the article: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=310491&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp and here's the book's website: http://www.pitchingwiththepapelbons.com/.

Here's an inspiring article about a girl who's a college golfer despite many physical problems. Katie Walker was "born with a heart murmur, one kidney, an improperly formed gastrointestinal tract and a missing tibia in her left leg that eventually led to it being amputated." However, with a prosthetic leg, she's able to play golf and is a freshman on the golf team at Cal State Bakersfield. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/10/13/walker_1014.html

Also, a good quote from Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, about the Rockies amazing run the last month to end the regular season and through the post-season so far:

"Faith," Hurdle said, "is believing in things that you can't see, you can't touch. From a sporting mentality, there's certain things you just gotta believe in. Man, you just hold onto them. You keep fighting the fight, and you just keep showing up.

"Our players have been so good at that."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071013&content_id=2264711&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, and the importance of both his leadership and example to the young Indians team this year, which helped them reach the ALCS: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265615&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnered=rss_cle.

Next, an article about the importance of Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, a Christian, as the leader of the pitching staff. The pitchers give him all the credit, while he always says that it was the pitchers, not him. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265434&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings, before pitching game 4 of the NLCS against the Rockies, about his ability as both a pitcher and a hitter. He was one of the best if not the best hitting pitcher in baseball this season. Here's a quote about his hitting prowess this year:

There was the Aug. 18 game Owings started in Atlanta in which he connected for two home runs and two other base hits on his way to a six-RBI game, the most RBIs in a game by a pitcher in more than five years. He also scored four times in the game.

Then came that start in Pittsburgh, where on top of limiting the Pirates to four base hits, Owings contributed four hits and three RBIs in the winning effort.

"I just enjoy being in the box," said Owings, who hit .322 in his two collegiate years. "I've been blessed to play the game not only as a pitcher, but to be able to swing it, too. Whenever I get in there, I enjoy it."

Owings finished the season with a .333 average, 11 extra-base hits and 15 RBIs in 60 at-bats.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265961&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a good Christian article about Rockies pitcher Jeremy Affeldt from Lee Warren of The Christian Sports Blog. The article was from a couple of years ago when he was with the Royals. Here's the article: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/jeremy-affeldt-adventurous-christian.html.

Here's an article about Washington High School (Indiana) senior basketball star Tyler Zeller, a Christian, and his recent recruiting visit to Notre Dame. His older brother Luke, also a Christian, will be a junior on the Notre Dame team this year. Zeller is also considering IU, North Carolina, and Purdue. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071015/SPORTS0203/710150347/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, after Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, a Christian, was taken out after 7 innings in game 6 of the ALCS Saturday night, he was interviewed during the 8th inning. When he left the game, the crowd in Boston gave him a standing ovation. Schilling could leave the Red Sox after the season as a free agent. Here's what he had to say about the fans' reaction (or something like this): "I want to thank God for the chance to pitch in front of these fans and for this organization."

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.

basketball, NFL, MLB, and Petty

Hi. First, an article about Heat guard Dwayne Wade helping to get the word out about the importance of recess at school. Here's a quote from him:

"I've been extremely fortunate and blessed to work with people who've helped me along the way, so I've made it a priority to give my time and energy back to young people whenever I have the opportunity," said Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat guard and 2006 NBA Finals MVP, who has signed on to serve as the national spokesperson for Rescuing Recess.

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/news/wade_cartoon_070924.html?rss=true.

Here's a Q & A article with Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, a Christian. Here's a quote from the article:

Cole: How hard is it to get time at home during the season? I know guys like (Miami Dolphins linebacker) Zach Thomas stay at the facility until very late studying film and (Indianapolis Colts quarterback) Peyton Manning is watching film at home.

Polamalu: First of all, I'm a Christian so my prayer life really comes first. Second of all, I'm a husband so my wife comes before anything else. If I have time to do anything else after that, I do it, but I don't sacrifice any time with her.

Cole: A lot of guys do it the other way around. Football comes first. They say family and faith come first, but they really do the football first. How do you reconcile it?

Polamalu: It's really easy for me. I love my faith and I know that's first. …. I really think I know what's important in my life and that's my faith and my wife.

Cole: So football is a really focused activity. There's no wasted time, right?

Polamalu: Actually, it's a lot of fun and it's something I enjoy. It's not like when I'm here it's business time and then there's family time. Football is, for me, it's something I do. It's like for you, you're a reporter. It's what you do, not who you are. Football does not define me. How I am with my faith and how I treat my wife is what truly defines you as a man. That is my goal in life to live that way and believe in it. It would be cowardly of me to say that I enjoy my time with my faith and my wife if I really didn't spend that time with them.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtrZ9jkJomfqeWtAbDroov05nYcB?slug=jc-tuesdayconversation092507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about the New York Giants having a wounded Army officer come talk to the team to get the team fired up. Lieutenant colonel Greg Gadson, a Christian, spoke with the Giants the night before their game September 23rd against the Redskins at the request of friend, West Point classmate, and Giants receivers coach Mike Sullivan. The speech got the Giants going, as they beat the Redskins that Sunday for their first win after two losses to start the season and then went on to beat the Eagles last night too. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10371676/2.

Here's another article about Washington (Indiana) High School senior basketball player Tyler Zeller, a Christian, after his official recruiting visit to IU. He still has yet to visit Purdue and Notre Dame, as far as I know, after having already visited North Carolina too. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070925/SPORTS0203/709250383/1069/SPORTS0601.

Also, an article about Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, being named the winner of the Branch Rickey Award for humanitarian service: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3035785.

Here's an article about former NBA player Corliss Williamson retiring from the NBA to take an assistant basketball coaching job at Arkansas Baptist College: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3036363.

Next, an article about how much success and fun that Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, has had since coming to the Braves from the Rangers on July 31st. Here's a quote from him about his success:

"I have to give credit to my teammates," he said. "The guys have been unbelievable. I've been getting good pitches to hit. It's great to be doing it in a playoff race."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2230527&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Patty, both Christians, talking about starting another Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City to go along with the one that they already have in North Carolina. The camp is for seriously ill children. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/rumors/post/Pettys-consider-kids-camp-in-Kansas-City;_ylt=Ah7ttGQP8R.0LPDkJ32Ebb1.T4h4?urn=nascar,47300.

Lastly, an article about Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany donating $2 million to his alma mater Purdue to build an student athlete academic center there: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070928/SPORTS0602/709280667/1247/NLETTER12.

MLB, basketball, NFL

First of all, an article on Reds pitcher David Weathers, a Christian, who would like to come back as the team's closer next year, but ultimately wants to do what the team wants him to do. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070918/SPT04/709180343/ (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070919&content_id=2217840&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article on Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, who started a tradition with the team of putting pies in the face of the player doing the post-game interview. The team then made a video of the pies-in-the-faces, which they show on the big screen on the scoreboard to get a rally going. Whatever works, I guess. Nixon has became known as the "Pie Guy" in Cleveland. Here's the article: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/119019223612800.xml&coll=2 (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070920&content_id=2219938&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, another article on Washington, IN, senior center Tyler Zeller, a Christian, this one on his being recruited by IU. He's also being recruited by Notre Dame (where his brother Luke, also a Christian, plays), Purdue, and North Carolina. Zeller made his official visit to IU last weekend, going to the IU/Illinois football game. Here's some quotes from the article from the Indiana Daily Student, the IU student newspaper:

One look at Tyler Zeller's Facebook profile and you can get a good sense of what drives him.

Favorite Quotes: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

Activities: "I love to play basketball. I play it all of the time." ...

... Sure, he wants to be the best basketball player every time he steps onto the court. But he also wants to stay humble, something he has learned from his faith.

"The Bible teaches to stay humble," Zeller told the Indiana Daily Student on Wednesday, "and you will be blessed." ...

He said it is possible he would leave college early to enter the NBA. With players earning $3 million in signing bonuses, he admits it would be hard to pass that up.

Money is important to Zeller -- but for a reason different than most. Zeller wants to build a Christian camp with his brothers and his dad, an idea they've been thinking about for the past couple years.

He said he has been given a gift, and that he must use that gift for good.

"I'm seven foot for a reason," he said. "I didn't do that by myself."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AjWgXaejmwiMniKOdSyQMOY5nYcB?slug=uwire-iuafterstatestophoopsrecru&prov=uwire&type=lgns.

Here's another article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous healing from a concussion during their game against the Vikings on September 16th. This is a great article questioning why some people are so skeptical about Kitna's healing being a miracle from God. Here's a good quote from the article from Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, also a Christian, talking about what Christians are called to do:

"That's our calling," Munoz says. "To share the story. People hear the story all of the time, but what they are really looking for is someone who walks the talk. The weird thing is when someone doesn't walk the talk, they call him a hypocrite, and when he does, they call him a crazy fanatic."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/070921 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=249).

Lastly, I happened across this website for Astros catcher J.R. Towles, who was called up this month from the minors. The website really caught my eye because on the homepage it includes Philippians 4:13 and Ecclesiastes 5:3. There is also a couple of links of the church functions that he's involved with included on the "My Interests" page. Here's the website: http://www.jrtowles.net/ (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/programs/player_sites.jsp).

MLB, NFL, and basektball

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFL, MLB, and basketball

First, a Christian article about former NFL quarterback Jay Schroeder sharing his faith at a church in Utah a couple of weeks ago. Here's the article: http://thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070910/NEWS01/709100303 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett holding a celebrity charity bowling tournament to raise money for his Josh Beckett Foundation and Children's Hospital Boston: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070913&content_id=2207285&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Tyler Zeller, a Christian, who is a senior basketball player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, and the younger brother of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller, also a Christian. Tyler is one of the top high school players in the country, and has narrowed his college choices down to Notre Dame, IU, Purdue, and North Carolina. At 7'0", he'd be a great addition to any team, but as an IU fan, It would be great if he'd go there! However, I would totally understand if he follows his brother to Notre Dame. Just as long as he doesn't go to IU's arch rival Purdue or North Carolina. Here's a quote from him:

Tyler said his parents taught him the order of life was God, family, school and basketball. "But Luke and I voted to flip the last two," he said.

Here's the article, which also includes a video: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070914/SPORTS0203/709140470/1057/SPORTS02.

Here's an article about Colts safety Matt Giordano, a Christian, and how he has made the most of his playing time as the back-up safety. Here's a great quote from him about that:

“The best thing right now I can do is when I’m not in there I need to be rooting and praying for those guys,” Giordano said. “In the end, we’re teammates, so that’s what matters. You pray and you hope that no one gets injured.

“If someone goes down, I have to be ready to step up and play at the same level as those guys and as the coaches expect me to play at.”

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=d334ea75-79b6-46aa-a0f7-396546169b10.

Also, an article about Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez and how leaving the Mariners to play with the Royals for a time helped him out by giving him more playing time. He then returned to the Mariners after a few years as a better player. Here's a quote from him:

I was the 25th guy every season and never really got a chance to play that much. So I was fortunate and blessed to get to Kansas City a few years later where I played for about two and a half years. When I came back here, it was in a totally different role.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070914&content_id=2207840&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about a strange situation during a Yankees/Blue Jays game last week involving Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon. After catching the final out in an inning, a heckling fan offered Damon $20 for the ball. Damon took the $20 bill and then gave it to a boy in the stands. Here's the article, which includes a video of it: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070914&content_id=2208101&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his start against the Cardinals last Friday, which he won for his second straight win. Here's a quote about him and his socks:

Zambrano (16-12) did that and has now matched his career high in wins. He gave up one run, on Albert Pujols' 31st homer, over eight innings. Big Z, who wore his socks high for the second straight start, struck out three. He's 2-0 with the high socks, but he'll be wearing long pants next time.

"I don't believe in superstitions, I believe in God," Zambrano said. "That's the only man I believe. I will go with my long pants my next time. I know God will be there with me."

However, he must have changed his mind between then and his next start Tuesday night, because he wore his socks up again. Ironically, he lost the game to the Reds. Maybe God was trying to send him and others a message about his socks and luck. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070914&content_id=2208046&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's an article about a visit by some of the Braves to the White House to meet with President Bush last Friday afternoon while they were in Washigton to play the Nationals. Those that went were general manager John Schuerholz, pitchers John Smoltz (a Christian) and Tim Hudson, outfielder Jeff Francoeur (a Christian), and catcher Brian McCann. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/14/braveshouse_0915.html.

Also, an article about former Giants defensive end George Martin helping to raise money for medical expenses for 9/11 rescue workers in New York with a cross-country walk from New York City to San Francisco. He started the walk last Sunday. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/09/15/martin_0916.html.

Lastly, an aritcle about A's pitcher Joe Blanton and his mom, a breast cancer survivor. His mom through out the first pitch before the A's game last Saturday, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Day there. Blanton himself was the starting pitcher that day, so both he and his mom shared the mound that day. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070915&content_id=2209933&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

NBA, football, MLB, etc.

First of all, a Christian article about new Lakers guard Derek Fisher, a Christian, and his decision to leave the Jazz in order to go to Los Angeles where his infant daughter could get treatment for cancer: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/september/15.25.html (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

Here's an article about Saints quarterback Drew Brees and the things that he and his wife Brittany have done to help out in New Orleans since he signed there as a free agent before last season:

Brees did more than play. He invested himself in the community.

While the vast majority of Saints players live in the suburbs, he and his wife, Brittany, bought an antebellum home in the city's historic Uptown district.

They put the Brees Dream Foundation to work on a variety of fronts: a charity fishing tournament, a youth football classic, events and activities for children's hospitals, and a $2.5 million drive to raise funds for youth programs and rebuilding schools, parks, playgrounds and athletic fields.

In May, Brees issued an invitation to his old fraternity, Sigma Chi. More than 80 members, a third of them from Purdue [his alma mater], came to New Orleans for a week to work with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding homes and experience the city's unique culture.

Community and quarterback embraced. The NFL honored Brees as its Walter Payton Man of the Year, an award he shared with his old San Diego teammate, LaDainian Tomlinson.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/SPORTS03/709040386/1100.

Next, a great article on Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and how he's a role model to his players, and how there are things more important than winning for him with his team. Here's a quote:

Success for Richt is defined more by people than percentages. The coach wants to win, but who doesn't? However, God and education are what he believes his mission at Georgia is about. If victories come too, well, that's fine.

But those first two are near and dear. It's why when the coach came back from his mission trip to Honduras this summer he started to talk about going back next May. This time he wants to take some players along.

"I'd love to have them," Richt said. "There's 28 bunks for the guys. I'd love to fill those bunks with those guys and let them see it."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/09/03/ugafoot_0904.html?imw=Y.

Here's an article on Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, and how he's working to feed the hungry in Atlanta and his other work in the community. Here's a quote about his work to start a Christian school in Atlanta:

He also is an educator with strong feelings about spiritual instruction. Smoltz helped establish Kings Ridge Christian School in the Atlanta area.

"Our area did not have a private Christian school," he said. "It's another option for people. We tend to gravitate toward that because of overcrowded public schools and some people want an extension of their home to be in the educational process. We finally got our first building. We're embarking in a big campaign to build the campus out."

The Kings Ridge school runs its own fundraising campaign. So Smoltz has multiple avenues for helping others.

Here's the article: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188281&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about the NBA working in South Africa to help those in need there. The group of current and past players are led by Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo and Bobcats center Emeka Okafor, and also includes Spurs forward Bruce Bowen, Bobcats center Primoz Brezec, Hawks guard-forward Josh Childress, Magic forward Pat Garrity, Suns center Sean Marks, Kings guard Kevin Martin, Knicks forward Malik Rose, and former NBA players Steve Smith and Jim Jackson. Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/news/southafricadevel_070904.html?rss=true. Here's a webpage with more information about the trip, which is going on now: http://www.nba.com/global/africa_bwb_2007.html.

Here's an article about the nominees for MLB's Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is for community service. The nominees include several Christians, including last year's winner, Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols. Here's the article: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188314&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week of September 2nd: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188644&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Here's an article about Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, a Christian, winning the AL Pitcher of the Month Award for August: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188786&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.

Also, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, apologizing on Tuesday for criticizing the Cubs fans for booing him after a bad performance on Monday. However, I think that he had every right to be upset about his home fans booing him. I think that it's rude for fans to boo the home team in most cases. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2188742&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's an article about former Braves outfielder Dale Murphy and his new book The Scouting Report: Youth Athletics that is about the importance of coaches and parents helping kids to enjoy competing in sports: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070904&content_id=2189082&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Next, the webpage for pro cyclist Amber Neben, a Christian who competes in the top races in the U.S. and Europe: http://www.amberneben.com/. I found the website link in an article in the current issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/.

Lastly, a good Christian sports blog that I found out about recently, Saved in Sports Blog: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/.