NFL, MLB, basketball, etc.

Hello! Here's the first post for this weekend. First is a Christian article about Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver. Here's a quote from Weaver about his faith:

Weaver attributes faith in Christ as the key factor in his development, as a person, a husband and father and as a professional football player. He says the game has provided him life lessons that dovetail with his devotion.

“Football teaches a lot about faith, especially with me,” he said in the Seahawks’ locker room following a defeat in Atlanta. “There are hardships and hard times, but, if you continue to keep your head up and keep your confidence, good things will happen later on.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5745. Also, a link to former Seahawk fullback Mack Strong (a Christian)'s blog, The Strong Report, as mentioned in this article: http://www.seahawks.com/News/BlogsAndColumns.aspx?blogId=330.

Here's another Christian article about the strong Christians on the Packers team. Here's a quote from defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila:

But with all of his accomplishments, Gbaja-Biamila doesn't want any of the credit.

"By God's grace, I've had great success on the football field. I've set sack records for one of the most storied franchises in all of sports - the Green Bay Packers - and I plan to do more in my football career as long as God allows me the opportunity," Gbaja-Biamila said. "As much as I enjoy football and the success, I know that those things won't last forever. There is one thing that will, however, and that's my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This by far is my greatest victory."

Here's a link to the Freedom House Ministries that Gbaja-Biamila is involved with in Green Bay: http://www.freedomhouseministries.org/contact.html.

Here's the article: http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/306408.aspx.

Next, an article about Rockies outfielder Willie Taveras, a Christian, and how he's preparing for the upcoming season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2350867&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about the Packers and how the area churches blend or separate the team and church. Here's a couple of quotes from local clergy with different opinions on the topic, before the Packers/Giants game last Sunday:

The Rev. Dan Dainsberg of Faith Chapel, a Christian missionary alliance church, knows some of his parishioners will certainly privately pray for a Packers victory. But he won't.

"There are people on the Giants who love God and people on the Packers who love God and to try to pit one against the other, I wouldn't do that," the pastor said. "As big of a game as this is and excited as we are, it is small in comparison to life and death matters." ...

Certainly, he [The Rev. John Becker of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church] said, some of his parishioners will be praying for a win Sunday. Children in the church's school offered a special petition last week during a Mass, praying for a Packers victory.

Privately, the priest admitted, he would, too.

"I am very strong supporter of the Packers. I will say, 'God's will be done,' but please may it be that the Packers win," he said, laughing.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AnTL4iBYual6hzYhZQUQ8lsdsLYF?slug=ap-packers-prayers&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Also, a blog post on the Reds signing pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, a Christian, as a free agent from the Rockies: http://blue-collarbaseball.blogspot.com/2008/01/reds-sign-pitcher-affeldt.html.

Here's an article on Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, a Christian, and how he's worked hard to become a star: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10587154/rss.

Next, an blog post on Rick Hendrick, the NASCAR owner of Hendrick Motor Sports, who bought a special car for an injured soldier: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/hendrick-helps-iraq-vet.html.

Here's an article about Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a Christian, being named as a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The winner will be announced before kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday. The other finalists are the Dolphins Jason Taylor (also a Christian), Steelers Hines Ward, and Chiefs Brian Waters. Here's a quote from Witten about being nominated for the award:

"What I do on the field is important and my job, but I know that playing for the Dallas Cowboys and in the National Football League has afforded me the unique opportunity to contribute off the field, to make a difference in the lives of those in need," Witten said.

"To be a finalist is a great honor, and I am just proud to be mentioned in the same breath as Mr. Payton."

Here's the article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/011908dnspowitten.3bce895d.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/5).

Also, some articles and video clips about IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis) men's basketball head coach Ron Hunter, a Christian, and his helping to support the Christian organization Samaritan's Feet (http://www.samaritansfeet.org/). The organization collects shoes and money for kids without shoes throughout the world, especially Africa. Hunter went barefoot during IUPUI's game against Oakland last Thursday. These articles are from before the game, and I'll have more from after the game on a later post. Here's a quote from the first article:

With the help of Samaritan's Feet, a Christian-based group in Charlotte, N.C., Hunter's goal is to raise 40,000 pairs of new shoes during February, which is Black History Month.

"Dr. Martin Luther King had the courage and the faith to make a difference, and I hope that's what I'm about," Hunter said. "I want to use my passion to make a difference. I want people to feel it."

Hunter belongs to the same church in Indianapolis as Colts head coach Tony Dungy. Here's that article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080121/SPORTS06/801210351/1004/RSS02.

The next article tells some more about what Hunter was doing. There were 30,000 shoes donated by the day before the game. Here's that article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10594951/rss.

The last article about Hunter's project mainly just contains a good video segment from the local news about it: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7764687&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Here's an article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, addressing false reports that he had used drugs. Here's a quote from him:

Asked if he felt any need to prove himself all over again in light of the report, Pujols didn't hesitate.

"I don't have to prove myself," he said. "Since 2001, I've been proving myself with the numbers. I've been proving myself every year. How much better can I get? Only God knows how much better [I can] get. But do I need to cheat in this game to get better? This is nothing for me.

"Baseball is just a hobby, man. God has blessed me. And I fear God too much for me to do a stupid thing. I fear him. If I do some stupid things to help me out, to hit .400 or three-something or hit 30 home runs, he's going to take that away from me. So why not be the natural guy like I've been since I was in the Minor Leagues? To cheat in this game, that's not right."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080121&content_id=2352353&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about new Royals manager Trey Hillman, a Christian. He was hired by Royals general manager Dayton Moore, also a Christian. Here's a quote from him about becoming the Royals manager after spending the last five years managing in Japan:

"I kind of look at timing as a blessing from above," says Hillman, a deeply religious Christian. "Nobody on this earth is smart enough to know when the perfect timing is for anything."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/royals/2008-01-21-hillman-royals_N.htm?csp=34.

Lastly for now, a good post from the Saved in Sports blog about Giants quarterback Eli Manning and the charity work that he's done: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/patriots-giants-who-will-make-history-eli-manning/#comment-118.

Post 2: football, MLB, NBA, and music

Hi. Here's the second batch of articles that I have to post today.

First, a note about Christians that made the NFL Pro Bowl this year from Sports Spectrum's The Daily. The game will be in February in Hawaii:

PRO BOWL BROTHERS: Among those players named to the NFL Pro Bowl teams, there is always a strong representation from players who are willing to profess their faith in Jesus Christ publicly. Here are some of the Christians who will be playing football in Hawaii in February. AFC: Jeff Saturday, C, Indianapolis; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego; Troy Polamalu, SS, Pittsburgh. NFC: Jason Witten, TE, Dallas; Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle; Tony Richardson, FB, Minnesota; Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay; Tommie Harris, IL, Chicago; Patrick Willis, IL, San Francisco.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071219.php (more on Witten later in this post).

Along with that, here's a funny note about what Saturday's little boy had to say about him making the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year:

Reaction to the NFL's Tuesday announcement that five Indianapolis Colts will play in the 2008 Pro Bowl game Feb. 10 dominated locker room discussion Wednesday at the team's Westside complex.

That was a change for center Jeff Saturday, whose selection for the third consecutive season didn't exactly wow his 7-year-old son at home.

"Jeffrey said, 'What?' I said, 'I made the Pro Bowl,' " Saturday recounted.

"He's like, 'All right, let's go sledding.' "

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/SPORTS03/712200437/1058/SPORTS03.

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, wanting a chance to start next year, after doing pretty well starting most of this year: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=320494.

Here's an article about the great coaching job that Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, has done this season considering all of the injuries to the team. Also mentioned is Colts assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, also a Christian. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=smith_michael&id=3161166.

Also, another article about former MLB pitcher turned Christian singer Kent Bottenfield. He's released two albums so far, the latest one in September called Back in the Game. Here's his website for more: http://www.kbott.com/site.php?content=home. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071220&content_id=2334325&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about new Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis playing Santa for boys at a children's home for foster boys near Detroit earlier this week: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071220&content_id=2335092&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about how Suns forward Grant Hill, a Christian, is enjoying playing more this year because he's finally injury-free after several injury-filled seasons: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlpRqDEA6qFAU87ZC2KfIkI5nYcB?slug=jy-hill121907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's the other article about Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a Christian. It's about the foundation that he and his wife started, The Jason Witten S.C.O.R.E. Foundation, which supports women and children who are victims of domestic abuse after his mother was a victim herself. Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-12-19-insider_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, an article about the Camouflage Kids attending the IU/Coppin State game at IU this afternoon. The Camouflage Kids are families who have a parent serving in the military. Families have also attended games at Butler, Valparaiso, Purdue, Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, Michigan State, Air Force, Auburn, Duke, North Carolina and Notre Dame this year. Here's the article: http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122007aab.html.

Here's an article about Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney bringing presents to needy kids (includes video of the news segment): http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7518003&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Lastly, a great article about LSU defensive end Anthony Zehyoue (pronounced "Zay-yew"), who, with help from a priest, escaped civil war in Liberia along with his mom and siblings to join his dad in Louisiana when he was five. Here's a quote from him about that:

"How did we get out of that?" he said. "Why did God choose us?"

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10540623/3.

MLB, NBA, and football

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

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

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

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071117&content_id=2302762&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MLB, 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.

Dungy, Braves, and Angels

Hello. I'm still trying to get caught up on these articles. Here's some more tonight. First of all, an article about what Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, did the day before the Colts big game against the Patriots on November 4th: He spent the day at his All Pro Dads Kids Experience in Indianapolis helping men to become better dads. He was joined by wide receivers coach Clyde Christensen and punter Hunter Smith, both also Christians. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AruJ0gjIdRJ3tCLiYkvLhkJ.T4h4?slug=ap-dungy-familytime&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur's (a Christian) wedding to Catie McCoy on November 3rd, and what his now father-in-law thinks of him: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/11/03/francoeur_1104.html.

Next, another article on Tony Dungy, this one on how he has chosen his assistant coaches. Some of his former assistants have gone on to be NFL head coaches: Bears head coach Lovie Smith (a Christian), Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards, Lions head coach Rod Marinelli, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Another former assistant is former Alabama head coach Mike Shula. Also Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin considers Dungy a mentor (see the chart on the left side of article and enlarge for more). Here's the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/sports/football/04dungy.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=sports&adxnnlx=1194133312-w6qTFN4Frmy7pPB1IQQ9gg&oref=slogin (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/14).

Going back to the Braves, here's an article about new Braves general manager Frank Wren and how he got into baseball and his current job. While he was playing in the Minors, he had a benign tumor removed from his brain, which ended his playing career. Here's a quote from Wren about that:

"The big thing for me is that I came from a strong family. My mom and dad taught us values and belief in God, and I always thought things happen for a reason," he says. "Someone much bigger than me was in control. ... Baseball was taken away from me so I could turn the page and go on with my life. I kind of look at that as a blessing now, though I didn't at the time."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/11/03/wren_1104.html.

Also, an article about a baseball experience for kids with special needs that the Angels held last week at their stadium. Angels pitcher Justin Speier and broadcaster Rex Hudler helped out, with Hudler's son taking part. Here's a quote from Speier about it:

"It's truly an honor and a blessing for me to see the joy these kids possess," Speier said. "Just to be out here on the field is a great time for them."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071104&content_id=2292039&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Pirates pitcher Matt Morris wanting to follow former teammate Scott Rolen of the Cardinals lead in building a camp for underprivileged kids: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071105&content_id=2292301&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, for now at least, a couple of articles about what Tony Dungy did on November 5th, the day after the Colts big game against the Patriots. After taking his kids to school that Monday morning, he presented a couple of awards to a couple of men who had started father-child breakfasts at two local high schools. He gave the awards at a conference in Indianapolis sponsored by the White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Here's the first article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071105/SPORTS03/711050404/1006/RSS01. Here's the second article, which includes a video: http://www.theindychannel.com/family/14512826/detail.html?rss=ind&psp=news (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/14).

lots of football and MLB

I'm kind of behind on reading, but I'm starting to get caught up some. Here's some of the articles that I've read this week so far, which is a lot. First, a couple of quotes from Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, the first quote on what he thinks about the Rockies fans chanting "MVP!" when he comes up to bat and the second one on what he thinks of his chances to get the MVP Award:

"It’s nice to hear," said Holliday. "I’m humbled and honored that anyone thinks enough of me to chant that." ...

"If it happens, it happens," Holliday said. "If it doesn’t, then that’s okay, too. It is not for me to decide. And it is not for me to have an opinion."

Here's the article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/sports_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_83_5703372,00.html.

Here's a couple of quotes from Phillies pitcher Tom Gordon about getting better after getting pneumonia earlier this season while he was still recovering from a shoulder injury:

"I never felt anything like that to the point where I felt so miserable," Gordon said at the time. "I had headaches for two days. I didn't know what to expect and what to do. Thank God I was able to get here and get to a hospital to where I could get seen. It actually gave me a little more time to allow my shoulder to get a little stronger, too, but that's not the way you want to do that." ...

So how fresh does Gordon feel?

"I don't even know the meaning of that right now," Gordon said, with a laugh. "I went through so much. I thank God for helping me get through what I went through. It was tough on me, but I didn't give up."

Here's the article: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070923&content_id=2225393&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi (both articles originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070924&content_id=2227357&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, taking the time during a recent series against the Astros to talk to Astros rookie outfielder Hunter Pence about baseball and how impressed Pence and Astros manager Cecil Cooper were by Pujols doing that (page down a little): http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2007/09/wade_arrives_w.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2231202&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Jane Hoeppner, the widow of late IU football coach Terry Hoeppner who died last June from complications from brain cancer. She has continued to come to the IU football team's home games and support the team with the same enthusiasm that her late husband always did. She's helped the players through their grieving and vice versa. Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=277873 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/222).

Also, an article about Ravens kicker Matt Stover, a Christian, and how important he is to the team's success: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=277892.

Here's an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, and how pleased he was with his rookie season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2231735&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Next, another article about Albert Pujols, this one about him becoming the only ML player to record at least 30 homers and 100 RBI's in each of his first seven years of a career last week. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's always awesome," said Pujols. "It's an honor to get 100 RBIs. That's tough to do every year. But I wish I could trade that and be in the postseason, playing next month. But that's the way it goes.

"Obviously I need to thank my teammates because I couldn't do it by myself. They're getting on base, being aggressive running the bases. It's a big accomplishment that hopefully I can continue to do."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070926&content_id=2232453&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, and the increased number of passes and touchdowns that he's caught so far this season: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=79afffa2-f3ca-4698-a2bc-3a94b9452c34.

Also, an article about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger partnering with Marathon to raise money to support youth football in his hometown of Findlay, Ohio: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/CLTH018B27092007-1.htm.

Here's a good blog post from Tigers closer Todd Jones, a Christian, on how the end of the baseball season isn't the end of the world. He said that meeting a couple of kids fighting cancer this season helped him to keep baseball in perspective. Here's the post from his blog: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=278198.

Next, a good Christian article about Florida State fooball head coach Bobby Bowden and how he witnesses to his football players and coaches, including former assistant coach and current Georgia head coach Mark Richt: http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/7874.article (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Angels pitcher Chris Bootcheck and his new perspective since his wife gave birth to their first child, a girl, a couple of weeks ago. That along with his unexpectedly making the team last spring and the Angels making the playoffs, has made for a really special season for him so far. Here's a quote from him about it:

"This whole season has been one blessing after another," Bootcheck, the Angels' hard-throwing middle reliever, said.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070927&content_id=2233937&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana&partnered=rss_ana.

Also, two more articles on Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, about his faith and the affect of his example on the team, and about Christianity and football in general. Both articles are from ESPN's David Fleming: the first one is from ESPN the Magazine (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3036235) and the second one is more about Fleming's opinion about the issue (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/070927&sportCat=nfl). I love this quote from Kitna in the first article:

"I'm always happy," Kitna answered. "Only time I'll be happier is when I get to heaven."

Here's another good article about Bobby Bowden, this one from before Florida State's game last Saturday against Alabama. Bowden grew up in Alabama, rooting for the Crimson Tide teams of the 1930's and 40's, and the article is about him reminising about that before his first game ever against Alabama: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/feature/featureVideo?page=bowden/bama (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

Next, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton looking back at his rookie season. The article mentions how his season was a success just because he played after coming back to baseball from drug abuse. Here's a quote from him about the season and something that his coach/mentor Johnny Narron, also a Christian, told him:

And that's where he is this week, with his season over, gaining perspective on his first season in the big leagues.

"I don't look at the season and think about what I should have done different," Hamilton said. "Everything you do, you do for a reason. Johnny said to me at the beginning of the season, and this helped me a lot, 'God already knows what you're going to do tonight. No reason to get mad about it. He knows if you're going to go 0-for-4 or 4-for-4, so just go out there and do the best you can because it's already written down.'"

Even if it is already written down somewhere, everyone else - including Hamilton - is looking forward to reading the next chapter.

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AE/20070928/SPT05/709280320/.

Here's a note about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and his wanting to play every game this season, even after the Braves were eliminated from the playoffs and other players on the team were being rested:

No rest for Francoeur: During Friday's series opener, Cox gave Andruw Jones and Brian McCann a chance to rest. He'd planned to do the same for Jeff Francoeur until the 23-year-old right fielder convinced him that he wanted to start every game for a second consecutive season.

"When you've come this far through 159 games, it's something that you want to do," said Francoeur, who, including Friday, has started 324 consecutive games dating back to Oct. 1, 2005.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070928&content_id=2236891&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about University of Indianapolis basketball head coach Todd Sturgeon resigning this week so that he could spend more time with his kids. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It just came down to having young children, the time demands the job requires to do it right and kind of being at the point of my life where I needed to make a decision to be a lifer and coach forever or give something else a try," said Sturgeon, whose sons are 9 and 6.

"I wanted to give something else a try that didn't require me to be away from home so much."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071002/SPORTS06/710020382/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about the Rockies voting a full playoff share (money) for the family of late Rockies Double-A Tulsa coach Mike Coolbaugh, who was killed earlier this season when hit in the head by a foul ball. The Coolbaughs have two children with a third due this month: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071004&content_id=2249499&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, the websites of some Christian Major Leaguers that I've come across this week and will be added to my Christian baseball links. First is the personal website of Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins: http://www.jimmyrollins.com/ (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/programs/player_sites.jsp). The others are playoff blogs for Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton (http://toddhelton.mlblogs.com/) and Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark (http://tonyclark.mlblogs.com/) (Both blogs originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/index.jsp).

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, etc.

First of all, an article on Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson (a Christian), who set a team-record 12-game RBI streak end last Saturday. The MLB record is 14 straight games, set by Tris Speaker in 1928. Here's an article about his incredible streak: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070908&content_id=2196198&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Here's a quote from new Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin about his getting the job there:

Tomlin said he has the players to get the Steelers, who are one season removed from winning the Super Bowl, back to the title game this season.

"I realize I am blessed," he said. "Most people get a coaching opportunity because there is a lack of success. This is a unique opportunity and unique circumstances."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070908/SPT02/709080394/.

Next, a note about a security guard injured at Turner Field in Atlanta during a Braves game. The guard was chasing after a stupid fan who ran onto the field during the game:

Security guard update: The careless action of one fan, who chose to run on the field before the start of the ninth inning on Friday, created a scare. While tackling the fan, security guard Josh Garner fell on his back, causing his head to slam against the infield grass.

After he was placed in a neck brace, it appeared Garner was going to be immobilized and taken off the field on a golf cart. But the ex-Marine quickly rose, removed the brace, and simply took a seat on the cart that was awaiting him. As he exited, he made a quick wave to acknowledge the applause he was receiving from the crowd.

A few Braves players who have gotten to know Garner said they weren't surprised he didn't allow the medical staff to take him out on a stretcher.

As of early Saturday evening, the organization didn't have an official update on his condition. But some of his fellow security guards indicated they felt he was doing fine.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070908&content_id=2196763&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Here's an article about how Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, has had to change how he pitches in recent years to remain successful at age 40: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070908&content_id=2196763&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Also, an article about the Braves honoring the Little League World Champion team from Warner Robins, Georgia, before their game on Saturday night. It was the second year in a row that a team from Georgia had won the Little League World Championships, and so the second year in a row that the Braves had honored the winnning team: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070908&content_id=2197201&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl. Here's a link to some pictures from that too: http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/braves/0908braveslittleleague/.

Next, an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and his season this year, his plans for off-season training and goals for next season: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/08/bravesnot_0909.html.

Here's a good Christian audio interview from Sports Spectrum Radio with the Braves Mark Teixeira and Matt Diaz from Tuesday: http://www.rbc.org/radio_and_tv/sports_spectrum/programs/57972.aspx.

Also, unfortunately Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton's (a Christian) season may be over a little early. He re-injured a ham string injury last night and will miss the Reds upcoming 10-game road trip to receive treatment in Cincinnati with hopes that he can return after that. They only have 6 games remaining after that, so he might not be back this season. Here's the article: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070913&content_id=2205990&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Lastly, here's some sports evangelism websites that were in an article that I read in the September/October issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. I'll add these to my Christian sports links too:

Uncharted Waters Sports Ministry: http://www.unchartedwaters.org/home.aspx
The Mulligan Society: http://www.mulligansociety.com/
Church Sports International: http://www.churchsports.org/
In His Grip Golf Association: http://www.inhisgripgolf.com/
Cross Training Publishing: http://crosstrainingpublishing.com/catalog/
Sports Spectrum: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/
The Winning Run Foundation: http://www.winrun.org/

more Coach Hep and Barrett trade

First, some more articles about IUfootball coach Terry Hoeppner. The first article is about his son and his fight for life in his last few days: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/SPORTS0601/706200506/1004/RSS02.

Here's another good article on Hoeppner: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/SPORTS0601/706200504/1247/SPORTS.

Next, an article on the IU football players reaction to Coach Hep's death. Here's a quote:

Hoeppner usually was accompanied by his wife, Jane, following his initial surgery in December 2005. Several players said their bond was evident long before that.

"I thought he had an awesome relationship with his wife and the rest of his family," [last year senior safety Will] Meyers said. "You could see how much they cared for him and loved him."

Senior tight end Nick Sexton remembered a saying Hoeppner would use in practice when the Hoosiers would try a new drill the players weren't exactly crazy about.

"He would always say, 'Variety is the spice of life except when it comes to your wife,' " Sexton said with a laugh.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/SPORTS0601/706200497/1069/SPORTS0601.

Here's an article about Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald and how his team dealth with the death of their coach Randy Walker last summer: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/SPORTS0601/706200455/1069/SPORTS0601.

The last article on Coach Hep, for now. It's about the people that he worked with and caoched while coaching at Miami of Ohio as an assistant coach and then head coach for 19 years before coming to IU before the 2005 season. Here's a statement from Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who he coached while at Miami:

"Coach Hoeppner has inspired me to be who I am today," Roethlisberger said. "He has been a second father, a teacher and a friend. He believed in me, and I owe everything to him for where I am in life. I hold the deepest love and respect for him, his wife, Jane, and their family. He has been a role model for so many young men. I aspire to be as honorable and touch as many lives as Coach Hep. I will miss him more than words can describe."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/SPT0103/706200399/1062/SPT. (For some reason, the whole article isn't accessible from the main article, but only from the print version.)

Here's some articles about the Cubs/Padres trade earlier this week where Cubs catcher Michael Barrett (a Christian) was traded to the Padres for their cactcher Rob Bowen trade from both the Cubs and Padres viewpoints. Here's a quote from the first article from the Cubs website (Jake Peavy is a Christian too):

...Barrett also is close friends with San Diego pitcher Jake Peavy, the league's ERA leader.

Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070620&content_id=2038291&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Next, an article about the Cubs players reaction to Barrett being traded. Here's a quote from another Cubs catcher Koyie Hill about Barrett:

"He was a great teammate," Koyie Hill said. "[The first day in Chicago] I get out of the cab at Wrigley and he gives me a big ol' hug. You play the same position and there's always a little bit, not animosity, but, 'Hey, this is my territory.' He was never like that."

Here's an article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070620&content_id=2039168&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Lastly, an article about the trade from the Padres point of view. Here's a quote from Barrett during the press conference before his first game with the Padres:

"It's unfortunate some of the things that have happened to me have happened," Barrett said. "I'm looking forward to starting here as a member of this team and put all that behind me. Some of the things that happened weren't part of my character.

"I play on the edge ... a lot. Controlling myself is something I take pride in. It just seems like the last couple of years, things have happened that aren't what I'm all about. I hope to show the Padres fans and the team that this is how it is."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070620&content_id=2040148&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

MLB and NFL misc.

First of all, an article about Rangers 1st baseman Mark Teixeira's (a Christian) consecutive games played streak coming to an end last Saturday: http://www.star-telegram.com/284/story/132052.html.

Here's an article about Colts offensive tackle Tarik Glenn (a Christian) helping out rookie offensive lineman Tony Ugoh, who may possibly end up replacing Glenn in the future. Here's a quote from Glenn about it:

Glenn said the approach involves more than football. He said it’s more about life.

And because of that, he said he really sees no other way.

“A lot of it has to with my faith, and my values,” Glenn said. “What I believe got me here isn’t a self-centered, selfish mentality or way of thinking.

“It’s more, ‘Whatever you receive, you give that much more.’’’

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=9092e322-283f-461c-8bb7-78d5d422ae3f.

Next, an article about the one-year anniversary of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's near fatal motorcycle crash. Here's a quote from him about it:

"A lot of good things and some bad things (happened since last year), but I'm blessed, I truly am, to be out here," Roethlisberger said Tuesday. "It's a beautiful day to be on this football field with my teammates."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Football_News/FBN_Steelers_Roethlisberger_Anniversary.html.

Here's a note about a good thing that Cubs pitcher Will Ohman had to say to a fan at Wrigley Field:

Clarification: After Will Ohman was pulled from Tuesday's game, he appeared to be having an animated conversation of his own with a fan sitting behind the Cubs' dugout. However, Ohman did not yell at the fan, as reported. Ohman was upset that the man was using profanity in front of some kids sitting in the area, and was trying to get him to stop.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070613&content_id=2024143&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about the Colts Super Bowl ring ceremony. Here's a quote from Colts owner Jim Irsay:

There's the word "Faith" on one shank, or side, of the ring. Faith "gives you the strength to have the perseverance to move forward even after many disappointments," Irsay explained.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/SPORTS03/706130533/1058/SPORTS03.

By the way, to see video of the ring ceremony, go to Colts.com and look on the right side of the screen near the top. I haven't watched it yet, but I'm going to when I get the chance. Here's the site: http://www.colts.com/default.cfm?gopast=1.

Here's a link to the MLB Father's Day page: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/fathersday/index_07.jsp.

Lastly, here's a link to Nothing But Nets, a group that raises money to buy insecticide-treated bed nets for $10 for families in Africa to prevent children from dying from malaria. One of the groups supporters is San Antonio Silver Stars Ruth Riley, a Christian. Here's the website: http://www.nothingbutnets.net/about-the-campaign/.

Hamilton, Roethlisberger, Pollack, and Royals update

The first article is about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, being named the National League Rookie of the Month for April: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070502&content_id=1942961&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a good article about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the lady that he crashed into and what their past year has been like since the big motorcycle crash. Here's a quote from him about why he took a different route than normal when he crashed:

"I don't say it was fate," Roethlisberger says. "I say it's God's plan."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2849206.

Lastly, a good article about the Bengals David Pollack, a Christian, and his recovery from a serious neck injury he suffered when he broke a bone is his neck during a game. Here's a quote from a speech that he made last week:

The day after the injury, Pollack was fitted with a halo that was screwed into his skull, which he wore for three months.

"I can honestly say those were the best three months I've ever had in my life," Pollack told the crowd. "The Bible says 'Be still and know that I am God.' And I had never done that.

"I couldn't drive a car, couldn't exercise. All I could do was sit in a recliner for eight hours a day and listen to God. I had never learned so much about me."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/05/02/0503pollack.html.

One of the articles that I sent to you in an e-mail last Wednesday was about Mike Sweeney and how he had talked to a boy from Kansas City who was going to have brain surgery the next day (http://www.kansascity.com/164/story/84307.html). Here's an update on the boy's condition as of last Tuesday, in case you were curious like I was:

Matt Herndon update

Eleven-year-old Matt Herndon, who captured Mike Sweeney’s heart for the spirit he showed before undergoing brain surgery last Thursday in Dallas, is improving.

Herndon, who is from Overland Park, is expected to return home in the next day or so and could be ready to return to school sometime next week.

Here's that article: http://www.kansascity.com/164/story/89797.html.