NBA, NFL, and MLB

Hello. I still have extra time because of the weather, so I'll post again. I'm trying something different with posting through del.icio.us (http://del.icio.us/milligan00), so I'm going to see how that works. I'm hoping that doing it that way will be less time consuming for me. I'll see how it works and let me know what you think. Thanks.

I only have a few articles today, but I thought that I would go ahead and post anyways. The first article is about Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley hosting a coat drive to collect coats for needy people: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/SPORTS04/802110375/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about new Redskins head coach Jim Zorn, a Christian, and the kind of person that he is. Zorn is replacing retired Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, also a Christian. Interviewed for the article were Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer, both also Christians who worked under Zorn at his former job as Seahawks quarterbacks coach. Here's a couple of quotes about Zorn:

In the Washington Redskins' seemingly interminable search to find the replacement for Joe Gibbs, they may well have found, well, another Joe Gibbs. Just like his predecessor, Zorn — born in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier — was a college quarterback in Southern California (Cal-Poly Pomona), became deeply religious and possesses an innate ability to stay calm through chaos. Like Gibbs, he is a family man. He and his wife Joy have four children, and in Seattle they would do things as a group when they had time — even something as mundane as a shopping trip to an outdoors sporting goods store. ...

"He's very much like a Joe Gibbs," said Trent Dilfer, who played under Zorn for four seasons in Seattle. "He's wise beyond his years. His faith is at the front of his life. And he's aware of the global perspective. I think what happens in the course of a football season when you are not one of the top-echelon teams — one of the top five or six teams — and you are in a fight to try and make the playoffs, one of the biggest things the head coach needs is to create a calmness about the team. What Gibbs and the best coaches can do is put things in perspective for the football team. That's what he was able to do as a quarterback coach."When there are team dramas, there will be a lot of dialogue there between players and coach. He will handle those dramas."

Here's the article: http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt_d8zornside_0211feb11,0,2119078.story (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next a good article in the New York Times about Giants wide receiver David Tyree, a Christian, and what he overcame in his personal life to become an outspoken Christian and one of the Giants Super Bowl heroes: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/sports/football/11tyree.html?_r=1&em&ex=1202878800&en=a74c75851df04bb3&ei=5087_&oref=slogin. Here's a quote from the transcript from the interview that the article is from, which is even better:

NYT: Do you think back often to your story?

DT: What has occurred now has forced me to. I’m praying that I get the opportunity to do a book. It’s more than just a feel-good story. It’s not about David Tyree. It’s bigger than this Super Bowl catch. It’s about destiny and purpose for one person’s life. It’s about one man’s willingness to submit to a Holy God. From the moment I’ve done that, my life has been filled with miracles. When you talk about the restoration of my family. I’ve been to a Pro Bowl. Been to a Super Bowl. Won a world championship. Have beautiful identical twin girls on the way, a family of four.

Here's the article: http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/tyree-talks-about-his-rise-from-rock-bottom-to-super-bowl-stardom/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/21).

Lastly, a good article about former Royal and new A's 1st baseman/DH Mike Sweeney, a Christian, and how much his former Royals teammates are going to miss his leadership with the team as team captain: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080211&content_id=2370717&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

football and Phillips

Hi. First of all, a couple of articles about 49ers defensive linebacker Patrick Willis, a Christian, who won The Associated Press 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award last week. Here's a quote from him about it in the first article:

"The good Lord has blessed me with skills that are uncommon, but are just something that I do naturally," he said. "I also know I couldn't do it by myself, without help from my fellow linebackers or that D-line. Knowing that, I just stay humble. Whether it's in the movies or whether it's in real life, you see guys that got bigheaded, and they're in for a rude awakening."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3181099.

Here's the second article about Willis, which goes into more detail: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtW.1imYba4V8xBeEGMuwnc5nYcB?slug=ap-nfldefensiverookie&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Seahawks runningback Shaun Alexander, a Christian, and how he's been willing to share time at runningback to help the team, for now. Here's a quote about that from Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren:

"You've all seen it ... you can go to other sports - typically in this situation, that player, an MVP player, (causes) some sort of problem," Holmgren said. "There's something that comes up that's not very healthy for your football team. Someone's mad.

"None of that has taken place. And that's a real credit to the young man, I think. Because he's used to playing a lot. He's used to being the man, and now his role has changed."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-01-04-3701551599_x.htm (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/28).

Here's a good article about Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith, a Christian, who plays tonight in the GMAC Bowl against Bowling Green. Here's a couple of good quotes about him from Tulsa head coach Todd Graham, also a Christian:

Tulsa coach Todd Graham learned the full impact of quarterback Paul Smith on his program when he was on a recruiting trip in southern Oklahoma and heard a prospect bragging.

Not about Smith's record-setting numbers as the school's leading passer. Not about the way he directed Tulsa's confusing spread attack that led the nation in total offense.

"I've seen your quarterback," the player told Graham. "He was basically preaching down here and doing praise music."

That's the hidden aspect to the triple threat Smith has brought the Golden Hurricane in a remarkable career: a strong arm, good enough wheels and a big heart.

"Just the impact that had on him and just how impressed he was with that, just how he represents our university has been remarkable," Graham said.

"And then you combine all the intangibles he has -- the character, the discipline, his faith -- you combine that with the fact that he is a phenomenal football player."

The combination won Smith the Wuerffel Award, which honors one college football player each year for community service work in addition to great performances in the classroom and on the field.

Smith, who graduated last month with a 3.84 grade-point average, makes frequent speaking engagements as president of the campus Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and also has mixed in visits to soup kitchens and other service work along with passing for a school-record 4,753 yards this season. ...

And what will help Smith's legacy linger is his heart. After all, Graham had to explain to his disappointed 5-year-old son, Michael, why Smith wouldn't be around after this season. The two have become friends as Smith stuck around after practice to play with him and carted him around when the Golden Hurricane were on the road.

It was a role reversal for Smith, who remembers tagging along when his father, Ron, was the offensive coordinator on a state championship football team whose players treated Smith like family.

"I remember the ones that took time to talk to me. I always kind of made that commitment to myself to always make time," Smith said.

Time for faith, family, football and plenty more.

"He's incredible. He's got a gift," Graham said. "I think that's what makes him so great. He knows that the good Lord has blessed him with the talents that he has, and he really stays grounded and really stays humble in his approach.

"Man, he's a winner too, though. You say all those nice things about him, but he's intense. He's a competitor."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10560566/rss.

Also, an article about Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, who's trying to take his team to the next level after leading them to their first bowl game in years. Here's a quote from him about it:

Croom is more convinced than ever that State can make a run for the title, despite the fact the Bulldogs have the second-smallest athletic budget in the SEC.

"My daddy was a minister and he used to preach a sermon, 'Use what you got,'" Croom said. "That's always stuck with me. There's no use crying about what you don't have.

"If you're going to be in this race, you better run to win. If you are in this SEC football business, you've got to decide. Are you going to run to win? Or are you just going to give in? I came here to win."

Here's the article: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jan/05/mississippi-state-football-season-in-review-for/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/298).

Here's an article about former Yankees 1st baseman Andy Phillips, a Christian, signing a minor league contract with the Reds last week: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10559625/rss.

Lastly, a great article about LSU tackle Ciron Black, a Christian, and his relationship with 8-year-old Mikey Conger. Conger is battling cancer-related problems at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, and the two connected through LSU football. Someone sent Black an e-mail about Conger. Conger used to wear #70 when he was healthy enough to play football, which just happens to be Black's number at LSU. Black then posted this message on Conger's website:

Hey Michael, " the note began, "I recently saw your story and wanted to have the honor to write in your guest book. My name is Ciron Black. " ...

"I am the left tackle for the LSU Tigers football team. I'm also number 70 and I saw you wearing that jersey number, that's a great number by the way :). You know some people see us as heroes because of how we play but the truth is people like yourself are the real heroes. I see all the small problems I face are nothing compared to the hardships that you may go through. God has a plan for all of us and for some reason he put it on my heart to write you tonight. If it is at all possible I would love to talk to you. My number is ***-**** anytime, day or night, if you need someone to talk to. Hang in there buddy and just know that anything is possible through Christ."

Your friend, Ciron Black

P.S. I would love to write your name on my wrist tape as I get ready to take the field on Jan. 7th for the national championship. Let me know if that is OK.

Black and the Congers then became friends. Unfortunately, Conger is not doing well, with LSU's big game in the national championship game against Ohio State tomorrow night. Here's another quote about Black:

Ciron said his character was molded by his parents, Sandra and Ronnie, both whom are preachers. Missing church was never an option, he said. Sometimes he had to be pushed in school but, when it came to getting into trouble, Ciron was never a problem.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AlcVTFyD9b5jhTJcEO9H3MA5nYcB?slug=jn-ciron010508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

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, 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/.

NFL, MLB, and NBA

First, an article about new Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who is making a comeback from a ruptured achilles last year. Here's a quote from him about his two young sons:

Stokley and wife Lana have two healthy sons, Cameron and Carson, thanks to Indianapolis doctors, who helped save Cameron from a near-fatal meningitis bout nearly four years ago.

"If we bought him into the hospital a couple of hours later, he probably would have been dead," Stokley says. "I look at him sometimes, and I just think how special he is and how blessed we are to still have him."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/broncos/2007-08-09-stokley_N.htm?csp=34.

Here's an article about 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and his organization to help foster kids to go to college, beyond just financially: http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/49er-staking-claim-in-foster-youths/20070807113109990001 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/49ers-alex-smith-has-hands-on.html).

Next, an article about the "This Week in Baseball" episode last Saturday about Mets pitcher Tom Glavine and his 300th win. Here's a quote from him about his 300th win:

"This Week in Baseball" will chronicle that journey, from Glavine's years in Atlanta to his days as a Met -- setting a script to a very unscripted event. And that's precisely what made it so hectic, so chaotic. No one -- especially not Glavine -- had any idea when that win would finally come.

"It wasn't my script to write," Glavine said. "It was the good Lord's script to write, and I was just following along with it."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070809&content_id=2139105&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Magic forward Dwight Howard, a Christian, getting the Community Assist Award for July from the NBA. Here's a quote about his foundation:

The Dwight D. Howard Foundation, Inc. is a faith-based organization whose mission is to help strengthen family relationships. The foundation’s goal is to bridge gaps that exist between parents and children. Through reading programs, after-school and computer initiatives, as well as adopt-a-child programs, Howard and his parents are committed to strengthening family relationships.

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/news/howard_assist_070809.html?rss=true. Here's a link to Howard's website: http://www.dwight-howard.com/.

Lastly, a quote from Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, about his return from a rehab. assignment and being activated from the disabled list on Sunday, just in time for him to be involved in the Reds Faith Day:

Sunday is "Faith Day" at Great American Ball Park with a postgame concert by Christian rock band MercyMe. Hamilton, who is a participant in the day's festivities, feels fortunate to return to the club in time for the event.

"That's God's timing," he said. "Could've happened any time. Just so happened on the right day."

Hamilton, a former No. 1 overall Draft choice of the Devil Rays, made the Reds' roster out of Spring Training after being out of the game for nearly four years following a lengthy bout with alcohol and drug abuse.

"The stuff that happens in life, job-wise, is so not even close to what I went through," he said. "I have faith that God will pull me through whatever it is. A wrist injury isn't that big of a deal."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070812&content_id=2144681&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin&partnered=rss_cin.

A little more about Faith Day: I went to Faith Day in Cincinnati yesterday, and it was wonderful! Cincinnati is a 5-hour round trip from here, but it was entirely worth it. After the game Josh Hamilton and his wife, Reds coach Johnny Narron and his wife, and Bengals Hall-of-Famer Anthony Munoz all spoke before a MercyMe concert. If you ever get a chance to go to a Faith Day somewhere, do and invite others to go with you. How often do you get a chance to watch a ballgame, here some Christain athletes and others speak about their faith in God, and get to hear a Christian band? Also, MercyMe sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the Seventh Inning Stretch too, which was cool. For more information, check out the group that organizes these events, Third Coast Sports: http://www.thirdcoastsports.com/.