MLB, Super Bowl, football, etc.

Hi again. Here's the last of the articles that I have read so far. First of all, a wonderful article about new Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, and the story of his comeback from drug abuse to the Majors and how important his faith was and is to that. I have read several articles about him, and this is one of the best. I guess the good thing about him being traded from the Reds to the Rangers this winter is that he has a whole new fan base in Texas to tell his story to. One thing that I was glad to read was that his friend and mentor Johnny Narron, also a Christian, was hired by the Rangers as a special assignment coach. Narron helped Hamilton last year with the Reds, and I'm glad to hear that he will do the same with the Rangers. Here's a quote from Rangers general manager Jon Daniels about the conclusion that he came to after doing a thorough background check of Hamilton before the trade:

"... I think there are two things that have played a part in why this attempt at fighting addiction has been successful: Family and faith."

And here's a great quote from the writer at the end of the article:

Because for all the amazing physical tools Josh Hamilton has displayed, the one that has made him a major leaguer is one everybody is capable of developing.

It's faith.

Here's the article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/baseball/rangers/stories/012708dnspowebrangersz.218a1b6.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/121).

Here's an article about the celebrity charity basketball game that Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson held last weekend to raise money for Detroit and Flint (Michigan) public schools: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080127/SPORTS02/801270698/1050 (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080128&content_id=2357635&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Indiana Ice forward Will MacDonald of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a minor league team. Last summer, he and his parents were in a serious car accident where his father David was killed. A pickup truck driven by a 20-year-old guy hit them when he crossed the median. The guy was charged with careless driving. Here's what MacDonald, who is only 19 himself, had to say about the guy:

David was an accountant who stayed calm. Will is trying to show he has that level-headed composure, too. He is willing to forgive the 20-year-old driver who hit them and was charged with careless driving.

"We rode in the ambulance together and once we got out, I looked over and he was down on the curb of the sidewalk. He had his head down and was crying," he said. "I wanted to run at him and beat the hell out of him, but at the same time, I felt sorry for him.

"I've prayed about it. I hope, after all this, he can find peace within himself so he can carry on."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080129/SPORTS/801290375/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, being added to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement this week: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10607089/rss.

Also, an article about Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk, a Christian, trying to get an extra year of eligibility after he was injured in the first game of the 2006 season and missed the rest of the season with a serious shoulder injury. He's currently waiting for the NCAA's decision on the matter, and here's a quote about what he's doing until then:

While he waits for the NCAA's decision, Mauk has been completing his graduate work. He's also working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to reach out to youths, using his experiences in football as motivation.

"If I can touch a life by what I say, football is definitely worth it," he said.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AqhmpDG4CgtmCO6aM9wQ3t9.T4h4?slug=ap-cincinnati-mauk&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Illinois football head coach Ron Zook, who won the 2007 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award, which came with $70,000 for him to give out to the charities of his choice. Here's what he did with some of the money:

The charities include Crisis Nursery of Urbana, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana, the United Way of Champaign County and Restoration Urban Ministries. Each will receive $10,000.

Here's the article: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?LIST_ID=1&STORY_ID=15157.

Next, a Christian article about Patriots chaplain and former linebacker Don Davis and how he can connect to his former teammates because he was also a player and knows what it's like. Also, they've seen the way he's lived his life and walked his Christian walk during his playing career. He's also currently the assistant strength and conditioning coach. Here's a quote from him about how he's helped the players deal with the success that they've had this year in going undefeated so far:

While the Patriots haven't lost a game this year, Davis emphasized to the team that the fans' appreciation can be fickle at the first loss or first sign of faltering, but the players have to focus their lives on real importance, not on-the-field glory.

"You can't live for the applause of man, but only grow in the knowledge of God," Davis said.

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5758.

Here's another Christian article about Davis, this one about the spiritual game plan that he devised with the goal of having the players that he works to tell every player on the team about Christ during the season: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5759.

Also, a Christian article Giants team chaplain George McGovern, his role with the team, and what they've talked about. One thing that he's happy with is that the Giants haven't any off-the-field incidents for two years. One reason that he says is responsible for that is the good character that the team's owners and coaches have displayed since he's been there. One of the things that he does is have a coaches' Bible study. He's also the team chaplain for the Yankees. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5760.

Here's an article about former PGA golfer and current Oregon golf head coach Casey Martin, a Christian. Martin has Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, which makes his right leg weaker and thinner and doesn't allow him to walk very much at a time, which is bad for a golfer. He eventually won the right to use a golf cart during PGA tournaments. His leg is in such a condition now that he's contemplated having it cut off and getting a prosthetic one. Here's a quote from him about that:

"It's such a hard thing," he said, "but I've thought about how much happier I'd be if I just didn't have it. I'm almost praying that I go one way or the other, that it gets cured or it goes in the tank. The advances in a lot of these prosthetic limbs are incredible. You see people running marathons."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ma-caseymartin013008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Next, an article about new Bengals back-up quarterback Jordan Palmer, the younger brother of Bengals starting quarterback Carson Palmer. I know that Carson is a Christian, but I don't know about Jordan, but I thought that I would include the article anyways. If Jordan makes the team, they will be the first brothers to be quarterbacks on the same NFL team in many years. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AosixJy8RW4NLHCpHq8bAT05nYcB?slug=ap-bengals-palmerbrothers&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a blog post by IU runningback Bryan Payton, a Christian, about the team's winter conditioning beginning this week. What I wanted to point out was this quote that he included at the end of the post:

WORD FOR THE ROAD: "Hard work provides us with today's needs, prepares us for future uncertainties, and supplies us with opportunities for life." -Tom Ellsworth, Senior Minister of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2008/01/winter-conditioning-begins.html.

Also, an article about Falcons runningback Warrick Dunn being awarded the inaugural winner of the "NFL Neighborhood MVP" award this week, which is given to "a player making a positive impact through charitable programs and contributions". He was given the award for "his foundation's work to help single parents purchase homes". Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345234.

Here's an article about former Astros/Padres 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg, a Christian, signing with the Yankees this week to try and make the team as a 1st baseman: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10611471/rss.

Sticking with the 1st base theme, an article about Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton, a Christian, having his baseball number retired at his alma mater, Tennessee, this week: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=3224406&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines.

Lastly, still staying with the 1st base theme, an article about Sean Casey, a Christian most recently with the Tigers, signing with the Red Sox this week: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10613070/rss.

football, MLB, etc.

Hi. I'm going to split the articles that I have into two posts and I'll post the second part either later today or tomorrow. Here's the first post.

First, an article about Georgia special teams player Chris Gaunder and about how he's gone from walk-on to special teams player to medical school next year. Here's a quote from him:

This past August, he was rewarded with an athletic scholarship. On Saturday, Gaunder will become the first member of his family to graduate from college.

"We're definitely a family that's hardworking, a family that instills its values in hard work and dedication," said Gaunder, whose mother drives a school bus and whose father is an automobile shop foreman. "I think aptitude is there in a lot of people, but I've been very blessed to be in a family that believes in taking advantage of opportunities presented to you. I've been blessed with some wonderful opportunities."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/14/bowlgagrad_1215.html.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, who will be playing for a different team next year after a series of trades were made. Here's a quote from him about playing in Arizona:

A Glendale, Ariz., resident, Clark had long wanted to play for the D-backs and finally got his opportunity in 2005 when he was signed as a free agent by former GM Joe Garagiola Jr.

"It was an absolute blessing," Clark said. "I never envisioned an opportunity to play for my hometown team, so when Garagiola Jr. had called, it was literally the answer to my prayer and my hope to be at home. To think I had the privilege of playing for three years and not just one, I count myself as being very thankful."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327234&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy (a Chrsitian) and Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin before their teams played last Sunday. The two have known each other for several years because Dungy and Kiffin's dad Monte (Buccaneers defensive coordinator) coached together with both the Vikings and Buccaneers. Here's a quote from Lane Kiffin about Dungy:

Kiffin, now 32, vividly recalls a particular meeting with Dungy. It happened when Kiffin was a freshman at Fresno State, where he played quarterback.

"He brought me in and sat me down and talked to me about going to college and making the right decisions and all the trouble that could come with college," Kiffin recalled. "It was a pretty neat deal. I've never met a stronger person in his belief, faith and coaching, and in who he is, than Tony Dungy. I've never met anyone close to him."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/SPORTS03/712160417.

Now for some of the news about MLB's Mitchell Report about drug use in baseball. I am of course disappointed with the players included on the list, including some Christians, but I have much more respect for the handful of players who have admitted drug use and apologized than those who have either kept silent or denied it. A couple of the players who admitted their use of drugs are Christians: Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte and Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. They both admitted using drugs only once or twice, and then stopping because they felt it wasn't right. I have to say that, although they were wrong and that it was good that the truth about their drug use came out, I don't hold it against them too much. It's forgive them than the others who were heavier users and have not admitted using them. Here's some articles and notes about the report and those involved. First, an article about Pettitte and including his statement about his use: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-pettitte-hghadmission&prov=ap&type=lgns. Here's another article about Pettitte and about how reactions to each player mentioned in the report should be individually and not condemning the group as a whole: http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3157202.

Also, an article about Brian Roberts statement about drug use: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2329198&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The last article on the Mitchell Report is about how teams and fans are more likely to give second chances to those that admit their mistakes than those that don't: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2331424&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article on Astros 1st baseman Lance Berkman, a Christian, about how he became a switch-hitter. It also mentions that he likes to watch other switch-hitters, including a couple of fellow Christians: Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran and Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2329274&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article on the Appalachian State football team winning its third straight Division 1-AA national championship. Their head coach Jerry Moore is a strong Christian. Also, safety Corey Lynch is marrying Cissie Graham, the daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of Billy Graham, later this month. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5727.

Also, an article about athletic teams at Union University came together to buy Christmas presents for kids from a child abuse center: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5728.

Here's an article about Cincinnati head football coach Brian Kelly, a Christian, signing a new contract to stay with his team: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3159041.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, winning the AP Player of the Year Award, to go along with his Heisman Trophy: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10535759/rss.

Here's an article about Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, saying that he would like to coach the Redskins next year and beyond: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10534554/rss.

Also, an article about Tom Osborne, a Christian, becoming the permanent athletic director at Nebraska, instead of the interim one: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071219/ap_on_sp_co_ne/nebraska_osborne_1.

Lastly for now, an article about Colts tight ends Ben Utecht (a Christian) and Bryan Fletcher honoring a middle-school for their volunteer work last fall: http://cache.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=64b8cc96-1511-4bee-9305-202d9dbfd572.

MLB, football, basketball, and music

Hello! I finally have time to get caught up some here. I just have to say first of all that last night my mom and I went to "Hoosier Hysteria", IU basketball's first practice, last night. It's always a good opportunity to check out the new team and get excited about the upcoming season--as if we need any help getting excited about basketball here in Indiana! It was a very exciting night here in Hoosierland. A note from last night: after the men's basketball team was introduced, head coach Kelvin Sampson singled out a couple of players, one of whom was junior college transfer DeAndre Thomas. Sampson said that Thomas had lost 58 pounds in 8 weeks, going from 356 pounds to 298 (and he's still huge!). Sampson said that he was able to do it with "a lot of hard work and the grace of God."

The first article is an interesting Christian article about the Colorado Rockies team from the "Saved In Sports" blog. They seem to be a Christian team that is reluctant to be labeled as such. Here's the article: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/colorado-rockies-nice-guys-can-finish-first/.

In the above article, there was a link to another good Christian sports blog, "The Christian Sports Blog" by freelance writer Lee Warren: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/.

Next, an article about 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer, a Christian, letting go of a grudge against Ravens head coach Brian Billick for the way Dilfer wasn't brought back by the Ravens the season after helping them win the Super Bowl in 2001. Here's a quote about it from Dilfer:

Dilfer felt disrespected when Billick didn't contact him personally after the Ravens dropped him, and that hurt has festered. The quarterback has lobbed several verbal shots at the coach since then, culminating in a critical interview in the Baltimore Sun in February.

"I regret many of the things I said in February," Dilfer said. "What I do stand by is the fact that I'm heartbroken that I didn't get the chance to repeat and go through the struggles of what that entails. Where I've been wrong ... is I haven't been able to let it go.

"I feel very hypocritical," Dilfer said, "because I'm dealing with my sixth grader every day and talking to her about relationships and how to handle these relationships, and yet I'm a 35-year-old man and I can't let something go in the past."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3048284.

Here's an article about how veteran Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, has become a father figure for the young team: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=283678.

Also, an article about Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, a Christian, and how he has become more important to the team's offense this year in his second year with the team. Unfortunately, the former IU quarterback was injured last week and is questionable for this week. Here's the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/03/AR2007100302271.html?nav=hcmodule (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Here's an article about Buccaneers kickoff/punt returner Mark Jones before their loss to the Colts last Sunday. Here's a few great quotes from him about trying to get the first kickoff return for a touchdown in Bucs history and his being released and then re-signed by the Bucs this year:

If you return kickoffs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it's important to keep the faith.

That's why it helps to be the son of a preacher.

"That's how I approach all of them, that this is the one," said Mark Jones, the latest player attempting to end the Bucs' franchise-long streak of 1,862 kickoff returns without a touchdown. ...

But the fourth-year pro from Tennessee, who has been signed or released six times by the Bucs, never stopped believing. It's a lesson he learned growing up the son of a minister in Wallingford, Pa.

"That was pretty much it. I just stayed consistent to the Word and continued to work out physically and stay in shape," Jones said. "I didn't talk bad about anybody or ask why or tried to figure it out myself. I just said, 'Lord, it's in your hands.' " ...

Now, about being the first to return a kickoff for the Bucs?

"I know what I did the past (three) weeks," he said, "but I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me this week."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071005/SPORTS03/710050450.

Next, an inspiring article about Jordan Ewart, a freshman basketball and baseball player at Pendleton Heights High School in Indianapolis, who plays with a prosthetic leg. He plays on a level playing field with other "normal" kids, even though he lost the lower part of his leg in a lawn-mower accident when he was four. In a recent freshman football game he had three sacks. It just goes to show that if you set your mind to it you can do anything, no matter what apparent limitations you might have. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071005/SPORTS0202/710050465/1247/SPORTS.

Here's an interesting article about University of San Diego freshman forward Rob Jones, the grandson of the infamous Jim Jones of Jonestown fame. He's the son of the Jim Jones, Jr., the adopted son of Jim Jones and his wife. Just a warning, the article is kind of graphic as it tells about what happened with the mass suicide at Jonestown. Jim Jones, Jr., was away from the compound playing basketball when the suicides happened, so he survived. I knew very little about what happened, so it was interesting, but hard to take too. There's also a video of the ESPN "Outside the Lines" segment about it, which I haven't watched. Here's a quote from Rob Jones about his dad:

"I thank God every day," says Rob, now a freshman forward at the University of San Diego. "I'm a real lucky man just to have a father and that he's there supporting me in whatever I do, no matter what."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3047543.

Also, an article about how a few successful veteran NFL quarterbacks have gone from being starters, to backups/mentors, and then back to at least short-term starters. The 49ers Trent Dilfer (a Christian), Cardinals Kurt Warner (a Christian), and Rams Gus Frerotte all became starters because of the injury and/or ineffectiveness of the younger starting quarterbacks. Just a note: since this article was written, Cardinals starting quarterback Matt Leinart was injured and is out for the year, making Warner the starter. Here's a quote from the article about Dilfer, Warner, and Frerotte:

It is not inconsequential that, in addition to being terrific teammates, each of the three O.G.'s (that's "old guys" or "original gangstas," depending upon your musical orientation) is an even better father and husband.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AkixaeqtkTqXo2Cjy5OMhpo5nYcB?slug=ms-thegameface100507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's another inspiring article, this one about Washington State guard Taylor Rochestie is giving up his basketball scholarship next season so that the team can give it to a top recruit: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/100507aaz.html.

Next, an article about the gruesome arm injury suffered last season by then Wake Forest quarterback Ben Mauk. While trying to recover a fumble early last season, players fell on his arm and shoulder, breaking his upper arm and severely injuring his shoulder. He had a plate with eight screws put in his arm and a separate surgery to tighten the shoulder with three metal anchors. Even with some pain, he has been able to return to playing college football after transferring to Cincinnati for his senior year this year. He's helped turn around the football program there, leading them to the #15 ranking this week. Here's a quote from him:

Ben Mauk has given some thought to what he'll do when his football days are done.

"I've thought I'd be somehow involved in churches, maybe being a youth pastor or a motivational speaker, something like that," he said.

This kid could give some speech.

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/100507abp.html.

Here's a good quote from Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian, and then Braves general manager John Schuerholz about his being traded to the Braves from the Rangers on July 31st and hopefully making the playoffs next year:

... When Teixeira thanked John Schuerholz and told him how much he'd enjoyed these past two months, the Braves general manager reminded him that he hadn't yet experienced ultimate jubilation.

"I told him, wait until you have somebody pour champagne on your head," Schuerholz said. "That is really fun."

How many players thank the GM for trading for them? I thought that was neat. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071005&content_id=2251761&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a Christian note from Thursday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about Rockies outfielder Willy Taveras, who, in last night's NLCS game against the Diamondbacks, made a game-saving catch and walked in the winning run in the 11th inning:

ROCKIES ADD WILLY: It's nice to be able to add a .320 hitter to your lineup as you being an important series. The Colorado Rockies did that on Wednesday by adding Willy Taveras to their roster for the NLCS. Taveras, who missed the last month because of a leg injury, gives the Rockies' offense another guy who can get on base. He's no power threat, but his on-base percentage of .367 is fourth-best on the Rockies. Additionally, he led the team in steals with 33 this season. But best of all, if you like to know which athletes to watch because you like to follow fellow Christians, note that he was the Real Life subject in the July-August edition of Sports Spectrum. Among the things he said was that his favorite Bible passages are "Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. You put everything on God, and He will take care of you."

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071011.php.

Next, Colts punter Hunter Smith and his group Connersvine's self-titled debut contemporary Christian music album is coming out on October 23rd. Here's their website for more information: http://www.myspace.com/connersvine.

Lastly, a preview of the articles in the new November/December edition of Sports Spectrum Magazine is available on their website, including Bucks guard Michael Redd, Bears head coach Lovie Smith, Louisville football head coach Steve Kragthorpe, Bengals defensiveback David Pollack, and the Senators Mike Fisher: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/.