sports misc.

First of all, an article about the North Carolina-Pembroke head football coach Pete Shinnick, and his emphasis on family. He and his other coaches have their kids with them in their football offices, and he also makes sure that he and the coaches frequently have their evenings free to spend with their families. Here's the article: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=269624 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Focus on the Family joining with the NFL to fight a pro-gambling bill in Congress: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20253076/ (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5651).

Next, an article about Major League Lacrosse's Denver Outlaws Matt Hanna and what he does to help others, both with lacrosse and in the community as a whole: http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/index.html?article_id=780.

Here's an article about Bluffton University (a Christian college) baseball head coach James Grandey attending a Braves game, sitting in the owner's box at Turner Field. It was Grandey's first return to Atlanta after the Bluffton team's fatal bus crash there on the way to a tournament in Florida last March. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10295438/rss.

Also, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton's (a Christian) return to the Reds lat Sunday after an injury. Here's another quote from him about the significance of his return being just in time for the Reds Faith Day on Sunday:

... He was just happy Sunday that he was able to return to Cincinnati in time for the Reds' Faith Day at Great American Ball Park where Hamilton and his wife, Katie, Reds video coordinator Johnny Narron and NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz addressed the several thousand fans that stayed after the game with the Padres to listen to them speak and then a post-game concert by a Christian rock band [MercyMe].

"Compared to what I've been through in my life, it wasn't much," Hamilton said of the injuries. "It's all part of God's plan for me. He obviously had a plan for me to get out there and be able to talk today."

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/SPT05/708140325/1035/SPT.

Here's a couple more articles about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, being named by President Bush to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AjUkZ3zHdwzVRsUvG0k9cJ1.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dungy&prov=ap&type=lgns and http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6931632.

Next, a couple of articles about Braves manager Bobby Cox's record-breaking ejection last Tuesday. Cox argued a called third strike against Braves 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, after Jones argued the call. By arguing Cox was able to draw attention away from Jones and keep him in the game. That became huge when Jones later knocked in the winning run in the 9th inning. So no matter what anyone may think about Cox's huge number of ejections, he has a reason for it. Here's a quote about it from Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian:

... "He went out and had Chipper's back. That's why we love playing for him. I've never seen him get ejected just to get ejected. There's always a reason."

Here's that article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/14/cox_0815.html.

Here's a quote from MLB umpire Dale Scott about Cox's ejections:

Cox's intentions weren't to spark his team. Instead, he was simply once again protecting one of his players -- something that has drawn respect from many of the umpires who have played a role in the setting of this record.

"One thing about Bobby is he protects his players," veteran umpire Dale Scott said after Cox was ejected on May 26. "He goes out there and makes sure his players don't get run. He does his job. It's not because umpires are looking to get him, it's because he steps up and gets his guys' backs. Some managers kind of let the guys go. He doesn't. I think that's why he has a lot of ejections. That's a good attribute for him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070814&content_id=2148876&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about IU football team's jersey patch and helmet decal to honor their late coach Terry Hoeppner, who died from complications from brain cancer in June: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/SPORTS0601/708150436/1069/SPORTS0601.

Also, an article about Heat rookie guard Daequan Cook surprised kids by helping to teach them swimming safety, along with a surprise visit from Dwayne Wade: http://www.nba.com/heat/news/cook_wade_lts.html?rss=true.

Lastly, I've been watching the Little League World Series a lot since it started yesterday afternoon. One of last night's games was between Lake Oswego, Oregon and Warner Robins, Georgia, and one of the players on the Oregon team is Mitch Lomax, son of former Cardinals quarterback Neil Lomax, a Christian. During last night's game, Neil Lomax was interviewed during the game on ESPN, and he was asked about all four of his kids. He replied with something like (sorry, I didn't remember the exact words) "God has really blessed us with four healthy kids." Also, Lomax's oldest son is a quarterback at Boise State, who is currently trying to win the starting job there. Here's the website for the Little League World Series: http://www.littleleague.org/worldseries_2007/index.html.

baseball, football, etc.

First of all, an article about new Butler basketball head coach Brad Stevens. Here's a quote from him about his coaching staff:

"The thing about all of those guys is they all have experience at Butler," Stevens said. "They know what we're trying to do and they're all really well-liked. They all do a good job. I couldn't be more blessed to have those guys stay around and be a part of it."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2962933.

Here's an article about Major League Lacrosse's Los Angeles Riptide giving back to the kids in inner-city LA. They not only provide instruction and equipment for lacrosse, but they also provide encouragement for the kids to do well in school and continue on to college. Here's the article: http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/index.html?article_id=756.

Next, a good article on Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and how much he helped Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (also a Christian) when Kitna was with the Bengals before going to the Lions. Here's a quote from Kitna about his season last year with the Lions, when they went 3-13:

"As hard as it was in terms of wins and losses, it was the year of the biggest spiritual growth for me and my family," Kitna said. "We had a lot of guys on the team getting saved for the first time and getting baptized. It was the same thing when the Lord led us to Cincinnati. He used football to move us to Detroit."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070807/SPT02/708070325/1066/rss07.

Here's a great blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, this week:

An Encouraging Scripture

In the last couple of days I've gotten a lot of letters and e-mails from people who've read Quiet Strength. Many people have asked about how our family dealt with some of the tough times in our lives and how we as a team dealt with disappointing losses, injuries, etc. I've really been surprised at the number of parents I've talked to who have lost children in some way recently. I've tried to share with them my faith and just the fact that we have to follow God, even in those painful times when we don't understand how He is working.

In our coaches' bible study we came across a passage in Isaiah Chapter 65 that has been a major encouragement to me and now I've been able to share it with people who have lost loved ones and give them some real, tangible thoughts on how to look at their situation and still have hope. Starting at verse 17 Isaiah describes God's plan for the heaven He has in store for us

"Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.
No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life.
Verse 25 ends like this:
The wolf and the lamb will feed together.. The lion will eat hay like a cow... In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the Lord have spoken."

I have read this several times in the last couple of weeks and when we have events like the bridge collapse in Minnesota, I can take comfort from this passage, knowing that, while we experience these trgedies now, there is coming a time when we won't have to experience them anymore and we will be living in perfect peace.

Here's the webpage: http://www.mycolts.net/blogentry/2bbfe82d-cd13-47c1-a005-e8b48b2ec00a.

Also, an article about Mets pitcher Tom Glavine and getting his 300th win on Sunday. Here's a good quote from him:

As he reflected on his accomplishment, Glavine viewed the 300 wins as a snapshot in his life.

"I am a baseball player for a short period of time in the scope of my life," he said. "I have a whole lot more time as a person away from baseball. Character is what matters."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/07/glavine_0808.html.

Here's an article about Braves 1st baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, being sent to Single-A for the rest of August. He'll be back with the Braves on September 1st, and then probably on the post-season roster, should (WHEN!) the Braves make it that far. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/07/franco_0808.html.

Next, an article about former Braves outfielder Dale Murphy and his opinion that Giants outfielder Barry Bonds is a bad example for kids: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/08/bonds_murphy_0808.html.

Here's an article about the retirement of Panthers safety Mike Minter (a Christian) this week. Here's a quote about him:

What Minter lacked in size and speed, he made up for with his toughness, crowd-pleasing hard hits and his work in the community, ranging from the YMCA to his local church.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-panthers-minterretires&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Also, a Q & A article about Colts offensive lineman Dylan Gandy, a Christain. Here's a couple of quotes from him:

Anything new this offseason?
"Well, I got married, to a Hoosier girl, so that's good."

Where's she from?
"She's originally from Sheridan, but she's been living in Indy for the past several years. I met her at a church we go to, Common Ground, through a friend." ...

There are two other Texas Tech guys on the team (rookies Gabriel Hall and Keyunta Dawson). Do you know them well?
"Yeah, I played with both of them. Keyunta and I were in Bible studies throughout college, off and on, and Gabe's a real good guy. I'm just proud to see those guys here and doing so well."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007708080452.

Here's another Q & A article, this one with Appalachian State head football coach Jerry Moore, a Christian: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/080807abb.html.

Next, an article about a men's outreach that a church in Missouri had recently. The speakers at the event included former NFL offensive tackle Grant Williams and former MLB catcher Mike Matheny. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5644.

Here's an article about an organization for Christian Minor and Major League umpires called "Calling for Christ". It was started by MLB umpires Ted Barrett and Rob Drake a few years ago. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5643.

Also, just an interesting bit of information about Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik, who gave up Barry Bonds record-breaking homer #756 last Tuesday, and his dad, a former MBL pitcher also named Mike Bacsik:

Once upon a time, a pitcher named Mike Bacsik faced a legendary slugger who had 755 home runs. The slugger, Hank Aaron, did not add to his total, and the confrontation became the stuff of Bacsik family lore.

Thirty-one years later, history did not repeat itself.

Bacsik's son and namesake, a round-faced left-hander with the Washington Nationals, faced another legendary slugger who had 755 home runs. And that slugger, Barry Bonds, blasted a full-count fastball 435 feet into the right-center field bleachers in the fifth inning Tuesday night, breaking Aaron's all-time record and thrusting the younger Bacsik into the limelight.

He grasped the moment. He didn't grope for words. It was almost as if he'd rehearsed a concession speech.

"If my dad would have been gracious enough to give up a home run, we'd both have given up a No. 756," he quipped.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sh-bacsik080807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Bengals defensive linebacker Landon Johnson. He's about a polar opposite of another Johnson on that team, Chad Johnson. By the way, their training camp is at Georgetown College in Kentucky, a Baptist college. Here's a quote from him:

"It's not all about attention. I think a little bit of attention is good because it gives you the opportunity to express your beliefs. I have a strong faith in God, so getting a little attention gives you the opportunity to express that to other people."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070808/SPT02/708080339/1066/rss07.

Next, a neat article about Astros outfielder Hunter Pence, who helped pass out T-shirts to fans on his T-shirt day last Wednesday. He's currently on the disabled list, so he was trying to fill the time. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070808&content_id=2137520&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou.

Lastly, an article about former NBA player Chris Dudley hosting a camp for kids with diabetes this week. He's also diabetic himself. Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/blazers/news/Chris_Dudley_still_giving_back-234071-1218.html?rss=true.

MLB misc. and more

First of all, an article about Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez's return to the Mets this season. Here's a quote from him about it:

But does he have one more trick left?

"Remember when I left the Dodgers?" Martinez said. "That's a good question to drop right now. They said I was too small, fragile. Now you're asking me if I can do it one more time.

"After 200-something wins, two strikeouts shy of 3,000 and 14 years, 15 years in the big leagues, I think that has been totally answered. I'm not afraid. I'm leaving it in God's hands and going for whatever is out there.

"I'm going to pitch. I'm going to give it a try. And if not, I'm just going to go home, spend the time I haven't spent with my family all these years."

Here's the article: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-sppedro315314333jul31,0,2619224.story?coll=ny-mets-print (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070802&content_id=2125168&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about the Indians taking some underprivileged kids shopping last week. The players involved were Paul Byrd (a Christian), Grady Sizemore, C.C. Sabathia, Jake Westbrook (a Christian), Jason Michaels, Jensen Lewis, Tom Mastny, Jason Stanford, and Mike Rouse. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2122968&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/index.jsp).

Next, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, being named the July National League Pitcher of the Month. Here's a quote from him that I already shared, but I thought that it was neat that it was included again in this article:

"Any time I can do something for myself -- pitching, running, fielding, kicking the ball, whatever -- it's good for me," He said. "I have to be able to use what God gave me and use the ability."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070802&content_id=2125588&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Also, an article about the Washington Bayhawks Christian Cook of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and how he's reaching out to kids in the Washington, D.C., community through lacrosse: http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/index.html?article_id=741 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/making-difference-at-grass-roots-level.html).

Here's a couple of recent blog entries from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian. I strongly reccommend checking his blog frequently as his post are usually great (http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blog/Dungy_Perspective). The first is about the bridge tragedy in Minneapolis. Dungy went to the U. of Minnesota, which is in Minneapolis. I thought that what he had to say about it was excellent:

It just made me realize even more that God is in control. Great things happen to us. Bad things happen. We can't always figure out why, and many times there is no explanation. But we just have to be thankful to God when He protects us from problems, and be faithful and trusting when He has us go through them. And we have to know that football, or whatever we do for a living, is not the most importatnt thing in the world. It seems that whenever I start to get that feeling, something like this happens to remind me that football is a very small part of the total picture God is painting.

Here's the blog post: http://www.mycolts.net/blogentry/380b262e-4d27-4200-af88-ba28a465d8fe.

Here's a couple of quotes from the other Dungy blog post:

Our players have come in good condition and God has blessed us with fairly good health. Our injuries are down significantly from last year at this time, even though we're working hard and hitting just as much. (Note: Unfortunately the very next day starting defensive linebacker Anthony McFarland went down with a serious knee injury) ...

We have our mock game on Saturday morning and then our players will have a day and a half off. It gives them a chance to rest and recover and also lets guys get home to see their families for an afternoon and go to church if they wish. ...

Here's the post: http://www.mycolts.net/blogentry/ce906e20-e3a3-4c26-821f-629c174da2ed.

Next, a good Christian article about Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5638.

Here's an article about how Wake Forest men's basketball director of basketball operations Mike Muse. He was the one that found head coach Skip Prosser in Prosser's office after he had died from a heart attack. Here's a couple of quotes from Muse about it, the first about why Muse took the job there, and the other about who will be the new head coach there:

"I just knew right away that my philosophy and his philosophy just meshed," Muse said Thursday night. "I wouldn't have done this for any other program. … It was a local-boy-does-good story. I was blessed to be here. The Good Lord put me here for a reason to be a part of Coach's life." ...

The [coaching] staff still doesn't know what will happen with their future, but Muse said they have faith in Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman.

"It's a tough decision and we're praying for him that he'll make the right decision for the university and the basketball program," Muse said. ...

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2959892.

Also, a good article about Northwest Missouri State football player Abe Qaoud and his return to practicing after having severe burns and broken burns after escaping from a fire in his apartment last January. After leaving the hospital, the school's assistant athletic trainer Kelly Quinlin took him in to live with her family so that she could continue treatment of his burns. Here's the article: http://www.ncaasports.com/football/mens/story/10280242 (originally found at: http://goodnewsinsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/motivated-to-overcome-near-tragedy.html).

Here's a couple of notes from a Cubs article, the first about the players on the team encouraging each other, and the other is a funny note about the team's clubhouse attendant Jimmy Farrel retiring:

Buddies: Ryan Dempster is a key factor for the Cubs not only on the field but off.

Rocky Cherry was called on in the third inning to relieve Sean Marshall on Thursday, and struggled. Dempster sought the rookie out in the dugout.

"He was a little nervous," Cubs reliever Scott Eyre said of Cherry. "'Demp' went by and talked to him. He said, 'Relax, you've got nothing to lose. Go out there and pitch.' His next two innings were great.

"Sometimes, a coach or a manager will say something to you, but it's not the same when it comes from your peer," Eyre said. "When it comes from someone like him, it means more. Everybody looks to Demp for everything."

Cherry, who was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday to make room on the roster for Kerry Wood, was grateful for Dempster's support.

"I was a little nervous, and Dempster talked to me and said, 'Hey, man, it's a 0-0 ballgame, it's just like any other day and go out there and get after it,'" Cherry said. "It got me in the right frame of mind. After the game, I went up to Dempster and said, 'Thanks, man, for straightening me out.'"

Dempster isn't the only one.

"That's one of the good things about being with a veteran ballclub is that you're playing with guys with experience," Cherry said. "Even after the game, Scott talked to me for about an hour. It was stuff you want to hear, stuff you want to learn. I appreciate it."

Eyre would know. The lefty struggled the first half, and compiled a 6.60 ERA in 27 games. In six outings since the All-Star break, Eyre has given up two hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings in six games.

"I had a tough first couple months," Eyre said. "It's not a hug or anything like that that [Dempster] does. It's a tough-love message. It means a lot. It means he cares and he really believes that for us to win, I need to be a part of this."

DeRosa and Floyd also have offered support for the younger players -- and Eyre as well. It's one of the reasons for the Cubs' success.

"It's your extended family," Eyre said. "There's a difference in having teammates and teammates. These are your friends. When you retire, and move somewhere where you don't have friends, these are the people you talk to. He's someone I'll stay in contact with for the rest of my life." ...

Umpire clubhouse attendant Jimmy Farrell is retiring after this season. Farrell has served at Wrigley Field for 26 years, and he turns 87 in January. "It's time," said Farrell, who wants to spend more time with his wife.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070803&content_id=2127244&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, a note about Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, helping out a former teammate, Nationals 2nd baseman Ronnie Belliard with some bats: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070803&content_id=2127526&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl&partnered=rss_stl.

Here's an article about the Twins reaction to the Minneapolis bridge tragedy before their game last Friday and how the team was honoring the victims: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=txbridgecollapse&prov=st&type=lgns.

Also, a couple of articles about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian, and his missing a few games to be at his seventeen-month-old son's surgery to correct some bone problems: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2960724 and http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070803&content_id=2128104&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, injury reports for a couple of Christian MLB players. Reds oufielder Josh Hamilton is starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville today: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070806&content_id=2133647&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin and Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth went on the disabled list yesterday: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070806&content_id=2133588&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.