MLB, football, and basketball

Hello! I'm going to divide the articles that I have into two posts. I'll do one now, and the other either later today or tomorrow.

The first article that I have is about some past and present MLB players getting together to help raise money for the MLB Players Trust last weekend. Those involved were Ken Griffey, Jr.(Reds), Ryan Howard (Phillies), Mark Grudzielanek (Royals), Chris Capuano (Brewers), Kenny Lofton (Indians), Brian Fuentes (Rockies), Mark Loretta (Astros), Josh Barfield (Indians), and Hall of Famers Frank Robinson, Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, Paul Molitor, and Eddie Murray. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080106&content_id=2340299&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Pedro Taylor, the father or murdered Redskins safety Sean Taylor, visiting the Redskins after they lost in the playoffs last weekend: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=333996.

Next, an article about Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman, a Christian, receiving the Red Smith Award, which "is presented annually to the individual who has contributed or continues to contribute to sports either on or off the field throughout the state of Wisconsin." Here's a quote from him about his work in the community:

Kampman's role in the community is nearly as extensive as his being named to back-to-back Pro Bowls as a player.

Last January, he and his wife, Linde, spent two weeks with the Gospel of Asia Christian ministry. He also previously traveled overseas with the Christian organization Unlimited Potential Incorporated. He has worked with the Packers' All-Pro Dad event in 2006 and volunteers extensively with the Green Bay Community Church youth group.

"I've done a lot of different things, speaking to different groups and just seeing what God is doing in different areas," Kampman said. "I enjoy speaking to kids. I have a degree in elementary education and just the opportunity to be an influence in people's lives, because regardless of what people think — right, wrong or indifferent — that's the responsibility you have."

Here's the article: http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080106/APC02/801060602/1892.

Here's an article about Rays Triple-A Durham Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo, whose 11-week-old son is fighting for his life after he was born with a rare heart ailment. The Rays and their minor-league affiliates, most of whom Montoyo managed at one time, have started funds to help the Montoyos pay for medical bills and other expenses. Here's a quote from Montoyo:

Montoyo said he has tried at times to think about baseball, a game that has been his life for decades.

"I thank God that the job I have allows me to be here everyday with my family," he said. "I don't want to miss a game, a day of baseball, so we planned to have the baby in the offseason. It worked out, it was perfect. And now I need to be here."

Here's the article: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080107&content_id=336926&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about Dodgers infielder Nomar Garciaparra and his wife Mia Hamm (former star soccer player), who are involved with a celebrity soccer game that helps raise money for Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the Mia Hamm Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for bone marrow transplant patients and their families: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080107&content_id=2341211&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, a Christian, interviewing for the Dolphins head coaching job last week: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-01-07-3264981647_x.htm.

Next, a Christian article about Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme "was named winner of the Bobby Bowden Award, a national honor for character, service, academics, and football performance, as presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the FCA breakfast held in conjunction with the national championship game." Also at the breakfast were Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, and LSU head football coach Les Miles. Here's the article: http://www.fca.org/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=256814F1-B388-4054-92C749EC1938B82B.

Staying with the national championship game, an article about LSU beating Ohio State in that game. Here's a quote from LSU head coach Les Miles about playing in and winning the game:

"Certainly there will be some argument as to who's the best team. But I think the national champion has been crowned tonight," Miles said. "I have give great credit to some divine intervention that allows us to be in this position."

Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_sp_co_ga_su/fbc_bcs_championship

Also, a Christian article about former Florida State Heisman-Trophy winning quarterback and NBA guard Charlie Ward. Ward is now an assistant football and basketball coach at a Christian school in Houston. Here's a great quote from the article:

“When I look back over my life to where I am today, the Lord definitely had his hand on me because everything has happened for a reason,” Ward said. “It’s just a blessing that I had those different experiences over my career. It shaped my thought process and made me the type of husband and father I am today.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5736.

Here's a Christian article about Boise State safety Marty Tadman, who just finished his college career. Here's a quote from him:

“Football has given me a national platform,” Tadman said. “It has opened many doors that otherwise would not be opened. I have been able to reach people that would not have listened to a word I say. It’s been awesome.

“The biggest witnessing tool you have is your life,” he continued. “I am living for heavenly things. I want to share my life being a loving testament to Christ. God wants me to stand up for myself and faith in a bold way. He wants to use me in a powerful way.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5737.

Lastly on this post, an article about Reds high school scout Ken Neuhaus, who recently became a scout after coaching high school and college baseball for many years. Here's a quote from him about that:

"I always thought I was blessed because I got paid to coach for 26 years. Now, I'm getting a chance to get paid just for watching games."

Here's the article: http://www.thonline.com/store/view.cfm?id=JiZNUz7AhUTi9OCgz3Dz3D (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/96).

basketball & football, especially coaches & SEC

Hi. Happy New Year! This will be my last post of the year.

First, a good article about basketball player Wayne Simien, a Christian formerly with Kansas, the Timberwolves, and the Heat. He was released by the Heat and is currently rehabbing a knee injury so that he can return to play with some team in the NBA next season. Simien and his wife and daughter are living in Indianapolis now while he's rehabbing. Here's a quote from him:

Simien said he was in no hurry to give up basketball and perhaps pursue a career as a minister. A man of deep faith, he’d said in the past that might be an avenue he’d like to explore someday.

“That was in my heart at the beginning when I first had a transformation in life,” Simien said. “One of the great things I learned to look into the last few years is you can be a minister in every area of life and not be ‘Pastor Wayne’ or ‘Preacher Wayne.’ I still have it in my heart. But it’s my main focus trying to live it out every day of my life and administer with people.

“I am working in the inner city, working with high school kids here in Indianapolis in one of the poorest areas around. It is really fulfilling that desire.”

Here's the article: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/dec/25/former_jayhawk_upbeat_despite_release/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/260).

Here's an article about Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, and how his style of coaching has worked through all of the years that he's coached in two different stints with the Redskins: http://washingtontimes.com/article/20071226/SPORTS01/238927720/1005/sports (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next, an article about Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., who struggled this year with the terrible Dolphins team after playing in the national championship game with Ohio State last year. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I think God just puts you in situations where he wants you to fight," Ginn said. "That's the only thing that I can take out of it ... You go from a 12-1 team (at Ohio State) to a 1-15 team ..."

Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071228/SPT02/712280358/1066/.

Here's an article about the wives of the head coaches of the teams playing in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (CFA Bowl) tomorrow night in Atlanta -- Linda Bowden, wife of Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, and Suzanne Tuberville, wife of Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville -- who are all Christians. Here's a couple of quotes:

Q: How do you balance the demands of football and family? How do you get used to new towns when you move or travel?

LB [Linda Bowden]: My son was in three high schools. The first thing we do is get involved with church and Bible study. That’s been my rock and foundation. The people there don’t care about what happens on Saturdays. ...

Q: If you were going to offer advice to someone who’s new to the coaching life, what tips would you offer?

ST [Suzanne Tuberville]: If I was talking to a young woman who’d just married a football coach, I’d tell her to get involved in your church, your kids’ school, your community. You’re going to have a lot of time on your hands.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/living/content/shared-blogs/ajc/social/entries/2007/12/28/catching_up_the_cfa_coaches_wi.html.

Also, an article about Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom, a Christian, who turned around the football program at Mississippi State and lead the team to its first bowl game since 2000. They beat Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl last night. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3170858.

Here's an article about Illinois head women's basketball coach Jolette Law, who became the coach before this season after being an assistant coach at Rutgers under C. Vivian Stringer for several years. She returned to the Midwest and the Big Ten after having played at Iowa. Here's a quote from her about taking the Illinois job:

It was the call of the Midwest and the Big Ten that were pivotal in Law deciding to take this job. With Rutgers' success, she'd had other opportunities to become a head coach.

"God had been wrestling with me for some time," she said, smiling. "And Coach Stringer kept telling me, 'You're ready, you're ready, you're ready.'"

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/columns/story?columnist=voepel_mechelle&id=3170965.

Next, an article about the IU football team playing in the Insight Bowl tomorrow in Arizona. They dedicated the season to their late head coach Terry Hoeppner, who died last June from brain cancer. Here's a quote about IU kicker Austin Starr and Coach Hep:

The program from June’s “celebration of life,” is still in Starr’s locker in Bloomington. It’s the only one he owns, so he didn’t bring it to Phoenix.

He’s memorized the details of Hoeppner’s face printed on the cover, as well as the Jeremiah 29:11 passage his late coach loved.

Here's the article: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105458 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/222).

Here's an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, a Christian, and about how he's been more involved with the team as a whole this season. In past seasons he ran the offense, but he gave up that job late last season. The move has seemed to help him and the team as a whole: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/28/bowlricht_1229.html.

Also, an article about Tennessee quarterback Eric Ainge, a Christian, and about how winning their bowl game, the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year's, will define his legacy at Tennessee. However, he wishes that his legacy would be something else. Here's a quote about that:

"Wins, rings, championships, all that kind of stuff, obviously that's what everybody wants, and I understand how it works," Ainge said. "But at the same time, being remembered as a good person who grew up at the university in the great place of Knoxville and used the system to my advantage and being a good teammate. That to me is what is most important."

Here's the article: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/dec/29/sp-ainge-looking-to-define-legacy/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/401).

Here's an article about Georgia defensive lineman Michael Lemon, who has had to deal with the death of his best friend a few years ago and the murder of his mother last winter. Here's a quote about how he's dealing with the deaths from their team chaplain Kevin "Chappy" Hynes:

"Michael Lemon is a very quiet, very introverted young man," said Kevin "Chappy" Hynes, the team chaplain. "I wouldn't say he's handling it well. I wouldn't say he's not. I don't know. I do know he's internalizing it."

Here's the article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/29/sports/FBC-Sugar-Bowl-Lemons-Burden.php (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/233).

Lastly, here's the NFL Wild Card Playoff games schedule for next weekend, for your information: http://www.nfl.com/schedules?seasonType=POST&season=2007#Week.

college sports, MLB, NFL, etc.

Hi. I'm trying to play catch up again. The first article is about Indiana high school basketball player Tyler Zeller, a Christian, committing to playing for North Carolina starting next year. He turned down IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame, which is were his older brother Luke, also a Christian, plays. Here's the article: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/nov/06/zeller-finds-comfort-in-tar-heels/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/321).

Here's a Christian article by Lee Warren about Nebraska volleyball player Tracy Stalls: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/nu-volleyball-player-tracy-stalls.html.

Next, a couple of articles about MLB players trying to help out in their native Dominican Republic after tropical storm Noel devastated the island. Those that were helping and asking for help were the Mets Pedro Martinez and Moises Alou (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071107&content_id=2295120&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb) and Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=2296948&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb).

Here's a good Christian article about former Nebraska football head coach and current interim athletic director Tom Osborne: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5702. Also, here's the website, included in the article, for the TeamMates Mentoring Program that he and his wife started: http://www.teammates.org/.

Also, a couple of articles about the late Cowboys chaplain John Weber, who died November 1st following a hear attack. The first article is about his funeral in Dallas, which those who attended included many current and former Cowboys, including defensive lineman Greg Ellis, a Christian, and quarterback Tony Romo. Football broadcaster Pat Summerall also attended. Here's that article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5703.

The other article about Weber article is a good article written by a Cowboys website columnist about his friendship with Weber and the funeral: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?editorialAuthor=1&id=17E260AC-EBD2-060B-2FCFEED2691DFFD4 (http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=254).

Next, another article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian. The writer of the article seemingly is not a Christian, but she still takes a positive approach to Kitna's outspoken Christian beliefs. I thought that this statement by the writer in the article was very interesting:

Some fancy Kitna as a religious zealot, but if having strong faith is the worst thing we can say about a professional athlete, maybe we're the ones who need to reevaluate our priorities.

I don't agree that being a Christian is a bad thing off course, but even if you're not a Christian, there are athletes doing and saying things on and off the field of play that should be seen as worse by non-Christians. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/071107&sportCat=nfl.

Here's an article about Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson and the Fight for Life Foundation that he started to encourage education and wellness in kids: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=e011c704-06b1-4524-859b-2ae2d95bd7d4.

Also, an article about a football player at Landmark Christian High School in Atlanta, Walter Lenard, and how his extended family has helped him: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/stories/2007/11/08/hsback_1109.html.

Next, an article about the Gardner-Webb men's basketball team's unbelievable upset at Kentuckty last week. Gardner-Webb is a Baptist school in North Carolina. They went on to play in the next round of the tournament that they were in last night, but they were beat in New York by Connecticut. Here's the article about the celebration back on their campus after the game last week: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5707.

Lastly, a couple of Christian notes from Sports Spectrum's The Daily this week. The first is about retired LPGA golfer Betsy King, and the missionary work that she's doing to help orphans in Rwanda:

KING KEEPS GIVING: Betsy King put together a Hall of Fame career on the golf course. Put now that she has mostly retired from the game, she is using her fame, her contacts in the golf world, and her Christian faith to do something of much more eternal value. She has created an organization called Golf Fore Africa, which is a mission to Rwanda to assist the children of that war-ravaged, disease-torn country. Recently, King and several others LPGA golfers returned from a visit to this tiny African country just east of Congo . King has teamed up with World Vision to provide essential services to the suffering folks of Rwanda . One of the major problems King is trying to address is the huge numbers of orphans. There are an estimated 1.3 million of them in a country of 9 million people. An atrocious attack on the Rwandan citizens by ruthless warriors in 1994 is one of the reasons for these orphans. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed. Also, AIDS has taken thousands of other parents from their children. If you wish to help King in her efforts, go to www.worldvision.org to find out more.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071112.php.

The other note is about a Christian outreach at tomorrow's Ohio State/Michigan game that' being run by a Christian former football player from both schools:

RIVALS NO MORE: Shawn Lazarus played football for the University of Michigan. Joel Penton played football for the Ohio State University. That should make them . . . brothers? Well, the fact that they suited up for rival schools doesn't make them brothers, but their shared faith in Jesus Christ does. And they want others who relish the rivalry to join them in knowing the freedom of salvation. So they have teamed up to form Rivals Team Up, which will have a presence in Ann Arbor on Saturday when the Buckeyes roll into town to face the Wolverines at the Big House. While 111,000 people or so will have their minds set on enjoying another reenactment of one of college football's favorite border wars, Penton and Lazarus will be trying to tell some of those people about winning the most important battle ever-the battle for the human soul. Find out more about what these two former rivals and their friends have in mind. Go to http://www.rivalsteamup.com/ to find out more.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071116.php.

More tomorrow!

sports misc.

First of all, a kind of ironic story about Kings forward Ron Artest. Earlier this week he was suspended by the NBA for offcourt legal troubles. When the media finally tracked him down for a comment about it, he was on a goodwill mission helping to feed kids in slums in Kenya. Go figure. Anyways, here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2937882.

On to some better news, here's another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton (a Christian) story. I just can't read his story enough times though. Here's a quote from him:

In his first full Major League season with the Cincinnati Reds, Josh Hamilton has been on the disabled list twice and played for a team buried in last place.

And he couldn't be happier about it.

"It's been a miracle, to go from where I came from to where I am now," he said. "I lost everything -- family, health, wealth."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070716&content_id=2089494&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an intertesting articles about the family troubles that some NFL coaches have had in the last year, in part because they spend so much time working: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-coachesfamilies071607&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's an article about a baseball clinic for kids put on by the Red Sox and players Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070716&content_id=2089856&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Also, I came upon the website for Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, a Christian: http://coachtressel.com/.

Lastly, a few weeks ago I e-mailed each MLB team's website asking for a list of the songs that their batters and pitchers have played at their home field when they come up to bat or in to pitch. The reason that I wanted to know was to see if any Christian players have Christian songs played. I only got e-mails back from 13 out of 30 teams, and only 7 of them had lists. Of those 7 teams, only 3 teams and a total of 6 players have Christian songs played. Here's those players and their songs:

Royals: (http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/fan_forum/atbat.jsp)
Mike Sweeney: "The Slam" by Toby Mac & "Rise Up" & "Communion" by Third Day
Fernando Cortez: "Consuming Fire" & "Tunnel" by Third Day
Reggie Sanders: "Looking For You" by Kirk Franklin
David Riske: "Stomp (Remix)" by Kirk Franklin

Brewers: (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=605607)
GABE GROSS, Outfielder

Song: "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe

Behind the music: Friend and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher John Wasdin introduced the song to him while they played together on the AAA team in Syracuse in 2003. "I loved it the first time I heard it. . . . It brings me back to the things that are important in this world for me. . . . It gets me in the right frame of mind."

Favorite part: "Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?/Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you, be still?/Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?/Will I sing Hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?"

When it comes on in the car: "I usually stop whatever else I'm doing. If I'm on the phone, I'll hang up."

Superstitions attached: "I'm probably the least superstitious guy here."

Rockies: (e-mail attachment)
Jeremy Affeldt: Fireproof by Pillar

Other teams song webpages:
Dodgers: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/fan_forum/songs.jsp
Giants: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/entertainment.jsp.

College football, MLB, and music misc.

First, an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt (a Christian) and how not calling the plays on offense has freed him up to do a lot of different things with the team as a whole: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/07/06/0707richt.html.

Here's an article about Major League Baseball and the Magic Builders foundation renovating a Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco in conjuction with the All-Star Game. Former and current baseball players involved included former MLB player Matt Williams and his family, and minor leaguers Freddy Sandoval of the Angels organization, Collin Balester, of the Washington Nationals organization, and Chuck Lofgren, of the Cleveland Indians organization. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070707&content_id=2073730&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about how many of the Phillies players and coaches, a couple of Rockies players, and the umpires pitched in to help the Rockies ground crew get the tarp on the field on Sunday. High winds came up and made getting the tarp on dangerous, but the Phillies pitched in to help without thinking about their own safety. Being a Braves fan, I want the Phillies to lose because they're right behind us, but they deserved to win that game, I have to admit. What they did was awesome. Here's the article, which includes a link to video of it too: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2075353&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi&partnered=rss_phi.

Here's an article about retired MLB catcher Mike Matheny, a Christian, visiting his former Giants and Cardinals teammates when the Giants were in St. Louis last weekend: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10249875.

Also, an article about Brewers 1st baseman Prince Fielder chosing one of his former minor league hitting coaches, now minor league manager, Mike Guerrero, to pitch for him in the Home Run Derby. Here's a quote from Guerrero about it:

Guerrero told the Charleston Daily Mail that the honor was "a blessing from heaven."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2076310&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp&partnered=rss_mlb.

Here's an article about why Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols, a Christian, chose to be in the Home Run Derby: because his son A.J. wanted him to be! A.J. cheered on his dad during the Derby and Pujols was able to make it to the 2nd round, but he couldn't quite make it to the final round. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2076620&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an interesting new outreach starting up in connection with the Ohio State/Michigan football game from Sports Spectrum's Daily:

FOOTBALL: A LOOK AHEAD College football is still a couple of months away, but that isn’t stopping Shawn Lazarus and Joel Penton for getting ready for the season. If you are a close observer of Big Ten football, you will know that Lazarus and Penton fall on opposite sides of one of college football’s greatest rivalries: Ohio State vs. Michigan. But now that they are no longer playing the game (Lazarus last played in 2002; Penton in 2006), they are working on the same team: Team Jesus. They are working together to put together an outreach to take place around the OSU-Michigan game this November. They are currently in the planning stages for this event, and they need both prayer and support as they get the plan off the ground. It’s summer—the time football players go the extra mile to get ready for training camp and the season. And for now, that’s what Lazarus and Penton are doing as “Sports biggest rivals team up to defend you . . . against life’s greatest opponent.” Go to http://www.shawnlazarus.com/ to find out more about what he is doing.

Article from: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/070710.php.

Also, this week I listened to the CD from the new Christian group 33 Miles, and it was great. I really recommend it. Here are links to their websites: http://www.33milesonline.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/33miles.

Lastly, MercyMe is having a post-game concert at Turner Field after the Braves/Rockies game on August 4th. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go since I live in Indiana, but I just thought that it was cool that they were having it. Here's the link to the webpage: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/mercy_me.jsp.

MLB and NFL misc.

First, an article about an inner-city baseball academy that the Braves have helped start in Atlanta. John Smoltz, Mike Hampton, Chipper Jones, and Brian Jordan donated $75,000 to the effort and each had a ballfield named after them. Then, the Braves held a clinic there last weekend, with Chuck James and Tyler Yates, hitting coach Terry Pendleton, pitching coach Roger McDowell, bench coach Chino Cadahia, and former outfielder Brian Jordan serving as instructors. Here's the article: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070505&content_id=1947511&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's another article about what Cubs 1st baseman Derrek Lee is doing to help raise money for the disease that has caused his daughter to go blind in one eye: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070505&content_id=1947854&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Next, a note about the Twins Torii Hunter, a Christian, and the Red Sox David Ortiz going to visit the Brewers Corey Koskie, also a Christian, last weekend while the Red Sox were playing in Minnesota:

Visiting hours: Ortiz joined Minnesota's Torii Hunter in visiting their former Twins teammate Corey Koskie on Saturday. Koskie, who lives in suburban Minneapolis, has been battling post-concussion syndrome and has not played for the Brewers since last season.

Ortiz said Koskie told him he is improving and might be able to return to the Brewers in about a month.

"He's doing OK," Ortiz said. "He needs some more time. But he feels way better than what he was. He was happy to see us, and we were happy to see him, too."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949101&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's another good article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, talking about his great performance last weekend. Here's a quote from Hamilton:

"Just to be here is a blessing," said Hamilton. "I don't need [drugs] anymore. I have God in my life. A day like today is what makes you love the game. The game's not easy. It's just fun."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=1949398&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about Daunte Culpepper's adoptive mother dying. It sounds like she was a special lady: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2862349.

Here's an article about Colts first-round draft pick Anthony Gonzalez from Ohio State. Here's a quote about his grandma:

Grandma lived with the Gonzalez family in Cleveland when Anthony was in high school. That's when she began blessing him before games, in English and in Spanish: "God bless you. Dios de bendiga."

The tradition continued at Ohio State, as it will this fall with the Colts. About three hours before kickoff, Anthony's cell phone will ring.

"It's the only phone call I'll take from outsiders on game day," Anthony said.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/SPORTS03/705070336/1100.

Next, a good article about alcohol and baseball: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/SPORTS08/705070373/1224/SPORTS08.

Lastly, yet another article on Josh Hamilton about his play last weekend. Here's a quote about him:

Everything about him has been impressive.

Hamilton makes sure to sign autographs after batting practice and is willing to share his story with fans who are also trying to beat addictions. He readily agrees to open up about his life, hoping that by sharing his story and his faith that he can make a difference in someone else's life.

Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070508/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbn_sports_showcase.

baseball and football misc.

First, a Christian article about Brian Stokes, who served in the Marines in Iraq, and then played football at Appalachian State: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5566.

Here's a great story from the Royals game a week ago Wednesday against the Twins, involving Royals players Mike Sweeney (a Christian) and David DeJesus:

Sweeney and DeJesus had each talked earlier in the day to 11-year-old Matt Herndon, a Kansas City youngster scheduled to undergo brain surgery today in Dallas.

“I asked him how he was doing,” Sweeney said, “and he told me I was his favorite player … He asked me if I could hit a homer for him. I said I’d try, and I promised we’d all pray for him.

“That’s why I was running so hard around the bases (after hitting the homer). My arms were tingling. I could feel the spirit (of prayer) moving through me.”

DeJesus promised no homers, although he had three of the Royals’ nine hits, and was struck again by the impact players have as role models.

“It’s amazing,” he said, “how much a phone call matters. He told me this was one of the greatest days of his life. I told him when he gets back to Kansas City, to come to the ballpark and we’ll all take care of him.”

So maybe it wasn’t just Soria in the late innings. Perhaps providence lent a hand and made sure that, no, even the Royals couldn’t lose this game. No matter what the bullpen did....

“This one feels great,” Sweeney said, “for a lot of reasons.”

Here's the article: http://www.kansascity.com/164/story/84307.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070427&content_id=1933062&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, Cubs minor league pitcher Donnie Veal, who pitches for the AA Tennessee Smokies. He's keeping an journal this season on the Minor League Baseball site, and the Cubs site has links to it also. Here's a quote from an e-mail that he answered in his most recent entry:

Since they keep players on the move so much, how do they make time for them to go to church? -- Jerry E.

We don't usually have time to get to church on Sunday. Unless you are able to find a church you like within a week or so because we are on the road all the time. Every team offers Chapel every Sunday at the ballpark, and I attend that every week.

Here's the article: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070427&content_id=234453&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&partnered=rss_chc. Here's the link to his journal's main site, along with 3 other minor leaguers (I'll add this link to my links): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/features/journals/y2007/index.jsp. Also, here's an article about him from the Cubs site during spring training for more information about him: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070323&content_id=1855988&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Also, a note about Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, helping to raise money for Derrek Lee's foundation to help find a cure for the disease that affected Lee's daughter:

Good cause: Michael Barrett will take part in a silent auction at Gino's East restaurant to benefit Project 3000 on May 1-6. Among the items to be auctioned are a white "W" flag signed by the entire Cubs team. The auction will be held at Gino's East at 162 E. Superior Street in Chicago, and fans are invited to come to the restaurant to bid on the items. The other items to be auctioned include a Barrett catcher's mitt, chest protector and cleats, Cubs jerseys, bats and balls, and four tickets and a field pass to a Cubs game this season. Winning bidders not present May 6 will be contacted by the restaurant. Barrett will take part in a meet and greet at the restaurant on May 6 from 7-10 p.m. CT.

Project 3000 is the nonprofit organization Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee established to find a cure for Lebers Congenital Amaurosis, a form of blindness which afflicts his daughter, Jada.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070427&content_id=1933567&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Lastly, a quote from former Ohio State football player and new Colts draft pick Anthony Gonzalez on being drafted by the Colts:

Gonzalez agreed. He said he was "hoping and praying'' he would be drafted by the Colts....

Here's the quote: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070429/SPORTS03/704290394/1004/RSS02.

college football

Hi. First, a couple of things from last night's BCS National Championship Game. During the game, one of the broadcasters mentioned that Ohio State's Troy Smith and Ted Ginn, Jr., went to church together in Cleveland. Also, right after the game Florida's Dallas Baker was interviewed (I think that I post an article about him not too long ago). He had taken off his jersey and shoulder pads and was wearing his orange Underarmor shirt. On it in big letters he had written "I can do all things through Christ". I thought that was so awesome that not only had he written it on his shirt, but also that he was wearing it during the interview.

Here's an article about Rutgers' Greg Schiano, a Christian, winning the coach of the year award: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2722323.

Next, another article about Florida's Reggie Nelson playing in last night's game after the death of his mother a few weeks ago: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/stories/2007/01/05/0106natchamp.html.

Lastly, a couple of articles about Ole Miss football player Patrick Willis, a Christian. I had some articles to post about him from earier, but they aren't on-line anymore. However, I did find a couple more about him from last fall. Here's one about him and his teammates visiting a hospital and retirement home during their bye week in November: http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/football/article/0,1426,MCA_478_5124050,00.html?SPID=737&DB_OEM_ID=2600&SPSID=12787.

The other is a great article about the difficult childhood that he had and the people that helped he and his siblings out: http://sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9857361/2.

BCS Championship game

Hi. Here's a couple of articles. First, an article about Florida football player Reggie Nelson dealing with the death of his mom from breast cancer a couple of weeks ago: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls06/news/story?id=2719353.

Lastly, a funny article about how grocery stores in Ohio are stocking up on gator meat in anticipation of Ohio State fans' parties for the BCS Championship game on Monday: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls06/news/story?id=2719031.

Also, I've added more Christian music artists' websites to to the list and am in the process of adding more.

More on the Heisman

Hi again! Today I only have a few things, and the first two are about Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. The first is the impact of how Smith was able to overcome his childhood to succeed has had on others. Here's the article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/football/ncaa/2006/12/rising-to-occasion.html

The second is the effect that the Heisman has had on Smith: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/shared-gen/ap/General_College_Sports_News/FBC_Heisman_Trophy.html

Lastly, a great note from yesterday's "The Daily", a daily Christian sports page:

• LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t simply destroying the record book. He’s destroying a myth that should have been jettisoned by thinking people long ago. This myth is that Christian athletes are too soft to be effective. Surprisingly, there are still folks with positions in the sports world who think that is still true. Occasionally, a coach will make that old-fashioned, antiquated assumption about a player. Or perhaps a sportswriter who unfortunately has not enjoyed the remarkable transformation Jesus can make in a life will berate a player because of his faith—suggesting that this Jesus stuff leaves a player too wimpy to be any good as an athlete. But add Tomlinson to the list of Christian athletes who not only excel at their sports with power and courage and ability and drive but who also show how a good person should live his life. Add his name to a list that includes men like Shaun Alexander, Albert Pujols, David Robinson, John Smoltz, Kurt Warner, Curtis Martin, Lance Berkman, Mariano Rivera, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Matt Hasselbeck. Men like these continue to lead the way, demonstrating that top-of-the-line skills, gritty performances, championship-caliber drive, and stop-at-nothing work ethic are not the sole provinces of the cussing, tobacco-chewing, womanizing crowd. A man can be a Jesus-loving, people-respecting, God-fearing person and a world-class athlete who strikes fear into the heart of the opponent—all at the same time. Thanks, LT, for leading the way this season.

Here's the page it's from: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/061212.php.

Here's the main link to "The Daily": http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/.

Also, make sure and check out the links that I added for Christian sports organizations. Another day soon I hope to add links to the hompages of some Christian athletes.

Thanks again for reading. Talk to you again tomorrow!