Super Bowl, MLB, football, etc.

Hello again. First, an article about Make-A-Wish kids being treated to the Super Bowl last weekend. Some of the past and present NFL players that greeted them there were Browns quarterback Brady Quinn, Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon, Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards, and former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, father of Giants quarterback Eli and Colts quarterback Peyton. Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-02-02-make-a-wish_N.htm?csp=34.

Here's an article about MLB 3rd baseman Corey Koskie, a Christian most recently with the Brewers, whose career is limbo while he waits for the effects from post-concussion to maybe go away. He can't start playing again until the symptoms are completely gone, so right now he's staying at home with his family, which of course isn't all bad. Here's a good quote from his son about it:

In his transition from professional third baseman to Little League dad, Koskie has found that some emotional hurdles are more difficult to surmount than others. Each night, he leads his three young sons through their bedtime prayers. During one recent session, he asked the boys if they had any special requests.

"God, can you please heal my daddy's head?'' asked Bradley, the oldest at age 7.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=3224294.

Next, an article from the Saved in Sports blog about why in the world would the federal government think that it should get involved with the Patriots spy-tape scandal. I think that I would have to agree. Here's the article: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/patriots-spy-tapes-why-is-the-government-involved/.

Here's a couple of Christian articles about Chargers runningback LaDanian Tomlinson being awarded the Bart Starr Award from Athletes in Action (AIA) for outstanding character. The award presentation was part of AIA's Super Bowl Breakfast. The first article is a little bit more about the award itself. Here's a quote about what Tomlinson does in the community:

Tomlinson’s influence has impacted the lives of thousands of young people. Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation works to promote educational, social and cultural awareness and positive self-esteem to help enhance the lives of children and families who are less fortunate. The foundation hosts programs including youth football camps, Thanksgiving meals for needy San Diego families, Christmas gifts for ill children and scholarships which are presented each year to 30 college-bound students.

Here's the article: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=266.

The second Christian article about Tomlinson getting the Bart Starr Award is more about what Tomlinson and the other speakers there said. Other Christians there were Colts head coach Tony Dungy, Giants general manager Jerry Reese, Patriots team chaplain Don Davis and linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, Bears Hall-of-Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, and Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks. Here's a quote from Tomlinson:

"When you're knocked down in life, Jesus Christ in us says get up and try again," Tomlinson said. "I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to stand before you."

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5765.

Also, another article about AIA's Super Bowl Breakfast, comparing it to the other secular events going on during Super Bowl Week: http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/starr/archive/2008/02/03/the-other-super-bowl.aspx.

Here's an article about another Super Bowl week event, the Day of Champions hosted by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Some of the Christians involved were Cardinals linebacker Gerald Hays, defensive lineman Bertrand Berry, and cornerbacks Matt Ware and Michael Adams; Raiders quarterbacks Josh McCown and Andrew Walter; and Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison. Here's a quote about the purpose of the event:

More than a dozen 12 NFL players shared the stage at North Phoenix Baptist with Christian rap band Grits to underscore how true champions look to the power of Jesus Christ in their lives.

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5766.

Next, an article about another Super Bowl Week Christian event, the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. The Christians involved were former Cowboys offensive lineman Marcus Price, Seahawks kicker Josh Brown, Giants wide receiver David Tyree, Colts head coach Tony Dungy, Patriots assistant coach and team chaplain Don Davis, Bears tackle Tommie Harris, Bills tight end Michael Gaines, Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, and Jets wide receiver Brad Smith. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5767.

Here's an article about former Redskins wide receiver Art Monk, a Christian, being elected to the Pro Football Hall Fame last weekend, along with former teammate and fellow Christian, cornerback Darrell Green. Here's a quote about what it meant to Monk to go in with Green:

For Monk, being elected to the Hall of Fame with Green "just makes it even more special to know that Darrell's in there with me. We had a lot of special times out there on the field. Even more importantly to myself and to him, was our relationship off the field.

"We've spent a lot of time together working within this community serving the underserved. We fellowship together at the same church. Our families are very close. Our children call each other aunts and uncles. It's just really special to know not only that we're in, but we're going in together."

Here's the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/02/AR2008020202391.html?hpid=topnews (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Also, a Christian article listing "the top twelve evangelical Christians in sports". Those in the list are NASCAR team owner and former Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, Lakers guard Derek Fisher, Seahawks runningback Shaun Alexander, track and field sprinter Allyson Felix, Colts punter Hunter Smith, Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, Colts head coach Tony Dungy, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, NASCAR driver and team owner Michael Waltrip, PGA golfer Zach Johnson. Here's the article: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080203/31065_Top_12_Evangelical_Christians_in_Sports.htm.

Here's a Christian article about former Bear and Hall-of-Fame linebacker Mike Singletary speaking at the Giants team chapel the night before the Super Bowl. The article also tells some about Giants wide receiver David Tyree's amazing catch in the Super Bowl. Here's a quote from Singletary before he spoke to the Giants:

"Reflect God's glory, don't hold it yourself," Singletary said he would be telling the Giants.

Here's the article: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27322.

Next, an article about Giants wide receiver David Tyree's amazing catch. Here's a quote about Tyree:

Deeply religious, Tyree fell to his knees on the field when the game ended. About a half-hour later, he was being interviewed as a star of the game.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AhzKiz.P.bDMY7DZ4OOonKF.T4h4?slug=ap-superbowl-key&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about the NFL donating the Super Bowl and other playoff losers shirts to the Christian organization World Vision to give out to needy children around the world. So there will be some kids somewhere wearing Patriots Super Bowl XLII Champions T-shirts. Here's the article: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080204/31069_NFL_Donates_Super_Bowl_Loser.

Also, a great article about how faith plays a role in the decisions that high school football players make in deciding where to play college ball at. The article is especially about Clemson and their head coach Tommy Bowden, a Christian. Three Christian players who signed with Clemson who said that Bowden's beliefs were a factor in them going there are Dalton Freeman, Kenneth Page, and DaQuan Bowers. Here's a quote from Bowers about his decision to go to Clemson:

Definitely, says Clemson's DaQuan Bowers, a 6-foot-4, 267-pound defensive lineman considered the country's top prospect by ESPN and top five by most other services.

Bowers played guitar at Light of the World Baptist Church in his hometown of Bamberg and plans to take an active role with Clemson's FCA branch.

Religion "was a big part," Bowers said. "All the coaches, they're Christian men. I didn't want to go anyplace where I wouldn't fit in as a Christian."

Here's the article: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/coaches-prospects-say-faith-can-factor/n20080204162109990070?ecid=RSS0001.

Lastly, for now, a Christian article about a Christian outreach by Tennessee women's soccer goalkeeper Molly Baird and forward Sarah Van Sickle: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=267.

Super Bowl, NFL, basketball, and baseball

Hi. This is my first of three posts for this weekend. There are a lot of extra articles and things with the Super Bowl coming up, so I'll divide the articles up into more managable posts. First, a couple of Christian websites for the Super Bowl. The first site is Athletes in Action's Beyond the Ultimate, which is designed as a witnessing tool. It's redesigned to correspond with each major athletic event, including the Super Bowl. Now it has testimonial articles from the Giants David Tyree and Reggie Torbor and the Patriots Rosevelt Colvin and Ben Watson, along with videos from Colts head coach Tony Dungy and Bears head coach Lovie Smith. Here's the link: http://www.beyondtheultimate.com/default.aspx.

The other Christian Super Bowl site is the Baptist Press' Beyond the Game. They have a writer in Arizona covering the Super Bowl festivities from a Christian perspective who has written articles all week. I'll post the articles separtately later, but here's the site to check out now: http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=124.

Another general football site is the NFL Players website, which includes short video interviews and more of seven different players, including two Christians: Colts center Jeff Saturday and Dolphins quarterback Trent Green. The whole website is pretty good, but especially the Saturday and Green parts: http://www.nflplayers.com/server/index.html.

Here's a Christian article about Washington State men's basketball head coach Tony Bennett. The article also mentions two Christian players on the team, guard Taylor Rochestie and forward Daven Harmeling. Washington State came from nowhere last year to have great success, and have had an even better season so far this year. Here's a quote from Bennett about that:

So the Cougars march on, unsure if more blessed March Madness awaits them, but intent upon doing things the right way, regardless of their destination.

“God is teaching me, as always, to walk by faith and not by sight because now we’re in a season that’s more in the spotlight,” Bennett said. “We were higher in the preseason expectations. We talk about not worrying about the end result. We have to walk through the process.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5749.

Next, a Christian article about Chadron State runningback Danny Woodhead and his winning the Harlon Hill Trophy, the NCAA Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He is hoping to get a chance to play in the NFL now. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5750 (originally found at: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/danny-woodhead-wins-harlon-hill-trophy.html).

Here's a good Christian article about Tony Dungy's decision to return and coach the Colts for at least one more year. It's talks about one of the reasons for Dungy's return is the platform for sharing his faith that being the Colts head coach gives him. Here's a quote from him about that:

"I enjoy my job, the players, the staff we have here and Bill (Polian) and Jim," Dungy told reporters. "But it is a platform and that's something I talked to my wife and pastor about. I said 'I could stop and start a ministry, but I might not have a platform like this.'"

"I look at this as a job," he said, "but I also look at it as a ministry ... I might not have as effective a ministry as I have right now."

Here's the article: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080124/30960_Dungy_Sees_Return_to_Colts_as_Chance_to_Share_Faith.htm.

Also, a couple of articles on Bengals defensive lineman David Pollack, a Christian, who suffered a serious neck injury in September of 2006. Lately he has been training for a potential return to the NFL at the Ignition group, Christian-oriented facility near Cincinnati. There he has been working with NFL hopefulls, including Southern Illinois quarterback Nick Hill, a Christian. On February 8th, what he's calling "D-Day", he'll meet with his doctor to make a final decision about whether or not returnning to play would be worth the risk of injuring his neck even more severely. So this would be a good prayer request too, that he makes the right decision for his health. Here's some quotes from him about what he's been doing, his decision-making process, and how the injury has changed him as a person:

... He is instructing and training with 11 NFL hopefuls, including four players from the University of Cincinnati, and leading Bible study for them on Wednesday nights at his Liberty Township home. He’s preparing his body and mind for his potential comeback as a player. ...

“I will want to take some time, though, to fast and pray and spend time by myself a lot and try to figure out where God is leading me,” he said. “If it closes one chapter, it opens another.” ...

The experiences of this past two years have changed Pollack.

“I’m always running around. The Bible verse I always think about is: 'Be still and know that I am God.' I’ve never been still in my life,” Pollack said. “I have had time to sit back. It has been a rewarding experience. It’s hard to explain how breaking your neck can make you better.

“I have learned a lot about myself and my wife. I am domestic now, which is crazy. Football players are selfish people. We think we work so hard and have the hardest job in the world. It’s just not true. I had to step out of the box to figure that out.

“Now, I come over here to train, and before I leave I put a load of laundry in. Then I go home and clean and do the dishes. I am more rounded. I help my wife out more. I am a more patient person.”

Here's that article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/SPT02/301240057/1066/.

The other article about Pollack has these quotes about his decision-making process:

"Trust me, I'm not going to do anything stupid," Pollack said earlier this week. "If someone says there is a 50 percent chance I'll break my neck [again], I'll never go anywhere near a field again." ...

"Things happen for a reason," said Pollack, who is deeply religious. "I pray a lot, not so much to ask God to allow me to play again, but to help me make the right decision when the time comes. If I'm meant to get back on the field, it will happen. And if not, well, I'm not going to play that what if guessing game. I'll just move on to whatever it is I'm supposed to be doing and attack it just as hard as I do football." ...

"We're getting closer to a decision," Pollack said. "Whichever way it comes down, I'm really mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared for it."

Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3215632&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines.

Next, an article from an interview with Tony Dungy, with some more about returning to coach since his job is a ministry too:

Q: You said in the press conference that you consider this more than a job. It’s also a ministry. How much did that influence your decision to return?

A: If it was just about football and winning the Super Bowl, we’ve done that and I have said that I’m not going to be in this forever. I do feel like I’m getting close to when I’m going to finish. I have a great deal of respect for (Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer) Jim Irsay and want to do what would help him, but if it was just that, I probably wouldn’t still be in it. But the fact that you do feel like you’re doing more than just coaching a football team and you can accomplish some things because of the position – you still have to do your job and you still have to win and all of that – but I get to do more.

Q: Is that why you mentioned that missionaries are often away from their families . . .

A: That’s something my wife (Lauren) and I talked about. It’s something that we feel like the Lord has given us right now for this time. He has put us in a great team, a great organization and we feel like there’s a reason for it.

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=185a6dc9-28c8-434f-aaad-75914207b012&rssrefer=south_bend_tribune.

Here's the article about IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis) men's basketball head coach Ron Hunter, Christian, and the results of his drive to get donations of shoes and money for the Christian organization Samaritan's Feet. He coached one of the team's games last week barefoot to raise awareness of the organization, with hopes of gettting 40,000 pairs of shoes. Because of the publicity about it in the days leading up to the game, he had reached that goal by lunchtime that day, and ended the day with 110,000 pairs and even more promised later! Hunter plans to take the shoes to Africa himself, and some of his Jaguars players have expressed interest in going along too. Here's a quote from the article:

For the record, Hunter's exposed feet weren't stepped on during the game. It bears noting that he almost never sits down when the action -- and the feet -- are flowing.

"My feet hurt so bad," he said after the game. "But imagine a child or a human going their whole lives without shoes."

Hunter, 43, said his month-long association with Samaritan's Feet has already affected him, and he knows it could be on the verge of changing the lives of others.

Several of his players have vowed to join him on the summer trip, which he'd like to take to Cameroon, home to Jaguars freshman guard Christian Siakam. In Siakam's family, shoes are a luxury; not everyone has them.

Now, a man with no ties to IUPUI has offered to charter a jet to fly the team to Africa, pending NCAA approval, of course.

"I knew when I saw Siakam's face we were doing the right thing," Hunter said.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/SPORTS06/801250407/1068. Also, here's an article with a video of the news segment from the local news about it: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7771854&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Also, an article about Colts safety Antoine Bethea, who was named as an injury replacement for the Pro Bowl last week. Here's some of what he had to say about it:

“It’s a great feeling,” Bethea said. “It’s been a long road, coming from where I came from and how I had to fight an uphill battle. It’s just a continued blessing for me: last year playing in the Super Bowl and now this year, my second year, being selected to go to the Pro Bowl.

“All the hard work you put into it, to get rewarded for it is just a blessing.”

Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=7214cc89-86eb-4609-ae56-e2ea9ff54daa.

Here's a couple more articles about Colts associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, a Christian, who was named to succeed Tony Dungy as head coach when Dungy retires. The first one is an interview article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=85f25998-5166-4677-adec-a93d0558cb7d, and the other is more a biographical one and about how similar he is to Dungy: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/SPORTS03/801280350/1247/NLETTER12.

Next, an article about Cubs minor-league pitcher Donnie Veal, a Christian, and about how he lost his father in a scuba-diving accident last November, almost three years to the day after his mother died from cancer. The article tells about how he's dealing with the deaths, as well as his brother Devin, who is a red-shirt freshman football player at Arizona: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355174&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan, a Christian, and the new restaurant that he and his wife own and run in California: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_entertainment.jsp?ymd=20080124&content_id=2354591&vkey=entertainment&fext=.jsp.

Also, another article about retired Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell's (a Christian) 90th birthday last Friday. Here's a quote about some of the things that he's doing now:

He still finds time to stop in at Comerica Park once in a while, occasionally working with Baseball Chapel, other times doing a guest spot on various telecasts....

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355587&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another article about Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, and the success that the team's having this year after turning the program around from the absolute bottom. Here's a quote about the advice about dealing with adversity that his father, Valparaiso men's basketball head coach Homer Drew (also a Christian), gave him when he took the job at Baylor:

"He was very supportive, and he gave me one piece of advice that was really good," Drew said. "When he went to Valparaiso, they never had had a winning season in their Division I history. He said the Book of Job really helped him."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080126/SPORTS/801260433/1247/SPORTS.

Lastly for now, an article about the celebrity charity soccer game that Dodgers 3rd baseman Nomar Garciaparra and his wife, retired soccer star Mia Hamm, held last weekend: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080126&content_id=2356447&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp.

MLB, football, and more Tebow

Hi. I'm going to try and send two posts today, I still have so many articles left. First of all, an article about Pirates pitcher Salomon Torres, a Christian, being traded to the Brewers last week. We don't often think about how trades in sports effect the players and their families, but this article mentions how Torres is considering retirement over leaving Pittsburgh and either moving his family to Milwaukee or leaving them in Pittsburgh. Here's a quote from him about that:

"It's a giant move and I have to make a decision if I want to go forward," Torres told the newspaper. "This is going to change my life, my family's life.

"If I leave them here, they're going to have to be without me for a full year. If I take them with me, they're going to be affected."

Torres said he needed some time before making a final decision.

"I just need to talk to my family," he said. "I can tell you this: If I go to Milwaukee, I'm going to give my heart and soul to the Brewers."

Here's the article: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=694529 (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071210&content_id=2322310&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's three articles about the Red Sox Holiday Caravan, which visited several Boston-area children's hospitals in three days. Those that took part in the caravan were pitchers Julian Tavarez, Bryan Corey, Kyle Snyder, outfielder Brandon Moss, bench coach Brad Mills, pitching coach John Farrell, and president/CEO Larry Lucchino. They also brought the World Series Trophy with them too. Here's the article from the first day: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071210&content_id=2322427&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos, the second day: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071211&content_id=2322990&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos, and the third day: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071212&content_id=2323758&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Next, an article about Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, a Christian, signing a new contract with indefinite one-year options last week. Also, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will succeed him as coach, someday when Bowden retires. Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071210/ap_on_sp_co_ne/fbc_florida_st_bowden_contract.

Here's another article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, about him winning the Heisman Trophy recently and the possibility of him winning one or two more. Here's a quote about how winning the award won't affect him as a person:

The people that know him best don't think he'll have any trouble dealing with life as Heisman winner.

If anything, it will help him because it will allow the message he preaches to reach even more people.

"That's how we see it, as God's plan," Tebow's mother Pam said. "He's just had a plan all along, and Timmy's aware of that.

"All of us will sit on him if he does [have trouble dealing with the expectations]. We remind him all the time God gives grace to the humble. He's given you so much grace, don't blow it now."

Tebow is grounded by his faith, his parents and his boyhood idol, 1996 Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel.

Just listen to how he hopes people will remember him as the 2007 Heisman winner.

"You want people to remember you for the way you won it," Tebow said. "I don't think anybody besides [the media] will probably remember how many touchdowns he [Wuerffel] scored, but everybody remembers him putting his hands together and praying and always being humble and always with the utmost integrity."

Outsiders might be skeptical about Tebow's sincerity, especially when he talks about integrity and being thankful. But Howard is emphatic that Tebow, "is that guy.

"They always look for a flaw. I guess people don't want to have a real American hero. Tim Tebow is the real American hero and he's the real deal."

Here's the article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121007/col_224212685.shtml (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Also, another article on Tebow winning the Heisman. Here's a quote from him about an interesting perk of winning the award:

Interestingly, now that he's a Heisman winner, Tebow has a lifetime vote and can cast a ballot for himself in 2008. Is it a definite vote for the Gator quarterback?

"It depends on what I do. I'm not going to be biased," he said without even a hint of a smile.

Here's the article: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/SPORTS/712100320 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's a good article about Jane Hoeppner, the widow of the late IU head football coach Terry Hoeppner, including video of the news segment that the article is about: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7477445&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Next, an article about the great season that Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, a Christian, is having this year, even though it hasn't been noticed in the Pro Bowl voting: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/SPORTS03/712110379/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about new Mets catcher Brian Schneider's involvement with ALS fund-raising events, after his grandmother died from the disease: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071211&content_id=2322759&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, a note from a blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy (a Christian) last week about his tight end Ben Utecht, also a Christian, and his part in a Christian Christmas concert:

On a note away from football, Ben Utecht is performing with Sandi Patty in her Christmas concert with the African Children's choir and is just great in a duet with Sandi. If you get a chance to see the show, it's tremendous.

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/de17ba18-1597-4f68-9a6b-ce6b005c5da2.

Here's an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, being honored with "Josh Hamilton Day" in his home area in North Carolina last week: http://www.theledger.com/article/20071211/APS/712110868 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/96).

Lastly, an article about Reds pitcher Aaron Harang donating money to the Miracle League in the Cincinnati area to help the baseball league for disabled children: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS05/712120342/1119/RSS1010 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/96).

I'll try to post some more articles later to get caught up. Bye for now!

mostly Tebow, Tebow, and more Tebow

Hi. The one-year anniversary of my starting this blog was on December 12th, so this is the first post of my second year of doing this blog. I hope that you continue to enjoy my blog. I have several articles to post, so I'm going to divide them into more than one post. All the posts will include several articles on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, who won the Heisman Trophy last Saturday. Many of the articles I was able to find on the University of Florida page of the Total Sports Fan application on Facebook.

The first article is about the extra attention that Tebow's two brothers have been getting because of him. His brothers Peter, also a student at Florida, and Robby, the area director for The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, are both in the area and get mistaken for Tim. His two sisters, Katie and Christy, don't have the same problem, partly because they're both married and so no longer carry the last name. Also, Christy is a missionary in Bangladesh, so they don't know anything about football there. All of his siblings were able to join Tim and his parents in New York for the Heisman ceremony. Here's the article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/120707/col_223504538.shtml (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's an article about Rockies infielder Jamey Carroll, a Christian, being traded to the Indians last week. Here's a quote from him about his time with the Rockies:

"I just feel blessed to have played here for two years," Carroll said. "I had the opportunity to play, then I had the opportunity to play in a World Series, even though we lost [to the Red Sox]. I wouldn't trade the time I shared with the Rockies in the clubhouse and with the fans for anything."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071207&content_id=2320861&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan and his wife Dana (Christians) hosting a party for local kids. Here's a quote from him about giving back:

"Dana and I have been very fortunate and blessed in life, and we are happy to be able to give back to the community in this way," Suppan said when the event was announced. "We can't think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season than to do so with a group of children here in Milwaukee."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071208&content_id=2321417&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Tim Tebow winning the Heisman Trophy last Saturday as college football's best player, including video of both his great acceptance speech and ESPN analysts talking about him getting the award afterwards. Here's a quote from Tebow's acceptance speech:

"I am fortunate, fortunate for a lot of things," Tebow said. "God truly blessed me and this just adds on. It's an honor. I'm so happy to be here."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3146714&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Also, another article about Tebow getting the Heisman. Here's a couple of quotes from him, the first about his role model Danny Wuerffel, a Christian who was the last Heisman Trophy winner at Florida and went on to play in the NFL:

"That means a lot," Tebow said. "When I was young, my family was looking for a good role model and we found Danny Wuerffel. He was a great role model for me and I thank for him that."

The second quote is a neat fact about the three Heisman-winning quarterbacks from Florida: Tebow, Wuerffel, and South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier:

Florida's Heisman winners have something in common other than playing the same position. Spurrier's dad was a preacher, Wuerffel's an Air Force chaplain and Tebow's a missionary.

Here's the article: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=748803 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's an article speculating on Tebow's chances of winning one or two more Heisman's, since he won his first as a sophomore. Here's a quote from his high school coach Craig Howard and how getting the Heisman won't change him:

"If anybody could win a Heisman as a sophomore and not let it go to their head as a junior, it's Timmy. He's so grounded," said Howard. "Winning the Heisman may be a life-changing moment, but it won't change Timmy. Tomorrow morning, he'll be in church. Tomorrow afternoon he'll be watching film."

Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/12/08/tebow.heisman.ap/index.html.

Next, a good article about Tebow originally posted last summer and republished after he won the Heisman. Here's a quote about the family's missionary work in the Philippines and other work closer to home:

In high school, Tebow spent three weeks of every summer doing missionary work in the Philippines, talking at schools and marketplaces and medical clinics with church groups. They were close to his favorite three weeks of the year, particularly the time he spent at an orphanage his father helped start in the 1990s.

"Everybody who goes, they come back different," he said. "You think you're going over there to help them, and they really in turn help you."

The orphanage, called Uncle Dick's Home for a friend of the Tebows who helped sponsor it, began when a mother in the area died in childbirth and the father ran away. Her grandfather took the baby and threatened to throw it in the river because he didn't want it.

When Bob Tebow heard about the impending tragedy, he set in motion a long, complicated process that ended in the orphanage opening several years later. That baby, named Queenie, was the first resident. She is in college in the Philippines after graduating No. 1 from her high school class. The orphanage has grown to 50 kids."

The stuff they've gone through is unimaginable and just heartbreaking," Tim Tebow said. "They are satisfied with what they have and are thankful for it. Material goods are not what make them happy. It puts things in perspective. Every day you can get caught up in little silly things, worrying about this and worrying about that. But when you think back about being with them, they have nothing and they never complain about it."

Although he has not done any fieldwork in the Philippines since arriving at UF in January of 2006, Tebow says his experiences there help his performance on the football field. Why would he get rattled in front of a 104,000 fans at Neyland Stadium when he realizes life has bigger issues?

"I want to win so bad, but at the same time you realize there are things more important than sports," he said. "That really helps keep me focused and allows me to not get too discouraged when bad things happen on the field."

He didn't leave his good works behind in the Philippines. Tebow likes to visit hospitals in Gainesville to talk to kids, and he used Florida's open date last October to comfort a dying child in Jacksonville.

Here's the article: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=748732 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's a good article about Tebow, his family, and his choice to play at Florida over Alabama. Here's a quote from his mom Pam about Wuerffel, part of the reason why Tim decided to go to Florida too:

Tim became a huge fan at about the time Danny Wuerffel started playing quarterback for the Gators (1993) and Pam tried to make sure Wuerffel, a humble star and devout Christian, would be looked up to as a role model by her youngest son. It worked. Wuerffel was and is Tim's favorite Gator, Pam said.

"Danny Wuerffel taught him a lot about humility," Pam said. "He always deflected the praise and he never acted like he was better than other people. Those are the kind of things we taught our boys. Danny Wuerffel was a hero for Timmy.

"Danny spoke at our church (First Baptist in downtown Jacksonville) a couple of times, and Timmy got his autograph. He was a wonderful role model and he never disappointed us."

Here's the article: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20071210/NEWS/71209024/1016 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Next, another article about Tebow, and a couple of quotes from Tebow, the first one is about him being Superman:

"No, I'm not Superman," he confirms. ". . . I'll always just be Timmy Tebow."

The other quote from him is about his sister Christy, a missionary in Bangladesh:

... His sister Christy is a missionary in poverty-stricken Bangladesh. On the night before the Heisman, Tebow seemed more excited about his sister showing up than he was about the award itself.

"Christy has always been a leader for me and my brothers and sisters," Tebow says. "She's extremely talented and extremely bright and could have been very successful in any number of professions, but she chose to give all that up to go to Bangladesh and serve. What an inspiration she's been."

Here's the article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/gators/orl-bianchi0907dec09,0,2072154.column (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/209).

Here's a good article about East Carolina fans buying tickets to their bowl game at the Hawaii Bowl and then dontating them to members of the miliarty stationed in Hawaii because not many East Carolina fans can go the game theirselves: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3148094.

Also, an article by IU kicker Austin Starr's trip to Orlando for the College Football Awards show where he was nominted for the Lou Groza Award as the country's best kicker, which he didn't win unfortunately. Here's a quote from him about his trip with his parents:

Having my parents with me Sunday through Friday was a blessing and I appreciate the sacrifices they have made.

Here's the article: http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120907aaa.html.

Lastly, an article including a quote of the first part of Tebow's Heisman Trophy acceptance speech from the Christian Sports Blog:

"Thank you. I'd just like to first start off by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave me the ability to play football and he gave me a great family and a support group and great coaches, and everything around me."

Here's the article: http://www.christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/tebow-acceptance-speech.html.

That's all for now! More tomorrow probably.

MLB, basketball, and college football

Hello! First of all, a note about now former Brewers outfielder Corey Koskie, a Christian, who might be attempting a comeback after missing the last season and a half because of post-concussion syndrome (page down some): http://www.startribune.com/twins/story/1496748.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071022&content_id=2275925&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Indiana high school basketball star Tyler Zeller, a Christian, after his recruiting visit to Purdue. He's also considering IU, North Carolina, and Notre Dame: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/SPORTS0602/710230390/1070/SPORTS0602.

Next, an article about San Diego State athletes helping out at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, an evacuation center for those evacuated from their homes because of the wildfires there. The athletes thought that since their housing and food was taken care of by their scholarships that they would help those who had neither. Two of the athletes that helped were football players Chaz Schilens and Mike Kravetz. Here's a quote from Schilens about it:

Added Schilens: "We've been blessed to go to school here and most of us are on scholarship. So while other people's houses are being evacuated, you just think, 'hey, we can do something about this.'

"You can't just sit around."

Here's the article: http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/media/storage/paper741/news/2007/10/23/Sports/Athletes.Help.In.A.Time.Of.Need-3051196-page2.shtml (originally found at: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3077025&searchName=feldman_bruce&campaign=rsssrch&source=bruce_feldman&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3077025%26searchName%3dfeldman_bruce%26campaign%3drsssrch%26source%3dbruce_feldman).

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian, and his family and hometown in southern Georgia: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-10-22-drew-hometown_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, an article about Hornets guard Chris Paul, a Christian, and how important he is to both the Hornets season and the team getting back a fan base in New Orleans after they played most of the last two seasons in Oklahoma City after Katrina. It also tells about how he learned hard work by working at his grandfather's filling station growing up. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-chrispaul102307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's another good article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, and how he went from failed baseball phenom to successful manager: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3075136.

Next, a blog entry from IU tailback Bryan Payton from the weekend before last, after they got beat by Penn State. The first part is about him and his good friend Josh Gaines, linebacker at Penn State, who he grew up with. Here's a quote from him about Gaines and his family:

I spent so many nights over at their place, went to church went them, ate meals with them and went on trips with them.

He also talked about some shopping he did the day before his post too:

I bought some button ups, T-shirts, jeans, khakis and some church shoes.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/10/footballshoppingand-good-friends.html.

Here's an article about the Red Sox donating some fun electronics to the Children's Hospital in Boston. Helpling out was Red Sox pitcher Kyle Snyder. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071024&content_id=2280650&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Also, in case you haven't seen it yet, here's the video of the amazing 15-lateral game-winning touchdown play by NCAA Division 3 Trinity University in San Antonio last Saturday: www.yahoo.com/s/722983.

Lastly, a Christian note from Monday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about recently-hired Yankees manager Joe Girardi:

KIM’S PEP TALK BEARS RESULTS FOR JOE G: It appears that the NY Yankees will still have a Joe at the helm. Reports are indicating that Joe Girardi will be named to replace Joe Torre as the Yankee skipper. Girardi was the 2006 National League manager of the year in his rookie managerial season in Florida. If Girardi indeed takes over and leads the Yankees into fall success, the team can thank Joe’s wife, Kim. In the mid-1990s, Girardi was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the New York Yankees. Girardi, born in Peoria, Illinois, was not a big-city guy, and he was hesitant about going to the Yankees. Throughout his first season in the Big Apple, he felt uncomfortable. But Kim came to the rescue. “It was amazing what Kim did for me,” Girardi said in the book Safe at Home 2. “We had times when I really struggled. She always seemed to pick me up and let me know that God had me there for a reason. ‘Don’t give up,’ she would say. ‘Fight this through. If you do, you’ll see later in your life that God put you here for a reason!’ ” Did He ever!

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071029.php.

MLB and NFL

First of all, an article about Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, a Christian, winning his 200th game last Wednesday against the Orioles. Pettitte had this to say about his friend Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, also a Christian, and Rivera's role in his 200 wins:

"He's closed a lot of my games, and I've got 200 wins now because he's as great of a closer as he is," Pettitte said. "I wouldn't want anybody else closing my games -- I promise you that."

Here's what Rivera had to say about closing out Pettitte's games:

"I'm glad we were able to do that, and get a big win for Andy," said Rivera after New York's 2-1 victory. "That's the guy that you want to give everything you've got to play behind him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070919&content_id=2219395&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a couple of articles about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, after his miraculous comeback from a concussion during the Lions game against the Vikings a week ago yesterday. The first article is about Kitna went from being the 12th string quarterback at NAIA Central Washington to being the starting quarterback and leader of the Lions: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AuEXGeN26S3vJqSJEkj.0jQ5nYcB?slug=dw-lionskitna092007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

The other article on Kitna is about him getting the notice that he should have long ago according to the writer and Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, also a Christian. Palmer and Kitna are good friends going back to the three years that they spent together with the Bengals where Kitna helped Palmer out both on and off the field. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10362242/rss.

Also, here's more on that book collection drive that the Colts and defensive backs Antoine Bethea and Marlin Jackson were part of last Tuesday. The book drive collected 60,000 books, which was more than enough to give every foster child in Marion County (where Indianapolis is) 25 age-appropriate books. Now the goal is to collect 125,000 books so that they can give books to every foster child in Indiana. Here's the article: http://cache.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=9903a2cf-1317-4dc7-b02e-70189578d1df.

Lastly, an article about Brewers outfielder Bill Hall and his work to promote baseball in the inner cities and breast cancer awareness: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070920&content_id=2219936&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

MLB awards and Redskin prayers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MLB misc.

First, an article about an interesting contract agreement between the Nationals and one of their high draft picks Jack McGeary. McGeary wanted to go to Stanford, but the Nationals wanted him to sign with them, so they worked out a deal. McGeary can go to school and work on his conditioning, and then when school's out he'll pitch in the minors. So both sides get what they wanted, the best of both worlds. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/081607aau.html.

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian, helping out his wife as much as he can when he's home with his baby son, who is recovering from surgery. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070816&content_id=2152130&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez and how his hitting has improved of late. Here's a quote about him:

A sore right front shoulder that deprived him of power and a batting stroke that had developed some mechanical flaws tested Ibanez throughout July. As a deeply religious person, Ibanez relied on his faith, head trainer Rick Griffin's superb medical staff and patience from his manager and hitting coach to work his way out of his hitting funk.

"I think the lack of home runs might have gotten to him," [Mariners manager John] McLaren said. "We know he has power, and we also know why he wasn't hitting for power -- his shoulder. It wasn't something that kept him from playing, but Raul just wasn't himself.

"He is such a professional and character guy, he never complained or used [his sore shoulder] as an excuse."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070816&content_id=2152177&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea&partnered=rss_sea.

Here's an article about Brewers outfielder Gabe Gross, a Christian, returning to the Brewers from Triple-A Nashville: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070816&content_id=2152188&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil&partnered=rss_mil.

Also, an article about Braves 1st baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, reporting to play for a week or so with the Single-A Rome (Georgia) Braves and how much his new teammates wanted to learn from him. Franco will be returning to Atlanta by September 1st. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070816&content_id=2153308&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnered=rss_atl.

Lastly, an article about Padres catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, still recovering from concussion-like symptons that resulted from getting hit in the head twice in a week's time: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070819&content_id=2158397&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB misc., etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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