MLB, NFL, and basektball

First, an article about Nationals pitcher Luis Ayala and his return in June from Tommy John elbow ligament transplant surgery. Here's a quote about his being able to return to pitching again:

Now, every day that I step out on the field is a day I feel blessed. I'm confident in saying that I feel 100 percent physically now.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070911&content_id=2201432&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Marlins 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera and his recent visit to a children's hospital in Miami. He came to brighten up the kids spirits, but his spirits were brightened too. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070911&content_id=2201722&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, and his being ready to pitch on short rest when needed during the regular season and/or post-season. The last two years he had been injured and couldn't do that. Here's the article with a video: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070912&content_id=2203745&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Broncos punt returner Domenik Hixon, the guy who Bills tight end Kevin Everett was tackling when Everett suffered a life-threatening spinal cord injury during the Broncos/Bills game on September 9th. Hixon felt guilty about the injury, although he had nothing to do with it. Everett was injured because of the way that he hit Hixon. After doctors initially thought that Everett would never walk again, he has been slowly improving and his outlook looks good. Here's what Hixon had to say about hearing the first good news of Everett's improvement:

"It was a big relief," Hixon said. "That just brought a smile to my face. Prayers were answered. The power of prayers, man. Hopefully, he makes a full recovery." ...

"My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family," Hixon said.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-broncos-everett&prov=ap&type=lgns. Here's the latest on Everett's recovery: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070917/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_bills_everett_hurt.

Also, an article about some of the Colts players spending part of their off day last Tuesday with kids in Indianapolis schools reading, coloring, and speaking to them. The players involved included tight end Gijon Robinson, wide receiver Trent Shelton, defensiveback Brannon Condren, offensive lineman Travis Leitko, tight end Bryan Fletcher, and wide receiver Aaron Moorehead. Here's the article with pictures: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=970d1eab-73ef-4b1b-8924-f55a6ae5d2f0.

Here's a good blog post from the Saved in Sports blog about Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, a Christian, and his humanitarian work in Africa, including his native Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recently he was part of the group of current and former NBA players and coaches that worked in South Africa with NBA's Basketball Without Borders. Here's the post: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/09/16/dikembe-mutombo-of-the-houston-rockets/. Here's one of the articles from the blog post with the players and coaches talking about their trip to South Africa: http://www.nba.com/global/bwb_africa_fran1_070912.html. Here's a link to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation's website: http://www.dmf.org/. Also, here's another article that I found about Mutombo and the Basketball Without Borders trip: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5130828.html (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/462298.html?rss=true).

Another note about Mutombo: he's going to play this coming season with the Rockets and then retire. Here's a quote from him about the Rockets:

"It's a great organization," Mutombo said, according to KRIV. "I have a great relationship with the owner. I have a great relationship with the mayor and I love the city. I have been blessed."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3021060.

Next, an article about Patriots lineman Joe Andruzzi was diagnosed in May with with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It's an aggressive but treatable form of cancer, and he's doing well with his treatments. Here's a quote from his former teammate, Patriots runningback Kevin Faulk:

Running back Kevin Faulk gets updates through his wife, who is in e-mail contact with Jennifer Andruzzi (Andruzzi's wife).

"You pray and you believe that he will (beat the cancer)," Faulk said. "You never know what can happen, but in the long run that's what you want to happen, that he beats the thing. He's a strong guy."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10349880/2.

Here's an article about Colts defensive lineman Gary Brackett, a Christian, and his important role as the defensive captain, a job that he takes very seriously: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=43ab772b-7f59-405c-b075-1eb06f4ba647.

Also, an article about Gonzaga basketball head coach Mark Few and his wife Marcy hosting the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Classic and BasketBALL Gala in August that raised $750,000 for cancer: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/091307aap.html.

Lastly, an article by Reds catcher David Ross, talking about his teammate, outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian. Ross talks about his admiration of Hamilton for being able to come back from drug abuse and for the kind of person that Hamilton is. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070913&content_id=2206118&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

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/.

football, MLB, & basketball

First of all, an interesting Christian article comparing Cowboys Hall-of-Famer Michael Irvin and Giants outfielder Barry Bonds: http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/men/11550349/.

Here's a quote from Cubs manager Lou Piniella about a team meeting he held before last Thursday's game:

Piniella calls team meeting: The Cubs had a team meeting for the first time this season before Thursday's game to address the club's recent struggles.

"I don't really like meetings all that much, but I thought we needed one here," Piniella said. "We've gone through some adversity here with the injuries and some tough luck we've had. I just wanted these kids to continue to believe in themselves and to keep having fun. Use your God-given talents and have fun with it."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2140060&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, an article about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian, taking a dive off the high dive to inspire his players on a hot day of practices. He did "a perfect back flip in the layout position". Here's a quote from him about it:

Richt said he hadn't done his patented back layout in at least three years.

"I've been visualizing it for about two days because I knew we were going to do this," he said. "Actually I was thinking about sneaking in last night and practicing because I knew there'd be a lot of cameras and people here. But I couldn't get the time, so I did a lot of praying and positive visualization and it came out pretty good."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/08/09/richtdive_0810.html.

Here's a couple of articles about Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel and his inspiring return to the Majors last weekend. He hit 3 homers in his first 3 games. The first article tells about what he's gone through the last 7 years to get to this point: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2139385&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

This article is about Ankiel's homer during last Thursday's game: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2140369&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about some NBA players, including Rockets guard Mike James (a Christian) in particular, learning how to plan financially for their retirement: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5042761.html (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/442513.html).

Here's a couple more articles about the Bengals/Lions pre-season game last week, which included the Bengals reunion with former quarterback Jon Kitna (a Christian), now with the Lions. Here's a quote about Kitna and his friendship with current Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (also a Christian) from Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly, who's also friends with Kitna:

"He meant a lot to this team, and guys like that are hard to replace," said tight end Reggie Kelly, one of Kitna's closest friends with the Bengals. "Not only was he a great player on the field, but he was a spiritual leader. He took on challenges and didn't back down from nothing. That's what you need out of your quarterback position, and I think we've got another quarterback like that now in Carson."

The divergent paths taken by Palmer and Kitna make their friendship and relationship all the more compelling. Palmer was the first overall pick in the 2003 draft, the golden-armed quarterback who would be the face of the franchise. Kitna was signed as a college free agent out of Central Washington by the only team that took a look at him, the Seattle Seahawks, and burrowed his way from the bottom of the depth chart, through NFL Europe, before finally becoming a starter in the league. He's made 95 starts in 108 games for three different teams in his 10 seasons in the league.

"That just shows you the character of both players," said Kelly. "It shows you that, yeah, we are here to compete but there is something bigger than competition. Actually being there for each other, actually being a cheerleader along the way and being good teammates and friends. That's what they were and that's what they are today. They'll hang out together still. Yeah they were competing for a job but it's bigger than that and you can see that Kitna and Carson had the right perspective."

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AE/20070809/SPT03/708090309/1022/.

The other is a note about the Bengals reaction to Kitna before the game: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070810/SPT02/708100337/1066/SPT.

Next, a Q & A article about Colts linebacker Tyjuan Hagler. Here's a quote:

What do you do to take your mind off football?
"I'm a strong man in Christ. I always pray and just talk to my girlfriend on the phone. That's pretty much it."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070810/SPORTS03/708100500&theme=.

Here's another Q & A article, this one with Heat forward Alonzo Mourning Here's a quote:

HI: Because you play so passionately on the court, it looks like you can play for another three or four years. If you wanted to, would your body allow you to play beyond this season?

AM [Mourning]: “Yes, it would. But as a professional athlete, you want end your career on your own terms. The good thing about that is I'm able to do that now. God has really blessed me with the opportunity to come back and play this game at a very high level considering all the obstacles I've had to overcome, and now I'm in a position to end my career on my own terms. I want to go out on top. I feel like we have the capabilities as a team of doing that. I'm excited about the opportunity ahead. I know that all good things must come to an end and I've had an incredible ride. I just want to end it on the right note.”

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/heat/news/insider0708_mourning_interview_070808.html.

Also, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian. This one's also a Q & A one. Here's a couple of quotes:

DH: You were the first draft pick overall in 1999. How hard is it to explain to some people that it’s just as hard to deal with success as it is to deal with failure?

JH [Hamilton]: It all comes down to the choices you make. When you have failure you’ve got a lot of the same choices to make as when you have success. When I got drafted I got almost $4 million to play. The pressure form everybody else really didn’t get to me. It was the pressure I put on myself to perform. That was the main thing. At that time it didn’t matter how much I had going or how much money I had or how many things I could get, I was never happy. I ended going down that road that I went down. Ever since I surrendered and gave it all over to the Lord, it’s been unbelievable how much happier I am. The last couple years out there I had nothing -- just my wife and kids -- but I put them through hell. Now the last year and half I’ve been happier without material things than I have been my whole life. ...

DH: When you see what’s happening to somebody like Doc Gooden, what goes through you mind?

JH: I feel sorry for the guy. I know there’s a way out. I feel sorry for the family because I know how much pain it puts the family through. Really I just pray for the guy who is still going through the things he’s going through. There’s nothing anybody can do for that person unless that person wants to do it for themselves. All I can do is pray. I hope they turn their lives around and I know there’s something they can do to do that. It just makes me realize how fortunate I am to have started making the right decisions and living responsibly.

DH: You were the first draft pick overall in 1999. How hard is it to explain to some people that it’s just as hard to deal with success as it is to deal with failure?

JH: It all comes down to the choices you make. When you have failure you’ve got a lot of the same choices to make as when you have success. When I got drafted I got almost $4 million to play. The pressure form everybody else really didn’t get to me. It was the pressure I put on myself to perform. That was the main thing. At that time it didn’t matter how much I had going or how much money I had or how many things I could get, I was never happy. I ended going down that road that I went down. Ever since I surrendered and gave it all over to the Lord, it’s been unbelievable how much happier I am. The last couple years out there I had nothing -- just my wife and kids -- but I put them through hell. Now the last year and half I’ve been happier without material things than I have been my whole life.

Here's the article: http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/hamilton-says-hitting-bottom-worth-it/20070809112009990001.

Here's an article about Georgia football offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. He and his wife's 5th child is due in October, and they already have a 3-year-old and 18-month-old triplets. Here's the quote from him about his wife:

"My wife, bless her heart, I'm just blessed to be married to such a good woman. She's the one that has the tough job."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/08/10/bobo_0812.html

Next, an article about former Marlins pitcher Chuck Smith helping to coach a teenage baseball team: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2142873&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about an Athletes in Action team playing in Australia last week. The team included Josh Carter, Texas A&M; Ray Shafer, Oregon; Luke Zeller, Notre Dame; Jason Holsinger, Evansville; Wes Johnson, Iowa State; Jimmy Graham, Miami; and Brian Stamer, Colorado Christian. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/081107aac.html.

Lastly, an article about Padres catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, going on the disabled list last weekend: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2143007&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB misc., etc.

First of all, an article about North Carolina women's field hockey player Brianna O'Donnell working at and raising money for an orphanage in a slum in Kenya: http://www.ncaasports.com/fieldhockey/womens/story/10280093 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/going-out-of-her-way-to-make-difference.html).

Here's a Christian article in Guideposts Magazine by former Olympic wrestler Rulon Gardner, a Christian, and how he survived a small plane crash on a lake last February: http://www.guidepostsmag.com/weekly_feature.asp?date=8/10/2007. For more on him and the story, go here (page down some): http://www.guidepostsmag.com/familyroom/August2007/index.asp. It also includes his website: http://www.rulongardner.com/index.html.

Next, an article about Mets pitcher Tom Glavine's 300th win last Sunday and how important it was to his family too. Here's a quote about it from his wife Christine:

"I don't want to say a long time coming, but a lot of anticipation," said Christine Glavine, who after thinking about it for a second corrected herself. "Yeah, a long time coming. Twenty years in the making. He works so hard, he's so disciplined. We knew, hopefully, God willing, it was going to be inevitable. We couldn't do it on the first try, but he was awesome on the second try."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=2132680&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about the Faith and Family Night being held before the Astros game on Saturday. Those involved are Astros 1st baseman Lance Berkman and Christian music artist Jeremy Camp. Here's a quote from Berkman about it:

"When you're a Christian, it permeates every aspect of your life," Berkman told the Houston Chronicle last year. "It's who I am, and it comes out in every arena."

Here's the article: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/5026067.html (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5646).

Also, an article about Royals 1st baseman/DH Mike Sweeney, a Christian, and the possibility of him coming back and playing for the Royals next year: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070806&content_id=2133055&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc&partnered=rss_kc.

Here's an article about Rockets Guard Tracy McGrady raising money for a Houston school with a celebrity softball tournament and auction: http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/McGrady_raises_money_for_local-233673-34.html?rss=true.

Next, an article about Dodgers pitcher Roberto Hernandez, his long career in baseball, and how he reaches out to help others: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070806&content_id=2133331&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la&partnered=rss_la.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and how his hitting has improved since working with Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton (also a Christian) last winter: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070806&content_id=2133320&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about the things that Heat guard Dwayne Wade is doing to help others in South Florida this week: http://www.nba.com/heat/roster/wek_of_wade_070807.html?rss=true.

Lastly, an article about Brewers infielder Tony Graffanino's (a Christian) season-ending knee injury Wednesday: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2139745&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Barfield, Floyd, Ward, and Hoeppner

First of all, an article about Indians 2nd baseman Josh Barfield, a Christian, turning around his season after a slow start: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1181637231195360.xml&coll=2.

Next, another note about Cubs outfielder Cliff Floyd and his dad:

Get well soon: Floyd was going to visit his father at the hospital after Thursday's game. C.C. Floyd remained in the intensive care unit.

His father's situation has prompted Floyd to take precautionary steps with his health, and get his blood pressure and cholesterol tested regularly. His father needed a kidney transplant at the age of 34. Cliff is 34 now.

"I'm doing precautionary stuff, because if it's meant to be here, I know what to expect, I know how to deal with it," Floyd said.

His family and others have helped him deal with his father's illness.

"My pastor gave me a great message about things being in your hands, and things not being in your hands," Floyd said. "I've been able to clear my mind and I can sleep better. My dad, he's a fighter. If he doesn't make it, it's not because of his fight."

Floyd missed three of the Cubs games in Atlanta to be with his father, and has a three-game road trip next week in Texas. It's perfect timing to be playing the White Sox next weekend -- it's a road series but he'll be home.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070614&content_id=2026053&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about former NBA player and Rockets assistant coach Charlie Ward, a Christian, becoming the assistant basketball coach at a Christian high school in Houston: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2904888.

Lastly, an article about IU football coach Terry Hoepnner taking a leave of absence this season for health reasons because his cancer has returned. Offensive coordinator Bill Lynch will take over as head coach for at least this season. Hoeppner and his family could definitely use some prayers it sounds like. Here's a quote about Hoeppner and his family in a press release from his wife Jane:

"For the past several months, Terry has received chemotherapy and radiation treatments," a statement from Hoeppner's wife, Jane, said. "This battle requires us to focus our energy and attention on aiding his recovery in every way we can. The faith we have in God more than sustains us and grows stronger every day. Our family is confident that Bill and the staff will do a great job this season."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070616/SPORTS0601/706160430/1069/SPORTS0601.
I'll send along more news about Hoeppner as I can.

MLB misc., etc.

First, a couple of short notes. The first is about Braves pitcher Tim Hudson:

Earlier this week, Tim Hudson placed a call to James Cyran, a 12-year-old boy from suburban Atlanta, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Here's the article (at the end): http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070228&content_id=1820351&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's a note about Red Sox manager Terry "Tito" Francona quitting chewing tobacco:

Tito tries to kick habit: Francona has publicly committed to quitting chewing tobacco. The Red Sox have backed him in his effort, with president/CEO Larry Lucchino -- a cancer survivor -- announcing that he will donate $20,000 to a charity to be named if Francona abstains for the entire season.

"It's a hard habit to break, but I have the will to do it," Francona said in a statement. "And I know that in breaking this habit and vanquishing this addiction, I can show thousands of people who never should have started that they can stop, and they can stop right now.

"To have the support of Larry Lucchino and the whole Red Sox organization infuses me with strength and resolve that are greater than mine alone. I appreciate this effort, and I know how much it means to so many."

Here's the article: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070228&content_id=1820459&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Next, a good article about Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, mentoring young Braves pitcher Kyle Davies. After Mike Hampton, another Braves pitcher, went down with an injury yesterday, Davies is even more important: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070301&content_id=1821160&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's a good article about Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, heading into the new season: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-070225cubsbrite,1,5126988.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070228&content_id=1819704&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Also, a quote from new Cubs thirdbase coach Mike Quade, about Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano:

"He's got God-given speed, so he can run to either gap and get his jumps," Quade said of Soriano....

Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070301&content_id=1822007&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's another good interview with Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=4684.

Lastly, an article that I found a link for on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes website about former NBA player and current Rockets coach Charlie Ward and former NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who are both Christians: http://community.emeraldcoast.com/onset?db=eccommunity&id=13413&template=article.html.