MLB awards and Redskin prayers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

football and MLB misc., etc.

First of all, an article about how important Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, a Christian, will be to his team's success this season: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/SPT02/708310345/1066/rss07.

Here's an article about the meeting between two MLB outfielders with great comeback stories last weekend: the Reds Josh Hamilton (a Christian) and the Cardinals Rick Ankiel, whose teams played against each other. Both had to overcome a lot to be playing in the Majors this season. Here's a quote from Hamilton about it:

"You have good days and you have bad days. That's playing ball and that's everyday life," Hamilton said. "This says a lot about God and how to stay faithful. There's really no reason why I should have been able to come back and play as well as I have."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/SPT04/708310346/1071/rss08.

Next, an article about Red Sox relief pitcher Mike Timlin, a Christian, reaching the 1,000 appearance milestone last Friday night. He's only the 13th pitcher to ever accomplish that. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2182508&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about the Virginia Tech/East Carolina game last Saturday, which Virginia Tech held on to win at home. It was an emotional day as it was the first major sporting event for Virginia Tech since the mass shootings there last April and they had pre-game ceremonies to honor those that were killed. Here's a quote from after the game:

... When it was over, both teams kneeled at the 50-yard line for a prayer. Then the Hokies turned toward the band in the north end zone, singing along while they played the school's alma mater.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/gamecenter/recap/NCAAF_20070901_ECA@VATECH.

Also, a couple of articles about Appalachian State's HUGE upset of Michigan last Saturday. Something funny that I did hear on ESPN about it was that the highest ranked team did win: Appalachian State was #1 and Michigan #5, but Appalachian State is only in Division 1-AA, not 1-A like Michigan. Michigan ended up completely dropping out of this week's rankings, and all hopes of a national title are gone. By the way, Appalachian State's head coach Jerry Moore is a Christian. Here's an article about the game itself: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272440130&confId=null&date=20070901.

The other article about Appalachian State is about the celebration that began on their campus in Boone, North Carolina as soon as the game ended, including one of the goal posts being torn down and put in the chancellor's front yard. Here's a quote from Jerry Moore about his team:

"Just God bless them," Moore said of his players in his thick Southern drawl. "It's a crowning achievement. They're a great bunch of kids and they have worked so hard."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AkJ63Ikmi0Kb5iWjnsR8tgF.T4h4?slug=dw-appstate090107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Braves 1st baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, returning from the minors to help the team try and make the playoffs with his leadership and pinch-hitting: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2182886&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Here's an article about Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz, a Christian, having to have Tommy John elbow ligament transplant surgery. He'll be out for all of next season as well as the rest of this one. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183564&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf&partnered=rss_sf.

Also, a note about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur's (a Christian) consectutive games played streak:

Francoeur's streak second in majors
Jeff Francoeur started his 300th consecutive game Saturday, a streak that began with the last two games of his 2005 rookie season.

It's the second-longest active games streak in the majors behind the 330-gamer by Cleveland's Grady Sizemore, who hasn't started all games in his streak.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/01/franco_0902.html.

Here's an article about the IU/Indiana State football game last Saturday, and the pre-game ceremony to honor IU's late head coach Terry Hoeppner. Hoeppner died last June from complications from brain cancer. The ceremony included Hoeppner's wife and kids. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/COLUMNISTS01/709020438/1247/SPORTS0107.

Lastly, an article about the track and field world championships in Japan last weekend, Allyson Felix, a Christian, won gold in the 200, 400 relay, and 1,600 relay. Another Christian, Catherine Ndereba of Kenya won the gold in the marathon. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=3001868.

MLB and football misc.

First, a funny quote from Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, about his lucky barber:

If the Braves somehow find a way to make it into the playoffs, they might want to send a thank-you note to Hugo the barber in Miami. Matt Diaz will.

Diaz, sporting a fresh haircut by Dolphin Stadium's resident barber, continued his inexplicable mastery of Florida pitching with two homers and a double in the Braves' badly needed 7-4 win against the Marlins on Wednesday night. ...

Just like he did during the Braves' April visit to Florida, Diaz had Hugo give him a haircut. This time he got it before the series opener, rather than waiting until the middle of the series.

"Earlier this year I was scuffling," Diaz said. "I had the -- I guess it would be the University of Georgia frat-boy [haircut] working. It was looking pretty sloppy. So we came in [to Florida], and I was 0 for my last 17.

"I went in there and said, 'You do with my hair what you want.' Hugo chopped it all off, and I went 2-for-4 with a homer that night, turned the whole season around."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/29/braves_0830.html.

Here's an article about Giants pitcher Vinnie Chulk, who had some numbness in a finger on his pitching hand caused by his tobacco use. He immediately stopped chewing, cold turkey, because he knew that his career was at stake. Baseball players at all levels should hear about what tobacco use can do to your fingers. Here's the article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/30/SPJ4RRNAN.DTL (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2179295&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about the work in the community that Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, does, and why he does it: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2179184&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb.

Here's an article about the Virginia Tech defense's lunch pail that has taken on added meaning after the shootings there last April: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2997449.

Also, another article about how well Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, has hit since he was traded there from the Rangers on July 31st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2179217&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about A's 2nd baseman Mark Ellis helping out at a diabetes clinic for kids. He and teammate Bobby Crosby donate money for every put out to the American Diabetes Foundation. He's involved with diabetes since his grandmother died from it and he has a friend that was diagnosed with it when they were kids. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070830&content_id=2179736&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an interesting video about how Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, a Christian, studies video to help get any advantage on the other teams' defenses: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview07/news/story?id=2977735.

Here's an article about Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny hosting a fishing trip for underprivileged children, along with former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070831&content_id=2180515&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a great Christian article on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, including a picture of him playing Goliath for the kids' musical at his church. How many college quarterbacks, especially of the defending national champions, are going to be involved in a kids' musical? I thought that was awesome. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5657.

Here's a great Christian article on Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford. It's great to see that some of the biggest names at quarterback in college football this year are Christians, with Tebow, Weatherford, and Colt McCoy at Texas. This article about Weatherford is about how God has used injuries to get his attention. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5658.

Next, an article about a basketball missionary trip that the basketball team from Wayland Baptist University took to Lithuania and Poland this summer: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5659.

Here's an article about the Florida State/Clemson football game later this evening, pitting Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden against his son Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, both Christians, and how they deal with the family aspect of the game: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/083107abd.html.

Also, an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and how the long season has tired him. The article also talks about how Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton, also a Christian, has tried to help him out. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/30/bravesnotes_0831.html.

Lastly, an MLB injury report: First, an article about Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth, a Christian, coming off the disabled list to start on Thursday: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070902&content_id=2185859&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The other injury article is about Yankees 1st baseman Andy Phillips, a Christian, who is going to have surgery on his wrist after it was broken when hit by a pitch yesterday: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2186584&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB misc. and basketball

First of all, an article about Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens helping out 21-year-old pitcher teammates Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes. The 45-year-old Clemens began pitching in the Majors 24 years ago, before Chamberlain and Hughes were born. Here's the article: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spherr195338195aug19,0,3122854.column (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070820&content_id=2159755&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about IU basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson helping to raise money for a children's home in Richmond, Indiana, along with his players D.J. White and Lance Stemler: http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/NEWS01/708200302/1008 (originally found at: http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/082007aaa.html).

Next, an article about Reds pitcher Bobby Livingston and the Little League team from his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. The team lost today in the Little League World Series national finals to Georgia. Livingston had helped out the team financially and was rooting for them in the World Series. Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/SPT05/708200324/1027.

Here's an article about Cubs outfielder Cliff Floyd's return to the team after the death of his father. Here's what he had to say about being back with the team and the support of his teammates during the time after his father died:

"It's nice -- you can get caught up in all the stuff that's going on and caught up in sitting at home," Floyd said. "These are the guys who stood behind me and backed me through this and were present during the funeral. I'm really blessed to have good people around me."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070820&content_id=2159671&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about injured Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement, a Christian, and his rehab. from shoulder surgery this season. He's hoping to be able to pitch some at the end of September. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070820&content_id=2160116&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's a biographical article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070821&content_id=2161329&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari&partnered=rss_ari.

Next, an article about Mavericks guard Jason Terry being honored for his work with kids: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/082207dnspomoore.3098995.html (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/linkcentral.html).

Here's the latest blog post from Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth, a Christian: http://www.marothbaseball.com/2007_08_01_archive.asp.

Also, a note about Pirates pitcher Solomon Torres, a Christian, and his decision to drop a grievance against the Pirates because of his Christian beliefs:

Torres drops suit: In a decision that Salomon Torres said was made solely because of his "duty" as a Christian, Torres has decided to drop both his pending grievance and lawsuit against the Pirates organization.

"It's not my place to seek for justice," Torres said. "I wasn't trusting God to do what he wanted. Let God handle the situation. I just need to put that behind me."

Torres initially filed a grievance after claiming that the organization was less than candid with him into signing a contract for less money. And just last week, Torres had made plans to meet with an attorney to try to move forward with a legal suit.

But Torres had recently admitted that the pending lawsuit was affecting his on-the-field performance and said that as a result of that and his religious beliefs, he woke up on Sunday morning knowing that he needed to back down.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070814&content_id=2148025&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5655).

Here's an article about former MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser and his support of Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb and Webb's attempt to break Hershiser's record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings. Webb's streak ended at 42 innings. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070821&content_id=2162045&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari.

Next, an article about Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, a Christian, and the Yankees turn-around this season: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070821&content_id=2161408&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Giants pitcher Barry Zito and his work to raise money to give financial help to injured soldiers through his Strikeouts for Troops organization. There are 35 other MLB players that also raise money for the organization. Here's the organization's website, which includes a list of the players involved: http://www.strikeoutsfortroops.org/. Here's the article about it: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070821&content_id=2161410&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, a Christian, and his hot hitting of late: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070821&content_id=2162577&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, and his success hitting this year even with having to platoon: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/21/brvdiaz_0822.html.

Next, a Christian article about Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson after his 10-RBI game last Tuesday: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5652. Here's an article about the game: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070822&content_id=2162982&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, a couple of notes from things that I heard while watching baseball on TV today. First, during the Little League World Series national semi-final game between Lubbock, Texas, and Warner Robins, Georgia, broadcaster Orel Hershiser mentioned that Georgia's Hunt Smith (not Colts punter Hunter Smith!) had put on his questionnaire that each player filled out for the ESPN/ABC broadcasts that he wanted to be a pastor when he grew up. Hershiser also said that his parents didn't know about it before that.

The other thing that I heard while watching baseball on TV today was when I caught the end of the Reds ceremony to retire former shortstop Davey Concepcion's #13. During Concepcion's speech of thanks, he said something like "Thanks to God for giving me the ability...".

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.

sports misc.

First of all, a kind of ironic story about Kings forward Ron Artest. Earlier this week he was suspended by the NBA for offcourt legal troubles. When the media finally tracked him down for a comment about it, he was on a goodwill mission helping to feed kids in slums in Kenya. Go figure. Anyways, here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2937882.

On to some better news, here's another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton (a Christian) story. I just can't read his story enough times though. Here's a quote from him:

In his first full Major League season with the Cincinnati Reds, Josh Hamilton has been on the disabled list twice and played for a team buried in last place.

And he couldn't be happier about it.

"It's been a miracle, to go from where I came from to where I am now," he said. "I lost everything -- family, health, wealth."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070716&content_id=2089494&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an intertesting articles about the family troubles that some NFL coaches have had in the last year, in part because they spend so much time working: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-coachesfamilies071607&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's an article about a baseball clinic for kids put on by the Red Sox and players Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070716&content_id=2089856&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Also, I came upon the website for Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, a Christian: http://coachtressel.com/.

Lastly, a few weeks ago I e-mailed each MLB team's website asking for a list of the songs that their batters and pitchers have played at their home field when they come up to bat or in to pitch. The reason that I wanted to know was to see if any Christian players have Christian songs played. I only got e-mails back from 13 out of 30 teams, and only 7 of them had lists. Of those 7 teams, only 3 teams and a total of 6 players have Christian songs played. Here's those players and their songs:

Royals: (http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/fan_forum/atbat.jsp)
Mike Sweeney: "The Slam" by Toby Mac & "Rise Up" & "Communion" by Third Day
Fernando Cortez: "Consuming Fire" & "Tunnel" by Third Day
Reggie Sanders: "Looking For You" by Kirk Franklin
David Riske: "Stomp (Remix)" by Kirk Franklin

Brewers: (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=605607)
GABE GROSS, Outfielder

Song: "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe

Behind the music: Friend and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher John Wasdin introduced the song to him while they played together on the AAA team in Syracuse in 2003. "I loved it the first time I heard it. . . . It brings me back to the things that are important in this world for me. . . . It gets me in the right frame of mind."

Favorite part: "Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?/Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you, be still?/Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?/Will I sing Hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?"

When it comes on in the car: "I usually stop whatever else I'm doing. If I'm on the phone, I'll hang up."

Superstitions attached: "I'm probably the least superstitious guy here."

Rockies: (e-mail attachment)
Jeremy Affeldt: Fireproof by Pillar

Other teams song webpages:
Dodgers: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/fan_forum/songs.jsp
Giants: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/entertainment.jsp.

College football, MLB, and music misc.

First, an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt (a Christian) and how not calling the plays on offense has freed him up to do a lot of different things with the team as a whole: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/07/06/0707richt.html.

Here's an article about Major League Baseball and the Magic Builders foundation renovating a Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco in conjuction with the All-Star Game. Former and current baseball players involved included former MLB player Matt Williams and his family, and minor leaguers Freddy Sandoval of the Angels organization, Collin Balester, of the Washington Nationals organization, and Chuck Lofgren, of the Cleveland Indians organization. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070707&content_id=2073730&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about how many of the Phillies players and coaches, a couple of Rockies players, and the umpires pitched in to help the Rockies ground crew get the tarp on the field on Sunday. High winds came up and made getting the tarp on dangerous, but the Phillies pitched in to help without thinking about their own safety. Being a Braves fan, I want the Phillies to lose because they're right behind us, but they deserved to win that game, I have to admit. What they did was awesome. Here's the article, which includes a link to video of it too: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2075353&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi&partnered=rss_phi.

Here's an article about retired MLB catcher Mike Matheny, a Christian, visiting his former Giants and Cardinals teammates when the Giants were in St. Louis last weekend: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10249875.

Also, an article about Brewers 1st baseman Prince Fielder chosing one of his former minor league hitting coaches, now minor league manager, Mike Guerrero, to pitch for him in the Home Run Derby. Here's a quote from Guerrero about it:

Guerrero told the Charleston Daily Mail that the honor was "a blessing from heaven."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2076310&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp&partnered=rss_mlb.

Here's an article about why Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, chose to be in the Home Run Derby: because his son A.J. wanted him to be! A.J. cheered on his dad during the Derby and Pujols was able to make it to the 2nd round, but he couldn't quite make it to the final round. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2076620&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an interesting new outreach starting up in connection with the Ohio State/Michigan football game from Sports Spectrum's Daily:

FOOTBALL: A LOOK AHEAD College football is still a couple of months away, but that isn’t stopping Shawn Lazarus and Joel Penton for getting ready for the season. If you are a close observer of Big Ten football, you will know that Lazarus and Penton fall on opposite sides of one of college football’s greatest rivalries: Ohio State vs. Michigan. But now that they are no longer playing the game (Lazarus last played in 2002; Penton in 2006), they are working on the same team: Team Jesus. They are working together to put together an outreach to take place around the OSU-Michigan game this November. They are currently in the planning stages for this event, and they need both prayer and support as they get the plan off the ground. It’s summer—the time football players go the extra mile to get ready for training camp and the season. And for now, that’s what Lazarus and Penton are doing as “Sports biggest rivals team up to defend you . . . against life’s greatest opponent.” Go to http://www.shawnlazarus.com/ to find out more about what he is doing.

Article from: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/070710.php.

Also, this week I listened to the CD from the new Christian group 33 Miles, and it was great. I really recommend it. Here are links to their websites: http://www.33milesonline.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/33miles.

Lastly, MercyMe is having a post-game concert at Turner Field after the Braves/Rockies game on August 4th. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go since I live in Indiana, but I just thought that it was cool that they were having it. Here's the link to the webpage: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/mercy_me.jsp.

baseball misc.

First of all, an interesting quote from Cubs manager Lou Piniella about the Cubs getting on a hot streak this season:

"It should've started a month ago," Piniella said. "We're in the middle of the summer almost. I think we all need to go to church and put more in the box."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070621&content_id=2040821&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's a quote from Oregon State shortstop and Cubs 4th round draft pick Darwin Barney. The Beavers are playing in the championship round of the College World Series (posted on Cubs.com):

...Oregon State has reached the College World Series every year since Barney, a native of Beaverton, Ore., joined the team in 2004.

The success is not a coincidence. After the Beavers won the championship last summer, Barney went on to win a gold medal at the world university championships as a member of Team USA.

"I've been very blessed," Barney said modestly.

Here's the article: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070621&content_id=263245&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, a couple of articles about charity golf tournaments involving MLB players on Thursday. The first was for the Braves Foundation, with players Jeff Francoeur (a Christian), Kyle Davies, Tyler Yates, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, former Braves, and members of the front office taking part: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070621&content_id=2041204&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

The other charity golf tournament was for the Pujols Family Foundation, which involved Cardinals players Pujols (of course--a Christian), Tony La Russa, Adam Wainwright (a Christian), Chris Duncan, Mark Mulder, Randy Flores, and Adam Kennedy. Also, the Phillies were in town for the series this weekend so there players Jimmy Rollins (a Christian), Shane Victorino, Abraham Nunez, and Antonio Alfonseca were there also, along with Texas Tech head basketball coach Bobby Knight and Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070621&content_id=2041294&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl.

Lastly, a couple of interesting articles about the trials of trying to make it to the Majors and stay there. The first is about players' headaches of being sent back and forth from the Minors and the Majors and what it does for their and their families living situations from some of the Braves point of view: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/06/22/0624insidebb.html.

The other article is about former Major Leaguers who are playing for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. They all think that they deserve another chance in the Majors, and are trying to prove it. One of the players is former Met and Giant Edgardo Alphonso (a Christian), probably the most accomplished player and most ready to return to the Majors. Here's a quote about him:

A similar sentiment is routinely echoed by Alfonzo, the unofficial team guru and unfortunate leader among fans in the category of suddened He's-playing-where?s. A 12-year major league veteran with 1,532 lifetime hits, Alfonzo came to fame as the cornerstone of a mid-to-late 1990s New York Mets infield that Sports Illustrated once called "the best ever." He combined power, bat control and flawless defense into one of the game's most complete packages. Then, with San Francisco two seasons ago, it vanished.

One day, Alfonzo was among the game's elite second basemen. The next, he was Rick Schu. "There are a lot of factors," he says, speaking quietly in a clubhouse corner. Inches away is the fly, swarming above Alfonzo's head. He eyes it away. Eyes it again. Then continues. "Last year, I had trouble with playing time and began developing some bad habits. I still need to get my timing and confidence back. But I think it's coming around."

Later in the evening, Alfonzo's grand slam will lift Long Island (28-17 record) to a come-from-behind 9-8 triumph over Somerset before a capacity crowd of 6,011. Both LaPoint and Harrelson believe Alfonzo will be signed by a major league club sooner than later. "He's just too good," says LaPoint. "He can help a lot of teams."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070621.

baseball misc. and Hoeppner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MLB misc., IRL, and new music

First, an article about Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie and how he came out of nowhere to pitch well this year. Here's a quote from him:

"I feel really blessed the way things are going," Guthrie said. "You go through your struggles, you realize you can't do everything. There's probably some help from above with everything going on right now."

Here's the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/20/AR2007052000003.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070521&content_id=1977791&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about the Brewers, and particularly pitcher Matt Wise, helping Habitat for Humanity build houses in the Milwaukee area: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070521&content_id=1978589&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a good article about the chaplain for the Indy Racing League, Bob Hills: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070524/LOCAL18/705240557/1195/LOCAL18.

Also, an article about Giants pitcher Barry Zito's Strikouts for Troops program that benefits injured soldiers in military hospitals in the U.S.: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070524&content_id=1983139&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, here's a new Christian music group that I've discovered and really like, Rush of Fools. They have a big hit right now, "Undo". Here's their websites to check out: http://www.rushoffools.com/index.html and http://www.myspace.com/rushoffools.

lots of MLB misc.

First of all, a couple of articles about the retirement of former Yankees pitcher Aaron Small. Here's a quote from him about his decision to retire at the end of spring training with the Mariners this year:

“The Mariners asked me to go to Tacoma, but I didn't feel like it was right,” Small said in the Newsday story. “I did a lot of praying about it and felt like God was leading me to [retire]. I’m at 100 percent peace with my decision and haven’t looked back since.”

The first one is a Christian article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5586. That article has a link to this article: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ny-spsmall0518,0,1505062.story?coll=ny-baseball-headlines.

Here's an article about the A's Nick Swisher cutting his hair after he grew it out so that it could be made into wigs for women with cancer. His inspiration is his grandmother, who died from cancer. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070519&content_id=1974865&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

I found that article on the MLB in the Community page: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/index.jsp.

Also on that same page can be found an article about some of the Red Sox wives, including Shonda Schilling (Curt Schilling's wife) and Dawn Timlin (Mike Timlin's), riding in a cycling event to raise money for ALS: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070520&content_id=1975984&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz, a Christian, being demoted to the bullpen and how he took it. Here's a quote about it:

Russ Ortiz spent part of Sunday morning reminding teammates to attend chapel services. This reflected the maturity and grace with which he handled his reassignment to the Giants' bullpen.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070520&content_id=1976194&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf.

Here's an article about another former Yankee, Bernie Williams, speaking at the Iona College graduation. Here's a good quote from what he said:

..."No matter what you choose to do in life ... you are going to be in a position to make an impact on somebody's life."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070520&content_id=1976931&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, another athlete in the Christian music business, former MLB pitcher Kent Bottenfield. Here's his website where you can listen to samples from his songs and more: http://www.kbott.com/.

Lastly, in honor of John Smoltz's (a Christian) 200th career win last night, here's a quiz about him: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/quiz/smoltz/smoltz.html.

Dotel and Ortiz

Only two articles today, both about MLB pitchers making comebacks. The first is about Octavio Dotel and his new beginning with Royals after Tommy John surgery. Here's a quote from him:

“It has been the most amazing feeling,” he says. “I feel like I’m reborn. I feel like I’ve got a brand-new arm. I think I’m throwing harder than I did before. And it feels so easy. I just thank God, because I never thought I would feel like this again. I’m ready to help the Kansas City Royals win some games now. You can tell all the fans in Kansas City that I can’t wait to get there. I’m so thankful to this organization. They’re going to be happy they gave me this chance.”

Here's the article: http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/baseball/mlb/kansas_city_royals/16973211.htm.

The next article is about Russ Ortiz, a Christian, making the Giants as their fifth starter: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2007/03/29/GIANTS.TMP. (Both articles originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070329&content_id=1865028&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp)

Lastly, Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson has added a new post to his blog, one about the beginning of the season: http://naterobertson.mlblogs.com/.

mostly baseball misc.

First, an interesting article on the small-town players on the Butler men's basketball team: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070314/SPORTS0605/703140486/1004/SPORTS.

Here's an article on the Angels Howie Kendrick. Here's what he had to say about his grandmother who died last fall:

So I have no regrets now. She told me that it was her time and she wasn't afraid to be going because it was was God's will. She told me that all her work here on earth was done.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070314&content_id=1842434&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about the Red Sox David Ortiz mourning the death of a soldier who visited with him at Fenway Park in Boston last season before he left for Iraq: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070313&content_id=1842282&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Here's an article about Cubs Ryan Dempster teamming up with his teammate Derrek Lee's foundation to donate money for every save this season. The money goes towards finding a cure for the disease that Lee's daughter has. Michael Barrett is already donating for every homer he hits. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070314&content_id=1842830&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, a good article on pitcher Russ Ortiz's (a Christian) so-far successful return to the Giants: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Baseball_News/BBN_Giants_Ortiz_Comeback.html.

MLB misc., Colts, and IU

First, I'm really behind. I've had a really busy week this past week and will be just as busy this coming weekend. So I'm trying to play catch up when I can.

Here's an article about Russ Ortiz's (a Christian) chances of making the starting rotation this spring with the Giants: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/baseball/mlb/san_francisco_giants/16764500.htm
(originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070223&content_id=1812764&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, a note about Derrek Lee and his daughter:

Derrek Lee rejoined the Cubs on Saturday. He had returned to Sacramento to attend an event at his daughter Jada's school. It was a father-daughter function, and Lee said he promised he would be there.

Here's the article (at the end): http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070224&content_id=1814830&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's an article about the Colts' and the NFL's image after all the arrests this past season and current off-season: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702240438.

Also, a note about Lou Piniella being where he was supposed to be while Mark Prior was throwing at 8:30 last Sunday morning:

Piniella missed Prior's throwing session.

"I went to chapel, so I didn't see it," he said.

Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070225&content_id=1815461&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Lastly, last night was Senior Night at IU, with seniors Errek Suhr, Earl Calloway, and Roderick Wilmont giving their senior speeches after the game. They wern't televised, but were broadcast, as always, on the radio. Both Calloway and Wilmont thanked God first thing in their speeches. I can't find a transcript, but the audio broadcast can be found on near the upper left corner of this page, under "Senior Speeches": http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0601.