MLB, NFL, and basektball

First of all, a couple of articles about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, and his MVP-like season. The first article is about his teammates campaigning for him for the MVP Award: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213555&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The other article about Holliday is about him winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week ending September 16th: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213899&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a good Christian article about Christian athletes and coaches to look up to with all of the trouble that some athletes, coaches, and others in sports have been getting into lately. The Christians included in the article are Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook, Magic center Dwight Howard, North Carolina women's basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell, Colts head coach Tony Dungy, and PGA golfer Zach Johnson. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5665.

Here's a couple of articles about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous return from a concussion during the Lions/Vikings game last Sunday. He suffered a concussion during the 2nd quarter of the game and returned in the 4th quarter to lead the Lions to an overtime victory. All of his concussion symptoms had disappeared and he checked out with the doctors and convinced them and the coaches that he was fine to return. Here's a quote from Kitna about it:

"It was a miracle," Kitna said Monday. ...

"I've never felt anything like that, and for it to clear up and go right back to as normal as I can be, is nothing short of a miracle," Kitna said. "I just definitely feel the hand of God. That's all it was. You can't explain it.

"I have no headaches, no symptoms, no lingering effects. But that was the worst my head has ever felt, and the worse my memory was in the second quarter. Yet, after halftime there was nothing."

Here's that article, including a video of the post-game press conference: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3024381 (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

The other article about Kitna is about what he did to bring the Lions back after his return from the concussion and how he inspired both his teammates and the fans: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/SPT02/709170357/1066/.

Also, an interesting note about Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis, who is Jewish, starting the Cubs game this afternoon with Yom Kippur starting at sundown today. He was happy that it was an afternoon game and that he would be done pitching by sundown. But what I thought was interesting was what he had to say about religion, family, and baseball:

"I look at it that religion is an important part of my life, but so is family and baseball," Marquis said. "To me, family takes precedent over all aspects of my life. Baseball and religion fall into place, and I try not to make one more important than the other."

Now, I know that this is the opinion of only one Jewish person, but what he said is completely counter to the order that most Christians put their faith, family, and sports in. Most Christians would say God, family, and then sports. I just thought that his quote was very interesting. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213853&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a happy article about Braves pitcher Peter Moylan being reunited with his wife and daughters for the first time since he left his home in Australia for spring training last spring. His wife gave birth to their second daughter in July, but Moylan decided to stay with the team because of all of the time it would take to get home to Australia and back. So last Monday night he got to meet his daughter for the first time. He also got to see his 6-year-old daughter too. Just a side note: Could you imagine travelling by yourself from Australia to Atlanta with a 6-year-old and 2-month-old?! Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213915&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about the "Further Adventures of Tyler Zeller". Zeller, a Christian, is a 7'0" senior basketball player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, and the younger brother of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller, also a Christian. He's one of the best high school basketball players in the country this year and is being recruited by his top four schools IU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Purdue. Here's an article about his official visit to North Carolina last weekend on his first official visit of the four schools. UNC conveniently had fellow Hoosier natives and former UNC players Sean May and Eric Montross there to meet him, among other current and former players. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/SPORTS0203/709180376/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, a Q & A article with former Knicks forward Allan Houston, a Christian. Houston is trying to make a comeback to the NBA after being retired the last two years. Here's a quote from him about his playing days with the Knicks:

Question: The Knicks had a long and storied history before you got there. Now you hold some of the team records and are mentioned in the same breath as Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and other greats. What is that like?

Houston: I get chills when I think about what that means. I really do. When people come up and say that to me, that they mention me in the same sentence with those guys and the history of the Knicks, it just means a lot. All I ever wanted to do was just get better every year I played. I had no goals in terms of going down in history. Every year I played I just wanted to continue to get better. To know that you are even part of history like that, I don't take it for granted. I look at it as a special, special thing and I thank God for it. It was a blessing to be a part of it every single day. I look at who I got to play with, and even lasting in New York that long was a miracle! (laughs)

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/houston_070918_interview.html?rss=true.

MLB, football, and NBA

First of all, an article about how Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz gave his catcher Jason Varitek (a Christian) a lot of credit for the no-hitter that he pitched last Saturday. I always like Varitek's comments about the pitching after games that he catches because he always deflects credit for anything that the pitcher(s) did well ("He did....) and accepts part of the blame when the pitchers aren't as successful ("We didn't...). That was the case with Buchholz's no-hitter too. It was also the third no-hitter that Varitek's caught, one off the Major League record (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2186457&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos). Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070902&content_id=2184549&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another article about Appalachian State's celebration back home in Boone, North Carolina, after their humongous upset of Michigan last Saturday: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3001520.

Next, an article about Magic forward/center Dwight Howard, a Christian, and how he will only get better: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-nbainsider0207sep02,0,1639851.column?coll=orl_sports_basketball_magic_util (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/457802.html?rss=true).

Here's an article about how the whole Bowden family has come to hate the Florida State/Clemson football game each year that pits FSU head coach Bobby Bowden against his son, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, both Christians. Here's a quote about it:

Along with the relief the winning coach will feel, comes the worry about their loved one's prospects for the season.

"The family aspect of it the last few years has made it more difficult, I don't think there's any doubt about that," Tommy said.

If Tommy was off the schedule, "my wife would talk to me again," Bobby Bowden said.

"It's tough on ol' Ann Bowden," her husband of 58 years said. "She loves her children."

Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/090207ace.html.

Also, an article about the severe eye injury suffered by Cardinals outfielder Juan Encarnacion when he was hit by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle during their game on Friday. Here's a quote from Cardinals medical director Dr. George Paletta about it:

"So at this point we keep our fingers crossed, say a prayer for him and make sure he's getting the best treatment he can get," Paletta said.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3002503.

Here's an article about Bucks guard Michael Redd, a Christian, and his good prospects for making the Olympic team next summer: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=655903 (originally found at: http://www.nba.com/news/457519.html?rss=true).

Next, an article about Colts safety Bob Sanders helping kids shop for school uniforms. Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) required students to wear uniforms for the first time this year, so different groups and businesses were helping out families who couldn't afford them. Sanders helped to encourage the kids to by telling them that he had to wear uniforms when he was in school too. Here's the article (includes video too): http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7018238.

Here's a great Q & A article with Panthers kicker John Kasay, a Christian. Here's a quote:

Q: You’ve been in the league 17 years and you’re still kicking. Even though kickers are able to have more longevity than some position players, how incredible is that to you and what keeps you going?

A: I don’t really think about longevity as far as where it fits. I’m always kind of preparing for the next opportunity, and I’ve been very blessed to be able to play this long. So it’s more, I am where I am, and the challenges are coming forward. They don’t give you any grace or any room for being a little older. The expectations still stay high. And it’s only the Lord that’s been able to get me through and have me still playing.

Q: You have always openly professed your faith. How do you carry your faith from your personal life onto the football field, and how has it helped you deal with the successes and adversity you have faced over your career?

A: I think people carry their faith, everybody does. I mean, you are who you are, and whatever you believe, you act upon that. I’ve never made any bones or any shortcomings about my love for Jesus Christ, and I never will. God has blessed me, giving me an opportunity to do things I’ve never dreamt I’d be able to do, and it’s really for His glory and that’s why I do it.

Q: How much do you trace lack of faith or (lack of) a spiritual foundation to the troubles so many NFL players seem to be getting into these days?

A: Well, you know, the different issues that face each and every one of us, the temptations are great. It’s a hard thing, a very hard thing, the decisions are not always easy and they’re not always simple. Things can be very unforgiving sometimes. So many of us have been spared of the consequences, from decisions that we’ve all made. So hopefully everybody learns from poor decisions that we make and try not to make those decisions again.

Here's the article: http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352579222&path=!sports!football!&s=1037645509262 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5662).

Also, an article about Padres starting pitcher Jake Peavy, a Christian, who volunteered to pitch on one day less rest to help the team out in the division title chase. Unfortunately, it back-fired and he got hit hard on Wednesday by the Diamondbacks(http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070905&content_id=2191647&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd). Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AvbKyAzCBZY3Wj4M41ubUp45nYcB?slug=ti-peavy090307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's a note about the success of Cubs 1st baseman Derrek Lee's Project 3000 for research for the eye disease that effects his daughter. His teammate Ryan Dempster donates money to the organization too:

Good cause: Every time Ryan Dempster saves a game, it's another donation to [Derrek] Lee's Project 3000, which has raised more than $960,000 since its inception one year ago. Dr. Edwin Stone, who heads the research at University of Iowa Carver Family Center, said they are receiving samples of people with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) at more than five times the rate before Project 3000 began. Lee's daughter, Jada, was diagnosed with LCA in September 2006.

In Spring Training, Dempster pledged $50,000 plus $1,000 per save during the season to Project 3000.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2186771&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Lastly, the website for the MLB Roberto Clemente Award for community service. Each team nominates a player, and then the fans vote on the winner. The site includes a list of the nominees with an article about each player. The nominees include several Christians, which I'll include more on later. Here's the website: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/clemente.jsp.

NFL, MLB, and NBA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

mostly MLB and football misc., etc.

First of all, an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, hitting home runs for charity. For every home run that he hits this year, Delta Airlines is donationg 25,000 SkyMiles (enough for one round-trip ticket) to Dream House, an Atlanta-area charity that helps medically fragile children to live at home through programs that teach and support families to care for such children. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/11/0712francoeur.html.

Here's an article about a young girl in Wisconsin that was a huge Notre Dame and Brady Quinn fan who recently died at age 11 from a rare lymphatic disorder. When she was dying former Notre Dame and new Browns quarterback Brady Quinn and Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis both called her and Quinn sent her autographed pictures and jerseys. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AmgDM8I0pgl9EqYvSgP3Zqk5nYcB?slug=rivals-141166&prov=rivals&type=lgns.

Next, an article about Magic forward Dwight Howard, a Christian, signing a contract extension last week. Here's a quote from him:

Still, Howard said he didn't feel pressured. Not as a team leader and not as the recipient of a rich new deal.

"God didn't give me big shoulders for nothing, so I feel I can handle a lot of pressure," he said. "I am just very excited."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ap9islqUg5cv0uUbGpupZaY5nYcB?slug=ap-magic-howard&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts, a Christian, announcing his annual charity event to raise money for a Baltimore children's hospital. He also visits the children in the hospital regularly. He had open-heart surgery when he was five, so he's literally been in their shoes himself. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070712&content_id=2083034&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article from ESPN the Magazine about Panthers quarterback David Carr, a Christian, and his upcoming season: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2931784.

Here's an article about Bengals linebacker David Pollack, a Christian, won't be able to play this season, but is still rehabilitating with hopes of coming back in 2008 from a broken vertebrae in his neck: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/07/13/0714pollack.html.

Next, an article about this year's Faster Pastor Race in Atlanta last Thursday, where Atlanta area pastors race to earn money for a local food shelter: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2007/07/12/0713fastpastor.html.

Here's a note about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday that I found in my local newspaper today and then found online:

Each time he goes to the plate, Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday stops just before he steps in the batter's box and draws a cross in the ground with his bat.

"It's something I started somewhere in the minor leagues," Holliday said. "Sometimes it puts my life in perspective. Sometimes I'm reminding myself there is a bigger game than baseball."

Here's the article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/columnist/0,1299,DRMN_83_101,00.html

Lastly, another Colts head coach Tony Dungy website that I found, this one in his new Christian book, Quiet Strength, that I just got yesterday. I just flipped through it yesterday, but haven't started reading it. The website has information about Dungy and his book and podcasts from him to listen to, among other things: http://www.coachdungy.com/.

a little sports misc.

Just a few articles today. The first is the results of the charity NASCAR race held Wednesday night to raise money for Kyle Petty's (a Christian) Victory Junction Gang Camp: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/car_nascar_driving_on_dirt.

Next, an article about Florida basketball head coach Billy Donovan, a Christian, and his decision to return to Florida after having taken the coaching job for the Magic: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070607/ap_on_sp_co_ne/bkc_florida_donovan.

Lastly, a quote from Jonathon Owens, a 2008 Georgia football recruit, about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt, a Christian:

The Bulldogs landed commitment No. 14 Friday, from Blountsville (Ala.) Susan Moore High offensive lineman Jonathan Owens.

“I just love everything about him,” Owens told Rivals.com. “He has great morals, he is a family man and he cares more than just football. He really cares for his players and wants to make them better men for after football.”

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-blogs/ajc/cfbrecruit/entries/2007/06/08/hurricanes_make.html.

MLB misc. and Hill

The first article is about the some of the Padres players visiting a military hospital while playing the Nationals in Washington, D.C., including Christians Scott Linebrink and Josh Bard:

Goodwill trip
Seven Padres traveled to Bethesda Naval Hospital to visit Marines and soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was the third straight year that Padres players had visited a military hospital while in Washington, D.C. Making the trip were Trevor Hoffman, Scott Linebrink, Doug Brocail, Josh Bard, Rob Bowen, Kevin Cameron and Justin Hampson.

“It is quite an eye-opener to hear about the bravery and see the ordeal these young men must endure as a sacrifice for the rest of us,” Brocail said.

Carrying pictures and souvenirs, the Padres in uniform were easy to spot as they entered the National Naval Medical Center. But they were not so recognizable when leaving.

Each Padres player gave his uniform top to a patient.

Here's the article (page down some): http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20070603-9999-1s3padnotes.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070604&content_id=2004447&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Astros pitcher Chris Sampson and his unique journey to the Majors: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070604&content_id=2004750&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Brewers pitcher Chris Capuano meeting with area elementary school students to talk about the importance of spending money wisely and saving money: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070604&content_id=2005230&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, I just added the website for the Magic's Grant Hill, a Christian: http://www.granthill.com/home.php.

more MLB misc. and Howard

First, an article about Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada playing in his 1,100 consecutive game last Tuesday. Here's a couple of quotes from him about it:

"The first day that I started it, I didn't believe I could play in so many games," said Tejada, a former Most Valuable Player and a four-time All-Star to boot. "But like I've said, I like to play every day, and every day I thank God for not being in pain and not being hurt. I'm just happy to see my career going one day at a time."...

"I'm not doing it because I want to catch Cal [Ripken]," he said Tuesday. "I'm just doing it because I'm healthy, I want to play and I think I can play every day. One day, it's going to stop, but God's going to decide it. I'm not going to decide it, because if I'm never hurt, I'm going to be in the lineup every day if the manager decides to put me in there."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070424&content_id=1927408&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070425&content_id=1929398&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, a Christian article about Magic center Dwight Howard: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5565.

Also, an article about Mariners relief pitcher Chris Reitsma, a Christian, and playing in Seattle: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070426&content_id=1931306&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, there are a couple of new posts on Tigers pitcher Nate Robertson's (a Christian) blog: http://naterobertson.mlblogs.com/.