MLB, football, and basketball

Hello. I've got some extra time because of the snow and ice outside, so I thought that I would go ahead and post mid-week instead of waiting till the end. The first article I have to post tonight is about former Astros pitcher Trever Miller, who signed as a free agent with the Rays last week. Miller played with the Astros the last two years, but had played for the Rays for the two years before that. Here's a quote from him about returning to play for the team near where he lives in Florida:

"It's been a blessing to be able to play big-league baseball at home,'' Miller said. "I didn't think it would happen again. ..."

Here's the article: http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2008/02/rays-add-trever.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080208&content_id=2368504&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's a good article about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt and his son Jon, both Christians. On Signing Day last week Jon, a senior at Prince Avenue Christian School in Athens, GA, signed to play football with Clemson, whose head coach Tommy Bowden (also a Christian) is a good friend of Mark. Mark thought that there would be less pressure on him and Mark if he were to play for someone other than him. I thought that it was neat that Mark went to Jon signing day ceremony before going back to his office to check on his own recruits. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3234394 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/233).

Next, an article about a group of Orioles fans, the Oriole Advocates, who have a neat program called "Cardboard to Leather". The group collects new and used baseball equipment (bats, balls, gloves, uniforms, etc.) to donated to kids in impoverished countries, like in Latin America. These kids would normally have to make-do with whatever they could find for equipment, like making gloves out of cardboard and balls out of tape. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080207&content_id=2367527&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article on NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian who is fighting breast cancer. This month is "Think Pink" campaign for breast cancer awareness with the women's NCAA teams, and several teams are wearing pink uniforms for one game to raise awareness. One of those teams was Yow's NC State team last week, whose uniforms all also had the name "YOW" on the back to honor her. Everyone at these games--players, coaches, fans, etc.--wear pink. Money is being raised for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, part of the Jimmy V Fund for cancer, named after the late former NC State men's basketball coach Jim Valvano who coached with Yow. He died from cancer several years ago. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/notebook?page=notebook/dish080207.

Also, an article about Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, whose comeback this season from a torn Achilles tendon last season was punctuated by winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award and being named to the Pro Bowl: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/comeback-led-cowboys-lb-greg-ellis-all/n20080208170809990011?ecid=RSS0001.

Here's an article about Kansas guard Brandon Rush, who tore his knee last summer which caused him to come back to college for his senior year this year instead of going on to the NBA. Here's a couple of quotes from his head coach Bill Self and him about it:

"There's no doubt Brandon's injury has been a blessing for the program," Self said. "No doubt at all. But I wouldn't go so far as to say it's been a blessing for Brandon. If he'd never gotten hurt, he'd be in the NBA right now, and that's his ultimate dream. But if he continues to progress, his draft status will be improved, in my opinion." ...

"'Blessing in disguise' _that's what my mama said. This might be a blessing in disguise," Rush said. "My mom always knows what she's talking about, especially about basketball."

Here's the article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/08/sports/BKC-T25-Kansas-Rush.php (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/260).

Next, an article about Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, who donated a custom car for a Boston children's hospital to auction off to raise money: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080209&content_id=2369324&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Bengals linebacker David Pollack, a Christian, who has a big decision coming up about whether or not he's going to attempt to comeback after a serious neck injury or not. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

“Even if I can’t play football again, I feel blessed that I’ve been able to play a kids’ game this long,” he said. “The experiences along the way have made me a better person, a stronger person. You learn a lot about life and who really cares about you when things like this happen.” ...

Deeply spiritual, he says he prays daily, not to play football again, but for direction and strength.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportscolumns/entries/2008/02/09/pollack_talks_a.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/7).

Also, an article about new Royals manager Trey Hillman, a Christian, and his style of managing: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080210&content_id=2369800&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about former Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, signing as a free agent with his hometown Padres this week: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3240246.

Next, an article about another Christian MLB free agent Mike Sweeney signing to play with the A's this week after having spent his whole career with the Royals: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3240225.

Lastly, a quote from a Q & A article with IU center D.J. White:

Once you sign your first NBA contract, what's the first thing you're going to buy?

If I am blessed enough to sign a contract, that would be great, but right now I am focused on my senior season and leading my team to a championship.

Here's the article: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/blogs/blogs.asp?topic_id=170.

football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hello! I'm going to have to once again split the articles that I have into two posts this weekend. I just have trouble finding time to post during the week.

First of all, here's a great article about Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, a Christian. Here's a quote about him and having to go through treatment for Crohn's disease:

Garrard admits that, through quarterback controversies and physical setbacks, it hasn't always been easy to stay positive - to remain, as he calls it, a "good teammate."

One test came in 2004, when he had surgery for Crohn's disease, a painful inflammation of the intestines. He takes medication every eight weeks, a 3?-hour procedure; his next appointment is Tuesday, three days after playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs tonight.

"It's a horrible disease, something that a lot of people are affected by," he says. "But I think the Lord blessed me with it, so I could talk about it."

To Mary Garrard, her husband's Christian faith is a key to both his personality and his playing style. "About 95 percent of his temperament comes from his faith," she says. "We're both Christians: There's a higher power, God is in charge of everything, there's no reason to worry about anything."

Here's the article: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/010508/met_231653371.shtml (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/15).

Here's a great article on the importance of prayer and their Christian faith for several players on the Packers. Those mentioned as Christians in the article are defensive ends Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, wide receiver James Jones, and head coach Mike McCarthy. Here's some quotes from Kampman on the topic:

It's not a stretch, then, to wonder about the team in the other locker room and logically ask, why isn't God a fan of their team?

"I do believe that God is sovereign and he does orchestrate or know what's going on, yes,'' said Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, the acknowledged spiritual leader of the team. "Do I think that God cheers more for one team than the other? No.

"I think that our ways are on his ways. So the outcome of a game, while very, very important, could be part of his plan to achieve something. But a loss could do that. It's a lot bigger than trying to put God in a box for the NFL playoffs. It's the other way around. Everything filters down from God.'' ...

No one knows what will transpire at Lambeau on Saturday, but Kampman is sure of one thing: If you're looking for assistance from above at this point, you're either too late or just don't understand.

"This is my opinion, but I think if a person turns it up more, maybe they didn't understand the principles from the beginning,'' he said. "I go back to a verse in Colossians (3:23) that says 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as though you were working for the Lord and not for men.'

"To me what that means is applying that to all aspects of your life, my marriage, this job here, my parenting. Work at it with all your heart. Not for the external outcomes that men will give you but for your internal gratitude for what you've been given."

Also, here's a quote about McCarthy:

Kampman leads a Bible study group on Thursdays in the team's defensive meeting room. On the eve of the game, a half-hour interdenominational chapel service will be held in the team hotel — usually led by someone associated with Athletes in Action — and then a full Catholic mass. That the mass begins 4½ hours before kickoff is a tradition handed down through the years.

The two services used to coincide but Baraniak said since Mike McCarthy, an Irish Catholic, has become head coach, the two are separated so he can attend both.

"He wants to hear what the team is hearing,'' said [team chaplain Rev. James] Baraniak, adding McCarthy uses bits and pieces from both services and weaves them into his address to the team each week.

"He pulls it all together so beautifully.''

Here's the article: http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/APC0101/801100589/1979 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5741).

Next, an article about a great program that the Diamondbacks have began for the upcoming season. They are giving season ticket "scholarships" for families that apply and are having hard times. Here's the article: http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10571485 (originally found at: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/080114.php).

Here's a Christian article about Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who grew up in the projects of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here's a quote about his life:

Henry has come a long way from the mean streets of Michigan Links Court. When you survive the perils he did, life is all about perspective. Playing football is good. Being alive is better. Being alive in Christ is best.

“Growing up like that made me realize a totally different relationship with God and being thankful for what you’ve got,” he said. “Being a pro athlete with money, sometimes you take it for granted. But I want to stay focused and know that God has blessed me to be where I am, but that I also need to care for other people.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5740.

Also, a good article about how Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, has helped turn around the men's basketball program after one of the worst team scandals in NCAA sports history. It was especially bad since Baylor is a Baptist college. Here's a quote from athletic director Ian McCaw, also a Christian:

"People were still shocked from the scandal when I got here," said McCaw, a Baptist deacon whose faith and belief in Baylor's mission convinced him to leave his post as athletic director at Massachusetts, his alma mater. "The hardest thing to overcome was the morale. It was incredibly low."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=3189351.

Here's a good article about recently retired Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and why he decided to retire to spend more time with his family: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/11/AR2008011102493_2.html?hpid=topnews.

Next, an article about Cowboys outside linebacker Greg Ellis, a Christian, being awarded The Associated Press 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year last week. He won the award after coming back this season from an Achilles injury to be a huge part of the Cowboys defense. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

"It's been great," Ellis said. "I thank God for blessing me, letting me get out there and have a good support group, starting from the doctors. We have good people here, the coaches have done a good job working me back into it. They've been telling me 'You're fine, you're fine.' It was just getting the confidence to get out there and do it." ...

"Guys will tell you the correct thing -- you don't seek after those awards," Ellis said. "But when you're blessed to get any award on a national level ... our (linebackers) coach, Paul Pasqualoni, says the respect of the game is one of the reasons everybody in the NFL plays. And he's right.

"So once you've got the respect of everybody in the country, if you will, at doing something -- whether it's for your efforts on coming back or for your just play on the field, whatever it is -- it's a great award to get, obviously."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArMpT1RfAGTjMifg3YncDXc5nYcB?slug=ap-comebackplayer&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Chick-fil-A Senior Bowl Rally, one of the largest FCA rallies in the nation, that is held next weekend in conjunction with the Senior Bowl. Two of the featured speakers at the event are also participants in the game -- Alabama All-SEC defensive end Wallace Gilberry and Auburn All-SEC defensive end Quentin Groves. Here's the article: http://www.seniorbowl.com/2008/news/2008fca.htm (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Also, an article about Colts owner Jim Irsay offering Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, some flexibility if Dungy would decide to return as coach. Irsay would be willing to give Dungy more time off to travel to visit his family in Tampa, etc. That's how badly Irsay wants Dungy to return. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/SPORTS03/301130019/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez starting a scholarship program for college-bound high-schoolers from a section of Detroit: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/SPORTS02/80113080/0/BUSINESS01 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/113).

Next, an article about the Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) helping to raise money for a couple who's home was destroyed and they were injured. The couple, Dave and Jan Goble, are also raising their grandchildren. Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey, a Christian, was also at the game and donated one of his jerseys to a silent auction for some of the money that was raised. Here's a quote from Dave Goble:

"God is providing all of our needs," Dave Goble said.

Here's the article: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/CFP02/801130452/1057/SPORTS (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Lastly, an article about a children's book that former Braves outfielder and Falcons player Brian Jordan has written, called "I Told You I Can Play". Here's a quote from him telling what the book is about, and it sounds like it should be pretty good:

"It's about believing in yourself," Jordan told the group before he began reading.

The story is about young Brian, who wants to play with his brothers, who don't allow him to because they think he is too young. They do everything they can to avoid him until one day he gets a chance. Brian not only plays, but scores a touchdown.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080113&content_id=2344870&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Gibbs, Dungy, football, baseball, and basketball

Hi. Here's the second post for the weekend. First, some articles on former Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, who retired last week to spend more time with his family. Here's a good note about the news conference from Sports Spectrum's The Daily:

THE REAL JOE: If you caught the press conference in which Joe Gibbs announced the reasons for his retirement, you got the clear picture of a man with a deep faith in God and His direction in his life. But if you didn’t see that and just read published reports about Gibbs’ retirement, you wouldn’t know how important faith is to him. That part get left out of nearly every report about Gibbs. What was mentioned was his love and concern for family, which is a good thing. But that love of family comes from Gibbs’ solid faith and Christian convictions. That’s what he said, but for most reporters, the essence of Joe Gibbs wasn’t important enough to write about.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/080109.php.

Along those lines, here's a link to an article with video of the news conference last Tuesday if you would like to watch it, but it's kind of long--around half an hour I think--so I only watched the first part of six: http://www.wusa9.com/news/regional/story.aspx?storyid=67065.

Instead I found a transcript from the news conference, and here's the quote from near the end of the press conference referred to in the quote from The Daily:

... The last thing I want to say, it has been amazing for me to experience the fact that- we serve such a wonderful God that looks down and most cases takes a very average person, a physical education major in my case, with ballroom dancing and hand ball, and blesses him with some of the greatest experiences anybody could every have on earth. I have been blessed beyond belief. I want to say thanks to the Lord for letting me be a part of this and I want to say a personal thanks to all of you."

Here's the article: http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33975.

Here's a Christian article about Gibbs retiring from the Saved in Sports blog, and a quote about Gibb's Youth For Tomorrow center:

Joe Gibbs is known as a hard working man of faith, both on and off the field. An outspoken Christian, he has mentored hundreds of players in more than just field plays, but life itself. His passion for providing a strong foundation for young people led Gibbs to found the Youth For Tomorrow center in nearby Manassas, Virginia, a “residential program combining character rehabilitation, quality education, personal faith, and life skills,” according to the mission statement. Since opening in 1986, Youth for Tomorrow has served 800 young people. The campus includes several specialized schools, a library, gymnasium, computer labs, auditorium, and more.

Here's the article: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/washington-redskins-to-move-on-without-joe-gibbs/. Here's the Youth For Tomorrow website: http://www.youthfortomorrow.org/.

Next, here's the general news article about Gibbs' retirement: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_redskins_gibbs_resigns.

Here's a good sports column from the Washington Post about Gibbs too: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010804885.html?sid=ST2008010804632&sub=new.

Also, here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, and the community work that he's involved in through his Brandon Webb K Foundation and the Diamondbacks in Arizona: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080109&content_id=2342454&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a good blog post about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and her upbeat attitude during her fight with cancer. Here's a good quote:

As we all know, Yow is fighting a terrible foe every day. She never takes off the "armor"-- made up of her faith, her hope, her positive attitude. That armor has served her well so far.

Here's the post: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=ncwexperts&entryDate=20080109.

Next, a Q and A article with Washington State guard Taylor Rochestie, a Christian, talking about how well the team has done so far this season and his giving up his scholarship for next year so that they could use it for someone else: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=335345.

Here's a couple of articles on the possible retirement of Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, after this season. Unfortunately, the Colts just lost in the playoffs this afternoon to the Chargers, so now the Dungy watch is on I guess. The first article is a good one from the Indianapolis Star, and here's a quote:

It might not be enough. One of the most successful coaches in NFL history wants to be so much more.

Dungy has been involved in a prison ministry program in Tampa for several years and has devoted himself to All Pro Dad, a branch of the Tampa-based Family First. His book, Quiet Strength, recently sold its 1 millionth copy. When Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was shot and killed in November, Dungy spoke of the need for people in positions of influence to address a culture of violence that seems so pervasive among today's youth.

On the other hand, Dungy allows that "there's a vehicle to get that message out, and the NFL's a pretty good vehicle."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/SPORTS03/801100425/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's the other article, which gives some updated news about the Dungy retirement rumors: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArfW.TBnXvSah30L59.9ZEV.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dungysfuture&prov=ap&type=lgns. More on Dungy another day.

Also, a couple of articles about MLB players will be receiving Thurmon Munson Awards. The awards will be given to recently retired Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio and Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera, along with Mets 3rd baseman David Wright, Knicks guard Jamal Crawford, and Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. The award is for "excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community." Here's the Biggio article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080110&content_id=2343257&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb, and here's the Cabrera one: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080110&content_id=2343441&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Bills tight end Kevin Everett, who sustained a severe neck injury the first game of the season and is now miraculously walking on his own. Last week, he spoke at the football banquet at his high school, Memorial, in Port Arthur, Texas, to thank everyone for their support during his rehabilitation. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I feel blessed entirely," Everett said Thursday before addressing the Memorial High School football banquet. "I deal with some pain sleeping but not to the point where I can't sleep. I take my medicine and I'm good to go."

Here's a quote from New Mexico quarterback Donovan Porterie, who was also attending the banquet:

"Every night, especially in that first week, I was offering up a prayer after I heard about his injury," Porterie said. "It was all over ESPN and the NFL Network and being from Port Arthur, it was a real big blow ... a real heartbreaker."

"So it meant a lot to see a guy of his status to bounce back and be here like this," he said. "It was a big lift. Jesus came through and delivered him from his obstacle."

Here's a quote from Everett's friend and Memorial offensive coordinator Kenny Harrison:

"This guy is amazing," Harrison said. "Kevin has taught me two things. First, he's taught me that nothing is too bad and second, that with God you can overcome anything."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10569837/rss.

Next, an article about Mariners pitcher Chris Reitsma, a Christian, signing a minor league contract with the team since he's coming off an injury: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AsB1_FEIAPyO4Y9qrD.sJFt.T4h4?slug=ap-mariners-reitsma&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Lastly, last night there was a great interview segment with Jaguars quarterback David Garrard and his wife, both Christians, before they lost to the Patriots. At least three times during the interview Garrard said "a lot of prayer".

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 and football misc.

Hi. I think that I'm finally going to get caught up now. I'm doing this while I'm listening to the IU/Purdue football game on the radio. GO IU!

First of all, a Q & A article with Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, a Christian: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2296760&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, a Christian, and how he's blamed himself for the Bengals troubles this season, even though he's had a great season himself: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20071109/SPT02/711090349/.

Next, an article about new Royals manager Trey Hillman, a Christian, and what his new players think of him. Here's a quote about him from Royals pitcher Brian Bannister:

"The thing that strikes you right away is that he's a man of character," Bannister said. "I know that word gets tossed out there a lot, but when you're talking about a young team and an organization that's on the upswing and has been through some tough times in the recent past, it takes a manager that's willing to get into trenches with the players, a guy with passion and a guy that has belief in a long-term plan to turn this thing around. Right away, from what I've heard about him, is he's exactly the kind of guy we need. ..."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2297139&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an quote from Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings, a Christian, on winning the Silver Slugger Award for the best hitting pitcher in the Majors:

"I just take great honor in it," Owings said of receiving the award. "It's very humbling. I've been blessed. It's something I've worked hard at my whole life, and it's something that I will definitely treasure."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2296739&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari.

Also, an article about new Dodgers manager Joe Torre (that still sounds weird) and his raising money for his Safe at Home Foundation, which works to stop domestic violence: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2297638&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs, who is still playing while dealing with his father Ron, a former Cowboy, being in a coma. Here's a quote from him about that:

"I've come to peace with it," said Shawn after a Washington Redskins practice Friday. "If you have faith, when you see him in the hospital you know he's no longer in pain, he's not hurting. He's at peace."

Here's the article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/111107dnsponflsprings.349b814.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next, a great article about Navy runningback Reggie Campbell, a Christian, and his teammate, best friend, and fellow Christian Irv Spencer. Here's a quote from Spencer about Campbell:

No one more than Spencer, who's shared both faith and friendship since he and Campbell first met at the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I.

"That's my brother in Christ, right there, my brother from another mother, as I always say," Spencer says, recounting their initial year together - Irv struggling to survive in the classroom, Reggie seldom seeing the playing field in games. "That was me finding God and having friends like Reggie around me to help me get through there."

Here's the article: http://navysports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111207aaa.html (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5709).

Here's an article about an initiative run by the MLB Players Association with the help of several players to get high school students into volunteering in their communities: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071113&content_id=2299734&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about the Colts donating $25,000 to the Chargers Fire Relief Fund when they played the Chargers in San Diego last Sunday. The fund is to help those effected by the wildfires in the San Diego area recently. Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=5aa30500-8e38-4bfb-892d-272eb9aa92b1.

Here's a Chunky Soup website where you can vote for your favorite NFL team (like the Colts!). Chunky then donates soup to the food bank of the winning team's choice. So voting helps out the hungry by having food donated to a food bank. Here's the site: http://www.chunky.com/ClickForCansVote.aspx?EID=2583&MID=1494563&LID=1459.

Lastly, a week or two ago I mentioned that I had started posting articles on Digg. However, I soon found that not every article had a link to add to Digg. I then discovered how to add links to any article or webpage to my Facebook profile page, which I've been doing. I've been adding articles that I've included here and some that I haven't. So if you want to check the articles out and are on Facebook and want to add me as a friend, that's fine, just let me know.

I'm actually caught up now! IU just beat Purdue in the Bucket Game and are now hopefully going to a bowl game with a record of 7-5. GO IU!

MLB LCS, etc.

Hello! First of all, just an interesting tidbit about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian. His senior year of high school, he was rated one of the four best high school quarterbacks in the country, along with fellow Christians Carson Palmer (now with the Bengals) and Drew Henson. Palmer (at USC) and Henson (at Michigan) went on to be two of the top college quarterbacks when they played. But I think that Holliday, who is one of the two leading candidates for the NL MVP and won the NLCS MVP, made a good choice going with baseball. Here's the article: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1011holliday1011.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=2262438&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article with more information about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano's (a Christian) new biography The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story. Here's a couple of quotes from him:

''At first, nobody thought I would become anything like the baseball success I became,'' Zambrano said. ''I was too clumsy and skinny. So I started out as a benchwarmer who played only during garbage time.

''But thanks to my faith in God, my hard work and God-given talent, I became what some people call a big star.'' ...

''But remembering where I came from keeps me humble,'' he said. ''Hopefully, my book will inspire other kids who started out poor like me that they can also be a success with talent, hard work and faith in Jesus Christ.''

Here's the article: http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/598309,CST-SPT-bigz11.article (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=2262438&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article on another baseball book, Pitching with the Papelbons, which was written about the Papelbon brothers to raise money for a good cause. The Papelbon brothers are Jonathon, who's the Red Sox closer, and his younger twin brothers Josh, who pitches for the Red Sox Class-A Greenville Drive, and Jeremy, who pitches for the Cubs Class-A Peoria Chiefs. The book is to raise money for the C2 Mission Foundation, which "benefits children and families affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis." Here's the article: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071012&content_id=310491&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp and here's the book's website: http://www.pitchingwiththepapelbons.com/.

Here's an inspiring article about a girl who's a college golfer despite many physical problems. Katie Walker was "born with a heart murmur, one kidney, an improperly formed gastrointestinal tract and a missing tibia in her left leg that eventually led to it being amputated." However, with a prosthetic leg, she's able to play golf and is a freshman on the golf team at Cal State Bakersfield. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/10/13/walker_1014.html

Also, a good quote from Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, about the Rockies amazing run the last month to end the regular season and through the post-season so far:

"Faith," Hurdle said, "is believing in things that you can't see, you can't touch. From a sporting mentality, there's certain things you just gotta believe in. Man, you just hold onto them. You keep fighting the fight, and you just keep showing up.

"Our players have been so good at that."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071013&content_id=2264711&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon, a Christian, and the importance of both his leadership and example to the young Indians team this year, which helped them reach the ALCS: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265615&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnered=rss_cle.

Next, an article about the importance of Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, a Christian, as the leader of the pitching staff. The pitchers give him all the credit, while he always says that it was the pitchers, not him. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265434&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings, before pitching game 4 of the NLCS against the Rockies, about his ability as both a pitcher and a hitter. He was one of the best if not the best hitting pitcher in baseball this season. Here's a quote about his hitting prowess this year:

There was the Aug. 18 game Owings started in Atlanta in which he connected for two home runs and two other base hits on his way to a six-RBI game, the most RBIs in a game by a pitcher in more than five years. He also scored four times in the game.

Then came that start in Pittsburgh, where on top of limiting the Pirates to four base hits, Owings contributed four hits and three RBIs in the winning effort.

"I just enjoy being in the box," said Owings, who hit .322 in his two collegiate years. "I've been blessed to play the game not only as a pitcher, but to be able to swing it, too. Whenever I get in there, I enjoy it."

Owings finished the season with a .333 average, 11 extra-base hits and 15 RBIs in 60 at-bats.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071014&content_id=2265961&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a good Christian article about Rockies pitcher Jeremy Affeldt from Lee Warren of The Christian Sports Blog. The article was from a couple of years ago when he was with the Royals. Here's the article: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/jeremy-affeldt-adventurous-christian.html.

Here's an article about Washington High School (Indiana) senior basketball star Tyler Zeller, a Christian, and his recent recruiting visit to Notre Dame. His older brother Luke, also a Christian, will be a junior on the Notre Dame team this year. Zeller is also considering IU, North Carolina, and Purdue. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071015/SPORTS0203/710150347/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, after Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, a Christian, was taken out after 7 innings in game 6 of the ALCS Saturday night, he was interviewed during the 8th inning. When he left the game, the crowd in Boston gave him a standing ovation. Schilling could leave the Red Sox after the season as a free agent. Here's what he had to say about the fans' reaction (or something like this): "I want to thank God for the chance to pitch in front of these fans and for this organization."

MLB, NFL, and NBA

Hi. Here's a shorter post, but I thought that I would go ahead since I'm off the next two days and don't know when I'll be able to post some more articles. The first article is a good Christian one about Indians outfielder Trot Nixon that FCA posted again. It's originally from the 2005 season when Nixon was still with the Red Sox (he signed with the Indians as a free agent before this season). Here's the article: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=120A8893-423E-4494-8721D45DEBDCDD13 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about how versatile and important Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, has been this year for the undefeated Colts: http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10398667.

Next, an article about Rockies infielder Jamey Carroll and pitcher Matt Herges, both Christians. The note about Carroll is about he stays ready to play for whenever the Rockies need him. The note about Herges tells about his winding road to becoming an important part of the Rockies bullpen this year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071009&content_id=2259225&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew, a Christian, and how he struggled offensively during the regular season and then hit well in the ALDS against the Cubs. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's a blessing," he said, "because the team picked me up this year when things weren't going good. To contribute back in the postseason is exciting for me. The confidence, it's been there, Just to start having something to show for it helps."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=287971.

Also, an article about Knicks guard Allan Houston, a Christian, attempting to make a comeback this season after being retired for two years. Here's a quote from him about it:

"After much thought and prayer, I have decided to return to the NBA as a member of the New York Knicks," Houston said in a statement. "I have worked extremely hard in the last year and a half to accomplish my dream of playing in the NBA again."

"After my wife and I were blessed with the birth of our fourth child last week, I realized that New York is where I am supposed to be, and the Knick uniform is the one I want to wear. I have seen the Garden in some of its best moments, and I truly believe that this team is on the verge of experiencing that again. This team is hungry and energetic. I hope to contribute in the weeks and months ahead."

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/10400730/rss.

Lastly, an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew and his little brother, Diamondbacks outfielder Stephen Drew, both Christians, on the possibility that they both could have made it to the World Series after they both made it to their respective League Championship Series. They were both looking forward to that possibility, but the Diamondbacks lost in the NLCS to the Rockies, so it won't happen. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071010&content_id=2260039&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

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/.

Bowdens, MLB, NBA, and music

Hi! First, a good Christian article about Rockies infielder Jamey Carroll from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Sharing the Victory Magazine from last year, since the Rockies are still going in the playoffs (make sure and check out the "Related Stories" link on the upper right side of the article too for more): http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=4AEA9B47-A348-4BAC-8D4DF6BEDDC86ABD.

Here's a good Christian article about the Christian coaching legacy that Florida State football head coach Bobby Bowden passed down the his son, Auburn football head coach Tommy Bowden: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5676.

Next, another article on Jamey Carroll, and his teammate, pitcher Ramon Ortiz, and their unlikely role in the Rockies beating the Padres in a one-game playoff for the NL Wild Card title on October 1st (yes, I'm still behind!). Here's a quote from Ortiz, the game's winning pitcher, about his role in the game:

"I thanked God, I don't know, 100 times. The thing is I stayed positive every day and did my routine. I'm very happy."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245374&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col&partnered=rss_col.

Here's a good blog post from Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, from last Tuesday about his day off the day before. He was able to spend it going to his kids soccer games and practices, which he's usually not able to do. But how many athletes would spend a rare day off running around going to their kids sports and not doing their own thing. I thought that was neat. Here's the post: http://tonyclark.mlblogs.com/tonyclark/2007/10/its_fun_playing.html. With the Diamondbacks and Rockies continuing in the playoffs, you can keep checking both Clark's (http://tonyclark.mlblogs.com/) and Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton's (also a Christian) (http://toddhelton.mlblogs.com/) blogs, updated pretty much daily.

Also, an interesting story about Nuggets guard Allen Iverson and some friends stopping to check on an overturned car on a highway in Virginia last week. Iverson asked the ladies, still hanging upside-down in their car if they were okay, and surprisingly they recognized him, even in that situation. Iverson and his friends stayed with the ladies until emergency help arrived, and even checked on them at the hospital later that night. Here's a good quote from a friend of the ladies about Iverson:

Iverson said he has not heard from the women since, but another woman who knew about the accident wrote a letter to the Philadelphia Daily News to commend Iverson for being a good Samaritan.

"We, the public, seem to hear only the negative stories, but never the small acts of kindness he performs," wrote April Snoparsky, of Boston. "This story reaffirms my belief that just because he's 'street' doesn't mean he isn't one of the good guys."

Here's the article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_5712295,00.html (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/478832.html?rss=true).

Here's an article about Padres outfielder Brian Giles volunteering his time to visit at children's hospitals: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245607&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb, a Christian, and about how he improved over the second half of the season from his struggles during the first half. The second half of the season he dominated to lead the Diamondbacks to first place in the West and the playoffs. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245917&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

During one of last weekend's Indians/Yankees games, there was a short segment on former Yankees great Bobby Richardson, a Christian. He was the MVP of the 1960 World Series. In the segment it also mentioned that he is a volunteer speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which I thought was neat.

Lastly, last week I got the 2007 WOW CD, but I haven't had time to listen to it yet. I just thought that I'd share that it does have a website: http://wowonline.com/.