Super Bowl, MLB, football, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

sports misc.

First of all, a Christian article about former George Washington and St. John's men's baseketball head coach Mike Jarvis coaching the Athletes In Action men's basketball team in the Jones Cup tournament in Taiwan for the second straight year: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=229.

Next, a Christian article about PGA golfer Lee Janzen and how his faith has gotten him through a rough part of his career: http://www.mlive.com/buickopen/index.ssf/2007/06/faith_sustains_janzen_through_1.html. (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5622)

Here's an article about Mariners relief pitcher Mark Lowe (who I've never heard of before!) and his attempted comeback from rare kind of elbow surgery. He sounds like a guy to really root for. Here's a quote about him and his family:

Lowe's father is a church deacon and his mother is deeply religious as well. Lowe attended Sunday school regularly and remains an active churchgoer. His parents and girlfriend feel Lowe's faith gave him added patience to ignore the odds against him.

Here's the article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003767238_mari290.html. (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070629&content_id=2055993&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp)

Also, an article about Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio's 3,000 hit and what he's more importantly done in the Houston community throughout his career: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070629&content_id=2056571&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, a funny article about Georgia football head coach Mark Richt (a Christian) throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a Braves home game last week: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/06/29/0630richt.html.

sports misc. and more Coach Hep

First of all, an article about Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement's (a Christian) rehab from shoulder surgery:

Perhaps September for Clement: Manny Ramirez walked around the clubhouse before Monday's game with a Red Sox T-shirt that had Matt Clement's last name and number 30 on the back of it. However, Clement himself has been out of sight to his teammates since Spring Training, as he's been forced to rehab in the solitude of Fort Myers, Fla.

That will change when the Red Sox return home from this nine-game road trip. At that time, Clement will be at Fenway, where he can get checked out by the medical staff and do some throwing under the watch of Francona and pitching coach John Farrell.

Clement still has a long way to go in his comeback from rotator cuff and labrum surgery, but he continues to make progress. He recently started throwing off the mound, thought not at full intensity or velocity.

Before the Red Sox go on their next road trip, Francona said that there would be a meeting with Clement to outline the next phase of his rehab.

"I would say in September he's probably going to be getting close," Francona said. "I don't even know if I mean the beginning of September. Come the middle of September, if the time frame holds, he'll probably be getting close to getting in a game. He seems to be flying through this program. ... They have those charts, and he's at the top of every one of them as far as what he's doing. He's done a great job. You can only go so fast."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070618&content_id=2034493&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Here's an article about a foundation that Tennessee football head coach Phillip Fulmer helps support that helps families with teenagers who are suicidal or depressed: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2907812.

Next, an article about PGA golfer Aaron Baddeley and his Christian faith from before last Sunday's final round of the U.S. Open: http://www.sportsline.com/golf/tournaments/usopen/story/10228451. (Originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5611)

Here's an inspirational article about Brewers Triple-A Nashville Sounds pitcher Adam Pettyjohn and his attempt to return to the Majors after almost dying from a bowel disease: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070619&content_id=2035865&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The next three articles are all about Terry Hoeppner. I've read through some articles about him and am including what I think are the best ones here. I'm sure that there will probably be more the next several days though. By the way, there's going to be a "Celebration of Life" for him Saturday at noon at Assembly Hall, the basketball arena at IU.

One thing that I thought of today that's kind of made me wonder was that last summer Northwestern football coach Randy Walker died. Before going to Northwestern, he was the head coach at Miami of Ohio. One of his assistants while there was Terry Hoeppner, who replaced him as head coach when he left. Hoeppner coached at Miami until he left to take the job at IU. Kind of strange that they died in consecutive summers while coaching at their next jobs.

The first article about Coach Hep is a good article from an IU student's perspective: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070619/SPORTS0601/70619038/1069/SPORTS0601.

Next, an article about Hoeppner's legacy at IU, and includes links to two Indianapolis news video segments: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6680462.

Lastly, an article about his death and comments from people at IU and the Big Ten, and about the groundbreaking for construction to close in one end of the football stadium, that was held yesterday as planned at the insistance of the Hoeppner family. They thought that he would want it that way, and the family attended it. He had worked to convince the university to do it to add more seats to the stadium. Here's a quote that I like from IU athletic director Rick Greenspan:

“Terry never quit, he just ran out of timeouts.”

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070619/SPORTS0601/70619031/1069/SPORTS0601.

sports misc.

First, an article about Alan Trammell, a Christian, and being the bench coach for the Cubs this year: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070412&content_id=1894684&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's one last Christian article (that I know of for now at least) on PGA golfer Zach Johnson, the guy who won the Masters: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5560.

Next, an article on Astros 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg, a Christian, and the importance of reading the Bible to him: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5561.

Here's a neat quote from NBA Hall-of-Famer and former Celtic Bill Russell about being asked to be a pallbearer at Jackie Robinson's funeral. He was at Fenway park last Thursday when the Red Sox had planned on honoring the late Red Auerbach, who had been the Celtics coach and president. The game was rained out though.:

The Red Sox honored Auerbach just three days before they plan to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day in honor of the man who most affected the social landscape of American sports. Russell was finishing junior high school when Robinson broke the color line in April 1947, and he later served as a pallbearer at Robinson's funeral in 1972 at the request of Robinson's wife, Rachel.

Russell told reporters that he was humbled by the request and asked Rachel why she wanted him to participate.

"You were his favorite athlete," she answered.

"And my question to me was, 'How do you get to be Jackie Robinson's hero?'" Russell said on Thursday. "Because he was a hero to all of us."

Here's the article: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070412&content_id=1895320&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Also, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow getting all around better at playing his position. I thought it was neat how he took time after his practice to play some with head coach Urban Meyer's son: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/04/13/0414tebow.html.

Lastly, an article with Colts head coach Tony Dungy's and Bears head coach Lovie Smith's (both Christians) reactions to Don Imus' remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070413/SPORTS03/704130462/1004/RSS02.

MLB and more Zach Johnson

First, an article on Dodgers pitcher Jason Schmidt: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-schmidt9apr09,1,3539312.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger&ctrack=1&cset=true (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070409&content_id=1888025&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton when he hit his first homer for his first hit in his first start. Here's a quote from him:

Despite a tough 5-4 Reds loss in 11 innings, the night will always been memorable for something that was a half-decade in the making.

"I took a few moments tonight to thank the Lord. There's no reason I should be here," Hamilton said. "I just took my hat off a few times in the outfield and just looked around. I was kind of taking it all in. I heard fans screaming at me 'you [stink]' and I laughed at it. You have no idea where I'd been or where I'd come from. You can say anything you want to. It was just an awesome feeling."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070410&content_id=1891106&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin&partnered=rss_cin.

Next, an article about how Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts is selling bracelets to raise money for a children's hospital in Baltimore, and honoring the late community outreach director for the Orioles (I'll include the website link on my list of websites): http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070411&content_id=1892447&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Also, an article about Zach Johnson, the guy who won the Masters, going back to work this week. Here's a quote about him and fellow PGA golfer Aaron Baddeley, who is also a Christian (see Baddeley's website: http://www.badds.com/main.html):

Defending Verizon Heritage champion Aaron Baddeley, part of a weekly Bible study group that includes Johnson, doesn't expect success to spoil his level-headed friend. "He's just as true as they come," Baddeley said.

Here's the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070411/ap_on_sp_go_ne/glf_hilton_head.

Lastly, an article about Zach Johnson and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I don't think that "expert on religion in sports" knows what he's talking about personally (originally found on the FCA website): http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3027407&page=1.

lots of sports misc.

I was able to get caught up some on the articles that I have to read, so there are several articles for today. The first two are from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Sharing the Victory Magazine. The first one is about Kenyan long-distance runner Catherine Ndereba: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=DC6AFE6F-E45D-4085-A5C431F10DA7C8B1.

The other one is about three members of the Rice baseball team: Bobby Bramhall, Joe Savery, and Brian Friday: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=04715208-C6B1-4378-953BAC0F51EED0E9.

Next, some articles about Zach Johnson, the guy that won the Masters last Sunday. I didn't watch the Masters, but I saw that he had won on the bottom of the screen during the Red Sox/Rangers game on ESPN Sunday night. I was like "Who in the world?!" Then I found some articles about him, and was like "Cool!" The first article is about the final round of the Masters and after. Here's a quote:

Even more gratifying to Johnson was winning on Easter.

"My faith is very important to me," he said. "I had people looking after me. It was awesome."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters07/news/story?id=2830090.

Here's another article on Johnson, this one from Fellowship of Christian Athletes: http://www.fca.org/vsItemDisplay.lsp?method=display&objectid=68044E01-0728-437C-8DF7E1FE962816BA.

The third article on Johnson, also a Christian article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5559.

A paragraph about Johnson from Sports Spectrum's The Daily:

A MOMENT WITH THE MASTER’S CHAMP
Zach Johnson, who won The Master’s on Sunday, is not afraid to speak out about his faith. Here’s an excerpt from an interview he had with Bill Houston of Sports Spectrum Radio:

“Golf has always been something that I love to do, and I still continue to love to play golf. But it is still just a game. Even underneath that, to me it’s my job. Of course, I’m going to give 110 percent. It’s something that obviously pays the bills and helps my wife and me financially. But it’s not what matters in life the most. As far as priority ranking, God and Jesus are No. 1. That’s the reason I’m here. If I finish in the Top 10 or win a tournament, at the end of the day Jesus doesn’t care. As long as He knows I’m one of His and He’s my Savior, that’s all that matters.”

Here's the article: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/070411.php.

The last article on Johnson (for now): http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/masters07/columns/story?columnist=sobel_jason&id=2830348.

Here's a note about Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, that I found interesting:

Free lunch: Cubs fans who stopped at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kenosha, Wis., on Sunday after the game got a treat. Cubs catcher Michael Barrett also stopped there, and decided to pick up the tab for all the patrons.

"I said [to my friend], what would it be like for these people if [former Cubs catcher] Jody Davis walked into the restaurant?" Barrett said. "So, I was going up to people and saying, 'Let me have your bill.'"

The manager of the restaurant took care of Barrett's tab. Barrett exited to a chorus of "Let's go Cubbies."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070409&content_id=1888156&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Also, an article about the Pacers helping to build a house for Habitat for Humanity and visiting a VA hospital: http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/habitat_va_070409.html.

Here's a good article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, having his high school baseball number retired Monday night on the Braves off day (there are several pictures included in a photo gallery too): http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2007/04/10/0410gwxFrancoeur.html.

Lastly, I don't know if Japanese Seattle catcher Kenji Johjima is a Christian or not, but I thought that this comment of his about how to bat against Japanese Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was funny:

Johjima has some simple advice to his Mariners teammates:

"I would first tell them to pray."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070410&content_id=1890976&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

sports misc.

First, a good note about Michigan State basketball player Drew Neitzel from Sports Spectrum's "The Daily":

Sometimes the most poignant stories in sports are the ones that combine what happens on the playing surface with what happens off. Such is the case with a young man named Adam Visser. Last year, Visser, who was a former high school player-turned-coach, sat in a wheelchair on the sidelines at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, to cheer on his little brother, Aaron, and the Tri-Unity Christian High School Defenders as they won the Michigan Class D boys state basketball tournament. Adam was suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, yet he was there and the team and coach Mark Keeler dedicated the win to Visser. Last week, Visser lost his battle with ALS, dying at the age of 35. On Tuesday, at the Breslin Center, another young basketball player Visser had mentored and guided and helped in his Christian walk, Drew Neitzel, shined on a national stage as he played in this important game with Adam Visser’s memory close to his heart. And just as Tri-Unity won a huge game, Neitzel led his team, the Michigan State Spartans to their biggest win of the year as they defeated top-ranked Wisconsin 64-55 behind Neitzel’s pinpoint shooting and 28 points.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/070221.php.

Here's just a fun article about the Braves Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and the Pirates Adam LaRoche joining the Braves John Smoltz, a Christian, for Smoltz's annual round of golf with Tiger Woods: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070218&content_id=1806290&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Next, an article on the Phillies Ryan Howard. Here's a refreshing quote about being a role model. Some athletes today could care less about being a role model and how kids look up at them. It's nice to hear about an athlete who does care:

"As soon as you put on a uniform, you're a role model," he said. "When you're in a Minor League town and have kids coming up to you, [you are one] whether you want to be a role model or not. Once you get up here, it's no different. Kids are looking up to you."

Here's the article: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070218&content_id=1806437&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Here's a great article about the Reds Josh Hamilton, who is trying to make a comeback to baseball with the Reds after missing a few years because he was messed up with drugs. He sounds like a Christian and great guy to root for. It sounds like from the article that if he doesn't make the Reds, he might still have a good chance back with the Devil Rays. Here's a couple of quotes:

"There were many times I thought I'd never play again, just because of the lifestyle I had been living," Hamilton said. "Nobody can do anything productive out of what I was doing. There were definitely times I felt down and like I'd never get back to doing the thing I loved. God's grace got me here today."...

If he makes it to the Majors, another world of money and temptation could be waiting for Hamilton. He says he has a "backup" plan to confront any issues. Katie carries all of his cash, and the family keeps only one car in Florida to reduce the urge of his taking off alone. The couple is deeply religious and on Monday, Hamilton frequently mentioned his faith as an aid to his staying clean.

If he makes the team this season, the Reds would make arrangements on the road for someone to hold Hamilton's meal money and plan to offer a support system.

"I know there are temptations," Hamilton said. "The devil is going to come at me hard. I don't know from where yet. We'll handle it when it comes.

"It's amazing I'm here with the Reds about four or five miles from where it all began as far as drug use. Sometimes God brings you back to times and places that we were. It might not have been the best of times. But it brings you back there when you're doing well to remind you where he brought you from."

For Hamilton, even that short distance was one heck of a long road.

Here's the article: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070219&content_id=1807988&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Also, a short bit about the Braves Brian McCann:

Before Monday's workout, McCann visited with 14 kids who had been part of Bert's Big Adventure, a non-profit group that annually brings chronically and terminally-ill children to Disney World.

Here's the article: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070219&content_id=1807579&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's a good article on John Smoltz, a Christian, on his up-coming season and divorce. Here's a quote:

"I'm doing good," he insisted Sunday, speaking in a low voice while sitting at his locker. "I'm focused on the right things. I'm talking about my faith. That's the only thing that's going to get me through any of this stuff. I'm still determined to be and do the same things I've done before. I'm trying to be positive. Attitude is a choice."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Baseball_News/BBN_Durable_Smoltz.html.

Next, a good article about Broncos kicker Jason Elam studying at Liberty University seminary this off-season. Between him and Colts punter Hunter Smith recording a Christian music album in Nashville, it sounds like the guys that boot footballs in the NFL are keeping busy this off-season! Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5549.

Here's an article about Tony Dungy coming back next year to coach the Colts (YEAH!): http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2771773.

Lastly, the Colts are taking the Lombardi Trophy on a tour around the state and one of the stops is one of our neighboring towns here. It's next Saturday night, and I can't wait to go see it!

Cremins and Mickelson

Only a couple of articles today. First, a Q & A article with former Georgia Tech and current College of Charleston basketball coach Bobby Cremins. Here's a quote from him about why he took his current job:

Q: Have you found something that you really missed while you weren't coaching?

A: Yeah. When I left Georgia Tech, my original game plan was to take one year off and then go right back. And then for some reason, one year led to six. I had a good life. The TV [announcing] was fun and I stayed busy with charity golf outings. But then, when I started to think that I would never coach again, I didn't like that feeling.

And then this thing came out of left field. It's had to be God-sent, the way it happened. The irony when [Winthrop coach] Greg Marshall taking the Charleston job and then going back was incredible. [Cremins had a similar experience with South Carolina in 1993]. The timing? I was hired on July 3rd. They don't hire college coaches on July 3rd. It all has to be a God-send.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/finalfour/stories/2007/02/16/0217cremins.html.

Here's a good story about Phil Mickelson paying for this girl to go to college when her family would not be able to otherwise afford it: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702170461.