Kitna and the Lions, etc.

Hi. Okay, I'm back to playing catch up again. I'll post some articles tonight and then some more tomorrow and hopefully get caught up.

First of all, a "Rest of the Story" article. Last summer I posted a story about Texans defensiveback Jason Simmons asking runningback Ahman Green to put a down-payment on a house for a single parent in return for his uniform number 30. The two then picked out a single mother of an autistic boy, Regina Foster and her son Reggie. Last Sunday I was watching "NFL Countdown" on ESPN and they ran a video segment from when the Fosters moved into their new house a few weeks ago. I then was able to find a good article on ESPN.com about it too. Simmons and Green were there when the Fosters first moved in. Several local businesses provided groceries, furniture, electricity, cable, etc. too. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=3121923.

Here's another good Christian article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna. Here's a quote from him:

The Detroit Lions have a lot to shout about these days. They have a winning record after six losing seasons. Players say a key part of that turnaround on and off the field is number eight -- Quarterback Jon Kitna.

"My mission is to do whatever I can to be obedient to Christ and further His Gospel; tell people about the things He's done in my life and the things He can do in their life," Kitna said.

Here's the article, including a video interview: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/273495.aspx (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, an article on one of Kitna's Christian teammates, wide receiver Mike Furrey, who, along with his wife, helped to serve Thanksgiving meals at a mission after the Lions game on Thanksgiving afternoon. The article also talks about other things that the Furrey's are involved in their community. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's not all about football," Furrey said.

"God has blessed me with the ability to play football, and I feel blessed to be able to go out and help people who are less fortunate. It's something that my wife and I feel called to do."

The Furrey's were also joined at the mission by back-up quarterback Dan Orvlovsky, also a Christian, and here's a quote from him:

"It's gratifying," Orlovsky said of taking time out to volunteer. "Everyone thinks of us as football players, but God didn't put us here so that we'd have the ability to make a ton of money and live a lavish lifestyle.

"He calls us to serve other people."

Here's the article: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/11/receiver_is_happy_to_give.html (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's a good Christian article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, and how he was lead to Christ by Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden. Richt became an assistant coach at Florida State after his playing career at Miami ended. Here's a quote from Richt:

It was through his mistakes coach Mark Richt realized he needed God. And in his success he hopes others recognize his source of strength.

"Jesus means salvation," he said. "Jesus means everlasting life with god. If you know there's a power that created you that's much greater than you that's never ending you know you can tap into that resource that gives you peace, gives you hope instead of despair."

Here's the article: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/274318.aspx.

Also, an article about new Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, who recently signed with the Angels as a free agent. The article talks about how much respect his former team the Twins and the Rangers, who also tried to sign him, have for him after going through the free agent process. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20071122&content_id=2306723&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Lastly for now, here's two more articles on Jon Kitna and how he was able to build and maintain a winning attitude with the Lions this season. The first article includes this from former Lion and current Giant cornerback R.W. McQuarters:

The gesture caught New York Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters so off guard that he almost couldn't believe he was in Detroit.

Several of his teammates had just finished praying following their 16-10 win over the Lions when they started ambling toward their locker room. That's when McQuarters heard a gruff voice in the distance calling for the Giants. He whirled to see Lions quarterback Jon Kitna standing before several Lions players. Kitna motioned for the Giants to join hands with the Lions for one final group prayer.

It wasn't the offer that surprised McQuarters. It was the impression that the Lions were unified behind Kitna that startled him. McQuarters had played a season with Detroit in 2005 and that was enough time to know team chemistry wasn't the Lions' strength.

"I could see the difference Jon was making in that team," McQuarters says. "I figured that if he could be that kind of leader around strangers, he must really be something when he's alone with his own team. You can tell they really needed somebody like him."

Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3121857.

The other article on Kitna and the Lions and how important their Christian beliefs have become to bringing the team together and thus helping them to succeed: http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-lions22nov22,1,2246964.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-sports&ctrack=3&cset=true (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

That's all for now. I'll post more tomorrow.

MLB and football misc.

Hi. First of all, a neat article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, who helped to inspire a teenage boy dying from cancer, and was inspired himself in return: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071026&content_id=2283990&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Twins outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, winning the Marvin Miller Man of the Year by the MLB Players Association a week ago for his work with Little League Baseball's Urban Initiative, the Twins Rookie League and RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) youth baseball programs in the Twin Cities, Big Brother Big Sisters of the Twin Cities, and Athletes in Action. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284285&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about USC quarterback Mark Sanchez and his dad Nick, a captain with the Orange County (California) Fire Authority. Nick Sanchez was at the front line fighting the wildfires in the San Diego area, but was able to leave when the fires started to slow down. That meant that he was able to go see Mark start at quarterback at Oregon a week ago yesterday. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AoJw9mv5xyRnD5OokDBAbOZ.T4h4?slug=jn-sanchez102707&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's the first of a few good articles about the starting pitchers for the Red Sox and Rockies in Game 4 of the World Series a week ago yesterday. Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, a Christian, came back from lymphoma last year to pitch this year. Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook, also a Christian, came back from blood clots in his lungs in 2004 to pitch again after missing a year. Here's a quote from the article:

"I don't think it's a coincidence," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said before Game 3 on Saturday night. "I think this game drips with irony ... and I believe in a lot of different venues that God's fingerprints are all over a lot of things, if we are able to open our eyes and recognize (it), whatever faith you have.

"There's a battle that can be on your hands, but there's a battle that can be fought, and just as importantly there's a battle that could be won. These guys are representative of that. ... So it's good, it's real good."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AtZ2PeVi.R4OKzdT65w403x.T4h4?slug=ap-worldseries-game4pitchers&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a quote from an article about the game and Lester and Cook in response to what Hurdle said:

Maybe, as Hurdle said, "God's fingerprints" were all over this one. Or maybe it was simply two guys who got lucky. Whatever the reasons, they're here.

LUCK?! Whatever! Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3083332&sportCat=mlb&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines.

The last article about Game 4 is a transcript from an interview with Aaron Cook before Game 3. Here's a great quote from him about he and Lester's returns:

Do you find it ironic and somewhat special while you're literally not facing Jon Lester that both of you had near life threatening illnesses and now you're going head to head in Game 4?

AARON COOK: It is kind of ironic with him going through what he went through and me what I went through, both of us to work our way back up to the top level of professional baseball. It's tough enough to get here, and what we've been through, just to keep our focus, keep our faith, and just realize -- I'm sure he realizes, too, without me talking to him that baseball is not the most important thing, and once you realize that baseball is not the most important thing in the world, you're able to relax, put it back in perspective, play it like a game and just have fun, and I'm sure that's what he's been able to do, too.

You talk about having the strength to deal with that. Where did you get your strength from?

AARON COOK: Well, a lot of my strength came from my faith in God. I grew up in church. I believe that God has a plan for us all, and that we all deal with things differently, and there's a verse in the Bible that says "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because testing of your faith develops perseverance." That's one verse I really held onto. You can't really become the person you're supposed to be until you deal with something, and you never now how you're going to deal with it until you go through it. I think that gives you strength once you've been through something to deal with other things. I had the blood clots in my lungs in '04, and I believe that helped me to have the strength to get through the oblique injury this year.

Here's the article: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284428&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb. Here's an article with a video link of the press conference: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284631&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Also, an article about Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsch visiting a children's hospital in Denver before Game 3 of the World Series: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284394&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Here's an article about recently retired Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio winning the Clemente Award for community service: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284369&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, the Phillies, including pitcher Ryan Madson, having their annual Halloween party at a children's hospital in Philadelphia: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071028&content_id=2285495&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about one person's opinion about the importance of Christianity to the Rockies organization. The writer makes it sound like they're the only team to hold a Faith Day, which they aren't. The last two seasons the Braves, Astros, Nationals, and Reds have had them too. I wish that the press would quit picking on the Rockies. Some sports teams have had so many players arrested that it has greatly effected their play. So which would the general public rather have, a Christian team in the World Series, or a bad team destracted by off-the-field problems? Here's the article: http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1677120,00.html?imw=Y.

Also, a great article about how some of the Rockies feel that God had a hand in them reaching the World Series. Here's a couple of quotes from pitcher Matt Herges, a Christian:

"I think God is the reason we got this far," Rockies reliever Matt Herges said. "We've done some amazing things this year (that are) hard to know. Something is going on. I think we may be getting favors from God.

"It's not like the Red Sox are going against God. I'm sure they have Christians over there. But we realize what a blessing this is." ...

"Not everybody in here is a believer," Herges said, "but this is the tightest-knit group and the most special bunch of guys I've ever been around.

"That will never be taken away from us."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/playoffs/2007-10-28-rockies-faith_N.htm.

Here's the last blog entry from Rockies 1st baseman Todd Helton, a Christian, last Monday, the day after the Rockies lost the World Series. It's about how proud he was of the team to get that far. Here's a good quote:

People ask me if I can think about next season, about going to Tucson, Ariz., for Spring Training and preparing for 2008. But that's the last thing I want to think about right now.

I just want to go home and be a dad right now.

Here's the post: http://toddhelton.mlblogs.com/toddhelton/2007/10/proud_to_be_a_c.html.

Next, another good blog about the World Series from last Monday, this one from Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, also a Christian, about the Game 4 pitchers Lester and Cook and his end of the season thanks. Here's a couple of quotes:

“God has his fingerprints all over this game.”

I stole it. Clint Hurdle said that about game 4 and it resonated with me all day long. What Aaron Cook and Jon Lester went through to get to this point, to get the ball, was God’s work. What they did after “Play Ball” was awe inspiring in a million ways. ...

There are a litany of people that deserve huge kudos for what just happened. From a personal standpoint it starts with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What I have been able to experience, watch, be a part of, just adds to the already overflowing life of incredible memories I am totally undeserving of. To be able to participate in, and witness, events that millions of people around the world will never forget is pretty much indescribable.

I thank the Lord for an incredible wife, 4 beautiful and healthy children. Shonda remains my rock. In a life that sees me pretty much absent from the home for 6-8 months a year she has held the fort. That’s saying a lot when that fort contains 3 boys, ages 12, 8 and 5, and a young lady of 10. Wherever next year takes us it’s incredibly comforting knowing the ships in order and my children, even though I THINK they miss me, are being raised by a woman of virtue, passion, devotion and love that knows no bounds.

Here's the post: http://38pitches.com/2007/10/29/2007-world-series-champions/.

Here's an article about runningback Samkon Gado, a Christian, being claimed off waivers by the Dolphins from the Texans last week: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=298081.

Also, something interesting that I heard while watching part of the LSU/Alabama game last night. The broadcasters mentioned that LSU freshman safety Chad Jones dad worked with former NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, a Christian, and Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans. I just thought I would pass that along for what it's worth.

Just a funny note: Almost all of the monthly and weekly meetings planned for late afternoon/early evening at my church were either moved to earlier or postponed so that everyone could watch the big Colts/Patriots game, which started at 4:00 local time. Unfortunately, the Colts lost though. :(

Lastly, I started a page on Digg to post articles that I come across and think look interesting. Some ot the articles are ones that I will read, some I won't. Some of the artilces I'll end up posting, some I won't. I just thought that I would share my page so that you could check it out if you want to. You might have to register for the site to access it, I'm not sure. Here's the page: http://digg.com/users/milligan00.

MLB, football, and Petty

Sorry that I haven't been able to write for a few days. It's been kind of a hectic week. So here's a kind of long list of articles. First, an article about some of the Phillies meeting with President Bush at the Oval Office on September 21st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070921&content_id=2221689&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and how having more patience while hitting has helped him to improve his batting average this season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2223910&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Next, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, getting his 200th hit of the season on September 21st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070921&content_id=2221688&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Here's a good Christian article about Christianity's place in sports, especially focusing on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian. Here's a quote about Tebow:

In a post-game interview after the Florida-Tennessee game last week, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow calmly assessed the Gators' performance, thanking fans and his teammates for their support.

Then, as he does after almost every game, he thanked, "My Lord and savior Jesus Christ for everything he's done for me."

Here's the article: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070922/NEWS/709220327 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=250).

Also, a good article about Dustin Eglseder, who won the Cubs Ultimate 7th Inning Stretch Competition. The contest was kind of like American Idol, in that fans tried out to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and the winners were voted on by fans. Eglseder, who just recently finished chemotherapy treatments for a rare form of bone cancer, won the contest and sang the song during the 7th Inning Stretch in the Cubs game last Saturday. It was just a nice story for him to win after going through the cancer treatments this year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2224019&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Last Thursday night I watched part of the Southern Mississippi/Boise State game on ESPN. During the game, the broadcasters spent a few minutes talking about Boise State senior safety Marty Tadman. They showed on the screen somethings about his life, how he had some troubled high school years, but at 18 had a religious experience and became a Christian minister. They also mentioned how he hoped to continue his career in the NFL, but if not he would continue solely with his ministry instead. I thought that was really cool, so I googled him and came up with an article from his local newspaper in Orange County, California, from a couple of years ago. I couldn't find anything more recent though, but it's a really good biographical article that tells about how after being involved with drinking and drugs in high school, he hit rock bottom, where God found him. After that he became a Christian and his life did a complete 180. He's now a part-time Southern Baptist preacher and speaks around the Boise State campus and elsewhere in Idaho and Utah. Here's the article: http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/sports/sports/article_653386.php.

Next, a Christian blog post on the Saved in Sports blog about NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and how he and his wife Patty (both Christians) turned the heartache after their son Adam's death in a race practice at age 19 seven years ago into good by starting Victory Junction Gang Camp for terminally/severely ill children. Today Petty races from God and his son Adam. Here's the blog post: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/kyle-petty-racing-for-the-son/. Here's an article from the blog with more about the Petty's: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/302700/nascar_star_kyle_petty_races_for_his.html.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, and how his defense has improved since the Braves caught a depth-perception problem that he had before last season. Also helping his defense has been increased playing time the last couple of months this season. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/22/bravesnot_0923.html.

Also, an article about Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife Kim. Kim Hudson is a licensed attorney who was prepared to be the main breadwinner for the family in case the whole baseball thing fell through. She worked until Tim solidified his place in the Majors and she also plans to go back to working after he retires. Now she spends time as her husbands lawyer and helping to raise money for the two organizations that they are mainly involved with, the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Atlanta and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Here are a couple of quotes from both Kim and Tim Hudson:

In his rookie year, the Hudsons had given little thought to the impact a major-league salary and image could bring to the world beyond their own. Then, on a community outreach caravan with the A's, the couple met a terminally ill girl.

She told them that her final wish was to "go to Disneyland, but that was probably too expensive, so she would probably just go to a Sacramento Kings game," Kim recalls. "She was 9, bald, with railroad staples across her head from brain cancer. She was not complaining. My first instinct was to grab a checkbook and make that Disney trip happen.

"For weeks after that we talked about her and what we wanted to do. God puts things in your path and you either act or you don't. Children are put there to guide us in the direction we should go." ...

"You realize how lucky and blessed you are to have healthy kids," Tim says. "I play a kid's game, and I can use that platform to help kids."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/22/kimhudson_0923.html.

Here's an AWESOME Christian article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and how he's lead a Christian revival with the Lions since he came there as a free agent before last season. The article talks about how their Christian beliefs has helped to bring together a fractured team and how important their beliefs are to their success on the field. The article also mentions other Christians on the team, including wide receiver Mike Furrey, linebacker Boss Bailey, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and kicker Jason Hansen. Here's a quote:

Maybe it's the dozens of coaches and players who pack hotel conference rooms for chapel on Saturday night, or the players and families who cram into a basement for Bible study on Mondays, or the ever-expanding circle of prayer after practice on Wednesdays. And Thursdays. And Fridays.

Or maybe it's Jon Kitna, the starting quarterback, who overcame a concussion last Sunday to lead the Lions to victory and then called his return a miracle, who decorated his locker with drawings of the cross and prints of scripture, who is absolutely convinced that his presence in Detroit is not a happenstance.

But a mission.

From God.

"(Kitna) has a way of touching people," said his coach, Rod Marinelli. "You can feel it all over the field."

A lot of his teammates can, too.

There is a spiritual movement bubbling in Allen Park. The quarterback is the conduit.

"I'm not naive enough to think that my life is about football," Kitna explained this week. "God uses football to shape me. But he also uses it to give me a platform to speak, to proclaim the gospel."

Here's the article: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/SPORTS01/709230629 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, another good Christian article, this one about Titans center Kevin Mawae and how he became a Christian after his older brother was killed in a car accident several years ago: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/SPORTS01/709230414/1027 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5671).

Here's an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, who isn't complaining about not being the starter (yet), even though he's played better than the starter Matt Leinart. Here's a quote from Warner about it:

"I still feel like I can play at a very high level," Warner said. "I think there's a lot of teams out there I could start for. You know your window is only so big — you want to play as much as you can. I've thought about it; I would love to be out there playing. But, right now, this is where it's at.

"I love being a Cardinal. I love working with Matt."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2007-09-23-Cardinals-Warner_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, a couple of articles from an incident during last Sunday's Colts/Texans game when Texans special teams player Cedric Killings injured his neck while tackling during a kickoff. Killings will be okay (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10378013/rss). Here's some quotes from Colts lineman Dwight Freeney and head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, about it:

"The ref was pushing me away," Freeney said. "I wanted to go tell him, 'Hang in there. We're praying for you.' Something like that...." ...

"After the Everett incident I think we're all sensitive to that," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "Everyone is hopeful and prayerful that he's going to be OK."

Here's that article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/SPORTS03/709240373.

Here's a quote from Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, also a Christian, in the second article:

"You don't have the luxury of choosing when to lay up or hit a guy hard," linebacker Gary Brackett said. "Obviously, you want to wish him and his family well and you pray for him and you want to make sure he's all right. But you've still got to play the game."

Here's the second article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=An_qFH3f3KNP23ueinxS1rh.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dangerousgame&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian, and the tackle he made on a punt return during that Colts/Titans game last Sunday: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/SPORTS03/709240369.

Lastly, a good Christian article about Twins outfielder Lew Ford and how his faith has helped him out through all of the ups and downs of his baseball career: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5670.

sports misc.

I got a little behind this week, so I'm trying to get caught up some. First of all, the rest of the story about Texans runningback Ahman Green agreeing to make a down payment on a house for a single parent in return for the #30 jersey from teammate Jason Simmons. Green and Texans owner Bob McNair both paid half of a $50,000 down payment on a house for a single mom in Houston with an autistic son. Green and Simmons delivered the check to the mom at her work. I don't know who was touched more by it, the mom or the football players. Maybe this might start a new trend for uniform number exchanges. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2946702.

Here's an article about Sheila Taormina, a Christian, who has competed in the last three Olympics--the first swimming and the last two in triathlon. Now she's trying to make the 2008 Olympic team in modern pentathlon. Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=ApMojGTas0tlCS723.B9cI9.T4h4?slug=ap-panams-versatileolympian&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about the Family Christian Day that the St. Louis Cardinals held earlier this season. Some of their players that were involved were Braden Looper, So Taguchi, Adam Wainwright, and Albert Pujols. Other Major League teams and many Minor League teams also are involved with this. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5632.

Here's a link to Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth's (a Christian) blog, where he recently added a new post: http://www.marothbaseball.com/blog.asp.

Also, three articles on the recent death of Minor League 1st basecoach Mike Coolbaugh of the Tulsa Drillers (Rockies Double-A). He left behind a wife, two kids, and another kid on the way. Here's the first article: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-coachkilled.

The second article about Coolbaugh tells about his pro baseball playing career that he spent mostly in the Minors and ended last year. He did play in the Majors with the Brewers in 2001 and the Cardinals in 2002. Here's the article: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070722&content_id=278523&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp.

The last article about Coolbaugh tells about the reaction to his death by base coaches around the Majors: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070723&content_id=2104641&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, a Christian, and the fact that he has no plans for retiring any time soon, even at age 77. His goal is to stay ahead of Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno as the all-time leader in college football wins. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10266521.

Next, an article on Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester's (a Christian) triumphant return to the Majors on Monday after undergoing treatment for cancer last fall. He was able to get a win against the Indians. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070723&content_id=2104804&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, an article about the different things that many NASCAR drivers have been involved with in Indianapolis this week to help the community. The race is in Indianapolis this weekend, Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (I'll always still call it the the Brickyard 400 anyways!). The drivers involved were Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, and Tony Stewart. Here's the article (also has a video clip of the TV news segment): http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6845962&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

MLB and College football HOF misc.

First, a happy/sad note about Braves pitcher Peter Moylan and the birth of his second child last Friday. The sad part is that his wife gave birth in their native Australia while Moylan was pitching in Atlanta. He didn't want to risk being away from the team for a few days to go home and possibly have someone else take his job, because it was so hard for him to earn a spot in the Majors in the first place. He has been pitching great this year for the most part though. Here's the note:

A good cry
A sacrifice Australian Peter Moylan has made this season is being away from his wife, Tracey, while she was pregnant with their second child back home. Moylan did at least get to hear his daughter Matisse Ava on the phone Friday, a few minutes after she was born.

Moylan spoke to his wife and could hear his daughter crying in the background.

"It was awesome," Moylan said.

He has a photo of his new daughter on his cell phone.

"It's been pretty tough; obviously I'd much rather be there," Moylan said. "But they'll be over here as quick as they possibly can."

He said it could be September, once the baby is old enough to fly.

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/21/0722bravesnotes.html.

Here's an article about former Florida State football and NBA player Charlie Ward, a Christian, and helping to coach a Christian high school football team this fall: http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007707210332.

Next, an article about the speeches made by Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden, a Christian, and the previously mentioned Charlie Ward when they were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last Saturday. Among others inducted were Steve Emtman of Washington, Chad Hennings of Air Force, Bruce Smith of Virginia Tech, Emmitt Smith of Florida, and Mike Rozier of Nebraska.: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070722/ap_on_sp_co_ne/fbc_hall_enshrinement.

Here's an article about new Texans runningback Ahman Green agreeing to pay a down payment on a house for a single parent in return for getting his number 30 jersey from Jason Simmons: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2875386.

Lastly, a couple of notes about charitable events that the Cubs were involved with last weekend:

Spare: On Sunday night, Kerry Wood will host his fourth annual charity bowling tournament, and the proceeds will benefit Lee's Project 3000, created to raise awareness of a rare eye disease that has affected the first baseman's daughter, Jada.

Lee didn't plan on bowling, but was impressed at the money raised already. Teammates Mark DeRosa and Cliff Floyd couldn't wait to put on their bowling shoes. DeRosa was on a bowling team, and once rolled a 274. Floyd, who has his own black and purple bowling ball, had a 270 as his high game, throwing a spare in the first frame. ...

Good cause: Ryan Dempster, Scott Eyre, Floyd, Koyie Hill, Jacque Jones, Lee, Jason Marquis and Will Ohman hosted a Major League Baseball Players Trust "Buses for Baseball" before Sunday's game. The players welcomed several disadvantaged children, many of whom were attending their first Major League game.

The Buses for Baseball program is administered by the Major League Baseball Players Trust, and provides transportation, tickets and a chance to meet players for underprivileged children. This season, the program will provide more than 1,500 children from the U.S. and Canada the experience.

Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070722&content_id=2102300&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

sports misc.

First, an article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt and his family's recent mission trip to Honduras: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/06/27/0628richt.html.

Here's an interesting story about how baseball trades effect the players involved and their families, and their former teammates/friends. The article uses the recent Cubs/Padres trade where Michael Barrett (a Christian) was traded to the Padres and Rob Bowen was traded to the Cubs as an example: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2054177&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about a fan who actually returned Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas' 500th home run ball, which he hit last Thursday at Minnesota. Personally, I think that it's great and I would do the same thing if I caught a significant home run ball too. I would just want to meet the player and get his autograph too. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2054521&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor.

Here's an article about the charity putt-putt fundraiser that Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek (a Christian) held on Thursday. Several Red Sox (Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, Mike Lowell, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Timlin [a Christian], Javy Lopez, Eric Hinske, Alex Cora, and Doug Mirabelli) and current/former NHL players (Raymond Bourque, Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, and former players Scott Young and Bob Sweeney) also took part. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2055246&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos&partnered=rss_bos.

Also, an article about a celebrity flag football game that Colts defensive lineman Gary Brackett (a Christian) is hosting as a fundraiser for his IMPACT Foundation (http://garybrackett.org/): http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070630/SPORTS/706300444/1247/SPORTS.

Here's a press release about NC State women's head basketball coach Kay Yow (a Christian) being named the first recipient of the new Jimmy V ESPY for Perseverance for her battle with cancer: http://espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_06_jun/20070628_JimmyVESPYforPerseverance.htm.

Here's some more Christian athletes' websites that I've found:

Lorena Ochoa, LPGA golfer: http://www.lorenaochoa.com/
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers runningback: http://www.ladainiantomlinson.com/
Kyle Korver, 76ers forward: http://www.kylekorver.com/
Samkon Gado, Texans runningback: http://samkongado.com/

Lastly, Colts head coach Tony Dungy's book Quite Strength is coming out July 10th. I can't wait to get it and read it!

NFL and MLB

Just a few articles today. The first is about former Texans quarterback David Carr signing with the Panthers: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_panthers_carr_1.

Next, a good article about MLB umpires Bob Davidson and Sam Holbrook visiting kids at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore as part of the umpires' Big League BLUE Reach organization. It just goes to prove that umpires/referees are human too! Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070413&content_id=1896379&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article about a couple of Red Sox wives, Shonda Schilling (wife of Curt Schilling) and Dawn Timlin (wife of Mike Timlin), once again running in the Boston Marathon to raise money for charities: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070414&content_id=1898539&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, a couple of Christian athletes websites that I found. The first is a MySpace website for C.J. Nitkowski, who is pitching in Japan this season: http://www.myspace.com/cjnitkowski.

The other is for LPGA golfer Tracy Hanson: http://www.tracyhanson.com/. I have/will add these two sites to my links.

new past articles

Hi. Here's a few new past articles that I found on a couple of websites that I happened into, BP Sports and Sharing the Victory Magazine (see Christian Sports links for websites). They are all from last fall or before. The first article is from last NFL season and is about Tony Richardson, who was then on the Chiefs, but went to the Vikings this season. Here's the article about his community involvement: http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=4891.

Here's an article on leadership with the Braves John Smoltz, The Royals Mike Sweeney, and recently retired Angels Tim Salmon: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5498.

Next is an article about then Cardinal, now Brewer, Jeff Suppan, Mike Sweeney, and Arizona Cardinal Kurt Warner doing a commercial against embryonic stem cell research in a political ad: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5504.

Here's an article about Iowa men's basketball coach Steve Alford: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=C30CD2BA-5435-42C3-AF089AE9DEEC402C&method=display.

Lastly, an article about former Packer, now Texan, Samkon Gado: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=7F2E6B42-7F5A-42D0-9BB955E62CF89249&method=display.