NBA, NFL, and MLB

Hello. I still have extra time because of the weather, so I'll post again. I'm trying something different with posting through del.icio.us (http://del.icio.us/milligan00), so I'm going to see how that works. I'm hoping that doing it that way will be less time consuming for me. I'll see how it works and let me know what you think. Thanks.

I only have a few articles today, but I thought that I would go ahead and post anyways. The first article is about Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley hosting a coat drive to collect coats for needy people: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/SPORTS04/802110375/1247/NLETTER12.

Here's an article about new Redskins head coach Jim Zorn, a Christian, and the kind of person that he is. Zorn is replacing retired Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, also a Christian. Interviewed for the article were Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer, both also Christians who worked under Zorn at his former job as Seahawks quarterbacks coach. Here's a couple of quotes about Zorn:

In the Washington Redskins' seemingly interminable search to find the replacement for Joe Gibbs, they may well have found, well, another Joe Gibbs. Just like his predecessor, Zorn — born in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier — was a college quarterback in Southern California (Cal-Poly Pomona), became deeply religious and possesses an innate ability to stay calm through chaos. Like Gibbs, he is a family man. He and his wife Joy have four children, and in Seattle they would do things as a group when they had time — even something as mundane as a shopping trip to an outdoors sporting goods store. ...

"He's very much like a Joe Gibbs," said Trent Dilfer, who played under Zorn for four seasons in Seattle. "He's wise beyond his years. His faith is at the front of his life. And he's aware of the global perspective. I think what happens in the course of a football season when you are not one of the top-echelon teams — one of the top five or six teams — and you are in a fight to try and make the playoffs, one of the biggest things the head coach needs is to create a calmness about the team. What Gibbs and the best coaches can do is put things in perspective for the football team. That's what he was able to do as a quarterback coach."When there are team dramas, there will be a lot of dialogue there between players and coach. He will handle those dramas."

Here's the article: http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt_d8zornside_0211feb11,0,2119078.story (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/32).

Next a good article in the New York Times about Giants wide receiver David Tyree, a Christian, and what he overcame in his personal life to become an outspoken Christian and one of the Giants Super Bowl heroes: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/sports/football/11tyree.html?_r=1&em&ex=1202878800&en=a74c75851df04bb3&ei=5087_&oref=slogin. Here's a quote from the transcript from the interview that the article is from, which is even better:

NYT: Do you think back often to your story?

DT: What has occurred now has forced me to. I’m praying that I get the opportunity to do a book. It’s more than just a feel-good story. It’s not about David Tyree. It’s bigger than this Super Bowl catch. It’s about destiny and purpose for one person’s life. It’s about one man’s willingness to submit to a Holy God. From the moment I’ve done that, my life has been filled with miracles. When you talk about the restoration of my family. I’ve been to a Pro Bowl. Been to a Super Bowl. Won a world championship. Have beautiful identical twin girls on the way, a family of four.

Here's the article: http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/tyree-talks-about-his-rise-from-rock-bottom-to-super-bowl-stardom/ (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/21).

Lastly, a good article about former Royal and new A's 1st baseman/DH Mike Sweeney, a Christian, and how much his former Royals teammates are going to miss his leadership with the team as team captain: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080211&content_id=2370717&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

MLB, NFL, and NBA

First of all, an article about the Rockies wanting to get into the post-season, which they did, for long-time Rockie Todd Helton, a Christian, who had never been in the post-season before. Here's a long quote about it from teammate Matt Holliday, also a Christian:

"When you have a player who has meant as much to a franchise as Todd has to the Rockies, and you realize he has never had a chance to be in a playoff, it makes what we are going through mean that much more to me," left fielder Matt Holliday said. "Most of us have been around three, four years, and we think about the struggles we've been through. Todd's been playing 10 years, waiting for this."

Helton has meant a lot to the Rockies, and it extends past his on-field accomplishments, which include a batting title in 2000, five All-Star selections and three Gold Gloves.

"Todd is the guy who used to call me in the minor leagues, back when I was in the lower levels, when most people thought I was a crappy player, and he'd tell me how good I was going to be," Holliday said. "He's the guy who would talk about some day we'd be hitting third, fourth in the lineup. He would tell me when that happens we'd have a chance to win."

Looks like Helton might have been correct when he was offering encouragement to that teenage prospect who never hit more than 16 home runs or drove in more than 72 runs in a minor league season.

But here's Holliday, batting third for the Rockies, now battling to lead the league in average and RBI, with Helton batting fourth.

Here's the article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/mlb/article/0,2777,DRMN_23924_5706395,00.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070927&content_id=2233929&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about A's outfielder Nick Swisher and the work that he does in the community for kids and charity, among other things: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/28/SPOHSFB34.DTL (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070928&content_id=2236694&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, a good article about the problem in the NFL with players who are bad people getting all of the publicity instead of the players who are good people and deserve it. A couple of the bad players named in the article are the Titans Pacman Jones and the Chiefs Larry Johnson. Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=279099.

Here's a heart-warming story about Braves catcher Brayan Pena and infielder Yunel Escobar both starting in the Braves game against the Astros last Saturday. Pena and Escobar grew up playing baseball together in Cuba and then defected to the U.S. separately during the last 5 or so years. It had been their dream since playing together in Cuba to one day start together in the Majors, and last Saturday their dream was fulfilled. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070929&content_id=2239620&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, a good article about new Pacers coach Jim O'Brien and his wife Sharon and how their life was changed forever over twenty years ago when she gave birth to a daughter with Down syndrome. Here's a quote from Sharon O'Brien about their daughter Caitlyn:

"As a parent, and I think Jim would agree, it has been the greatest blessing that we have been given," Sharon said. "Having a child with special needs changes your whole outlook on life and makes you more aware of other people's vulnerabilities. I think it forces you to have a different perspective and count your blessings in a different way.

"Our whole family, (sister) Shannon and (brother) Jack included, would say the same thing. Caitlyn has been such a great blessing to our family."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/SPORTS04/709300371/1062/SPORTS04.

Here's an article about the Tigers deciding not to bring back 1st baseman Sean Casey, a Christian, next season. Here's a quote from Casey about it:

"I told them this is the greatest year and a half of my career," said Casey, who was acquired at last season's trade deadline and re-signed to a one-year contract last November. "I appreciate that they brought me in to say that to me, man to man. I've got nothing but great memories here, and I'm grateful for that. I told them, 'Thanks for getting me over here.' "

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070930&content_id=2241076&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det.

Lastly, last night after Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez hit a walk-off homer to win the game over the Angels in the bottom of the ninth, he was interviewed on the field on TV. Now, the fact that Manny actually talked with the media was something, because he NEVER does that. But even more surprising to me, in a good way, was what he said at the beginning of the interview:

"I want to thank God for the talent He gave me."

Now, I don't know what his beliefs are or anything, but I still thought that it was neat.

football and Armstrong

First, an article about new U. of Miami football head coach Randy Shannon and his strict rules for the team. Some of them, like no guns, seem kind of obvious to me, but I guess they're not. I think that his rules would probably be good for any team, college or pro. It would help solve a lot of the behavior problems, that's for sure. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10281262.

Here's an article about the Virginia Tech football team taking it upon themselves to help the college community to heal after the shootings there last April: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AoBORtOp907MxHKw5f__qyN.T4h4?slug=ap-virginiatechschallenge&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about the Colts hosting a group of kids from Indiana Children's Wish Fund last Saturday. The kids all face life-threatening illnesses, and their wish was to see the Colts at training camp. Here's the article: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6886914.

Here's an article about free agent Pacer Darrell Armstrong hosting a kids basketball camp to raise money for his foundation for premature babies. Two of Armstrong's three kids were born premature, so it's a cause near to his heart. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070804/SPORTS04/708040473/1088/SPORTS04.

The last articles are the transcripts from some of the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speeches and the speeches of their presenters. They're all good to read through. The first one is from former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. Here's a quote from his speech, talking about how he and his fellow hall-of-famers and their families:

And then I met their wives and their families and I realized that it's not only about the gift God gave us, but equally important is the help that God gave us. It's the people that God put in place to support us on our journey. ...

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961687.

The next Hall-of-Fame speech transcript is from former Oilers/Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, a Christian. Here's a quote from his speech:

I'd first like to say how honored and blessed I am to be here. If someone had told me when I was a kid that one day I would play in the NFL and let alone be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I wouldn't have believed them. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be standing up here today, and I'd like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me and my family so much.

As much as I'd like to take credit for everything that's happened in my career, I know it was only because of how the Lord blessed me that I was able to accomplish what I did. My part was the easy part: just go out and use the talents and abilities God gave me. God blessed me with the size, the desire to play the game. He kept me injury free and brought many wonderful coaches and players into my life, and for this I'm very thankful.

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961666.

Another Hall-of-Fame speech is from former Lions tight end Charlie Sanders. Here's a quote from his speech:

Thank you. First of all, let me give thanks to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and his graciousness that I humbly stand before you here today.

I've always believed that God had a plan for me, and that my life was written long before I would ever realize the outcome. ...

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961658.

Also, the enshrinement speech of former Bills runningback Thurman Thomas. Here's a quote from him about his kids:

My 10 year old sweet little Annika Lee. We wanted a boy so bad that we were blessed again with another girl. All I can say is thank you, God, for giving us that little girl. She is growing up to be just as lovely and beautiful as her sister. Annika Lee, I love you baby.

Last but not least we decided to give it one more try. We prayed hard and we finally got our little man, Thurman III. He is everything that we had dreamed for, a blend of all five of us. Little Thurman, daddy loves you, man. Alright.

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961680.

The last Hall-of-Fame speech transcript is from former Cardinals cornerback Roger Wehrli. Here's a quote from the end of his speech:

Finally, many of you know me as a man of faith. I believe that God has guided each and every move I've made. He's put the right people in the right places to bring me here, and I thank Him with all my heart for taking a little guy from a little town with little dreams and making me fit to wear the title of Hall of Famer.

Thank you all very much and God bless.

Here's that transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961670.

Butler, NBA, and MLB

First of all, an article about new Butler men's basketball coach Brad Stevens. Here's a quote:

...He took church mission trips to Texas and Louisiana...

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/SPORTS06/704220432/1247/SPORTS.

Next, an article about recently retired Pacer Jonathon Bender working to help out those effected by hurricane Katrina: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070423/SPORTS04/704230383.

Also, an article about Reds manager Jerry Narron and his brother Johnny, a Reds administrative coach. Here's a quote from Johnny Narron about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton:

"I've known Josh a long time," Johnny Narron said. "I was right there when he was being scouted, drafted and signed and left Raleigh, North Carolina. He and I have a tremendous relationship right now. We've been apart, obviously, during his problem times. I didn't know where he was, quite frankly. To have been put back in his life, I think it's God's plan for me. I'm his mentor both on and off the field."

Besides sharing baseball, Hamilton and Johnny Narron also share a religious bond and use those ties to maintain a strong friendship.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070423&content_id=1925543&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about one teammate helping out another on the Mariners, with Willie Bloomquist pitching batting practice to Ben Broussard during games to prepare Broussard for pinch-hitting: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070423&content_id=1925818&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, an article about a great assist at a Trailblazers game a few years ago. Natalie Gilbert, a then 13-year-old, was singing the National Anthem before a Blazers game when she forgot the words in the middle of it. Maurice Cheeks, who was then the Blazers head coach, went out and helped her finish the song. I had heard about this when it happened, but I read a devotion about it earlier this week, based on Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Here's the article (the page also includes video of it): http://www.nba.com/blazers/features/Cheeks_Anthem_Assist-73713-41.html.

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, about two Christian outfielders trying to make their respective teams. Josh Hamilton I think has officially made the Reds roster. Here's a quote:

After a nearly four-year stretch out of the game because of injuries and drug use, outfielder Josh Hamilton has been the story of spring. Hamilton, a Rule 5 acquisition and former overall No. 1 draft choice, has led the team in hitting and stunned observers with his poise and plate discipline. He'll be a fourth outfielder this season.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1862217&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Also, Matt Diaz officially made the Braves roster. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/03/30/0331bravesroster.html.

Here's an article about Pacers broadcaster and CBS men's college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg, a Christian, getting to watch his sons play in the Ohio boys basketball state semifinals last week: http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/web_070327.html.

Here's another article about the guy who was North Carolina men's basketball mascot, who was killed in a traffic accident: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?id=2813005.

Next, an article by the Angels Garret Anderson, a Christian, about the upcoming season: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1861374&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article I originally found on the Athletes In Action website about a program to help disadvantaged high school boys through the New York Giants and AIA: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070327/latu118.html?.v=69.

Also, an article about the Knicks Stephon Marbury and the Bulls Ben Wallace promoting a line of shoes that are a lot more affordable for parents to buy for their kids: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bkn_wallace_starbury.

Here's an article about Astros outfielder Luke Scott and the upcoming season: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/4657985.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1861332&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, a short note about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, and the Cubs (I would think that it would be kind of strange on the Cubs part, since the Colts beat another Chicago team!):

Tony Dungy, coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, was a guest of general manager Jim Hendry on Tuesday.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070327&content_id=1861914&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Also, a couple of articles about IU men's basketball recruit Eli Holman. Here's the first one: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS0601/703280376/1069/SPORTS0601.

Here's a quote from the second one, where he's talking about how long he might stay at IU before going pro:

"Some people have me projected two-and-done. If it happens, I thank God it happens. If not I'll stay there four years and get a degree and go see what life has in store for me."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS0601/703280410/1069/SPORTS0601.

Lastly, an article about Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., and what he does to help the Boys and Girls Clubs: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070328&content_id=1863641&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

MLB and NBA Christmas articles

Hi. First of all, some pictures of Georgia football players visiting children at a hospital in Atlanta while they're there for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl: http://lpe.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/2006/1206/1226ugavisit.

Next, the last two MLB.com Christmas Q & A articles. The first is about Aaron Cook of the Rockies, and here's a quote:

MLB.com: So what is the holiday season like around the Cook home?

Cook: We just try to spread ourselves as thin as possible on Christmas Day, visiting relatives, and really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, which was the day Jesus Christ was born. So we keep things relatively simple.

Here's the article: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765645&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

The other one is about Sean Casey, and here's a quote:

MLB.com: Big holiday tradition in your family?

Casey: We always open one present on Christmas Eve, and we always go to Mass on Christmas Eve. We always used to go to Midnight Mass, but the kids can't stay up that late. And before we open the presents on Christmas morning, we'll always sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Here's the article: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061220&content_id=1765305&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det.

Here's an article about Kobe Bryant making a little boy's Christmas just by spending time with him. Now, I don't like Kobe at all for some of the things that he's done, but this is still a great article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612240457.

Also, an article about what Dwayne Wade did to help needy kids at Christmas: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612250368.

Lastly, an article about what Jermaine O'Neal and some other Pacers did to help kids and others at Christmas time: http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/web_061225.html.

NFL, Red Sox, and other articles

Hi. Here's the latest articles that I've read to be posted. First, an article about J.D. Drew and his going to the Red Sox. Sometimes I'm not sure what to think about him, but here's a good quote from him:

"I grew up in church all my life," he said. "My parents were very deep in their faith and that's the way our family was raised and that's the way I'm raising my family. I've always given 100 percent and been a team player. I love playing baseball. I understand the gift I've been given and I've never taken that gift for granted. Baseball is very important to me but my faith and my family come first."

Here's the article: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/12/08/drew_keeping_faith/.

Here's an article about the Pacers Al Harrington donating a boxing ring to a children's group: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5786212.

Here's a good article about "Big Papi" David Ortiz donating money that he raised to pay for heart surgeries for poor children in his native Dominican Republic. Here's a couple of quotes from him:

"I am Dominican and I am always representing you in everything I do," Ortiz told a gathering of countrymen and women earlier this week at the Hard Rock Cafe in Santo Domingo. "I am here to show the world that we have good people. Every time I am here, you receive me with so much care and love. I am really proud to be Dominican, to be one of you. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to represent such a beautiful people."

And here's what he had to say to some baseball prospects at the Red Sox Academy in the Dominican:

"We are all on the same team and it's a beautiful experience to be here," Ortiz told the prospects during the ceremonial conference at the academy. "I was like you. I wish I could still be that age, but every year I am getting more and more experience and wiser. I think God gives you time on earth, gives you life so you can learn from your experience."

"Life is about development, about growing," he continued. "I think there is nothing impossible if you take the right path. I think it is important for you to take the right path. When you get to the level I am, and I know you will, that you remember my words. Respect your people, your family, your parents and your country. Make them proud. Be a good example and do the things God wants you to do. God never leaves you."

Here's the article: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061208&content_id=1754587&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos

Also, an update on the progress of the Bengals David Pollack from a broken vertebrae in his neck. He's a Christian athlete. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2006/12/08/1209pollack.html

Here's a good article about Colts coach Tony Dungy and the Super Bowl: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061210/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_dungy_s_time_2

Tomorrow I will list some Christian sports sites to check out. Thanks for reading!