Sunday Post #1: MLB, football, etc.

Hi. I'm back. Sorry that I haven't been able to post all week, but I've just been too busy. Friday night I did go to a Jeremy Camp concert, which was awesome. I strongly recommend seeing a concert of his if you ever have the chance. Now for some articles, etc.

First, an article about Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, a Christian, who came back from having cancer treatments last fall to pitch this season. He started Game 4 of the World Series, winning the decisive game of the Series for the Red Sox. Here's a quote about his comeback from cancer from teammate and fellow Christian pitcher Mike Timlin:

"This is going to sound funny," said Boston reliever Mike Timlin. "But God blessed Jon Lester with cancer just to show a lot of people that you can overcome something that's so hard in your life you think, 'I'm not gonna make it.' He's going to be able to take his faith in God and the strength God gave him and tell a lot of other people a great story."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=3084800 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5698).

Here's a blog post by former Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth, a Christian, about his off-season so far. Here's a quote from him about being released by the Cardinals, being a free agent, and not knowing what the future holds:

... So, we'll see where God takes our family now. That will be the hardest part, waiting. We have been praying for the wisdom and guidance we will need to navigate through free agency and to choose a team that is where God wants us to be. We are anxious to see him work it out and lead us in a new direction. We trust Him to protect us and provide for us just like he has always been faithful to in the past.

Here's the blog post: http://www.marothbaseball.com/2007_10_01_archive.asp.

Next, an article about Cardinals outfielder So Taguchi, a Christian, doing some broadcasting for a Japanese TV station during the World Series: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/6155413ACA8A34248625738000159A16?OpenDocument (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071029&content_id=2286964&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's a good Christian article about Browns runningback Jason Wright and how he has learned about humility: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5692.

Also, a Christian article about the entire football team at Missouri Southern State University attending a revival at a local church and about how it effected the team and the church: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5693.

Here's an interesting Christian article about whether or not God cares who wins athletic events: http://www.mobaptist.org/thepathway/article19744.htm (originally found at: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/does-god-care-who-wins.html).

Next, an article about Athletes in Action (AIA) and its history: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071030/COL05/710300327/1009/EDIT (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=253).

Here's a note about NASCAR driver Jimmy Johnson donating his earnings of $349,000 from his win on October 28th win in Atlanta to the relief effort for the wildfires in the San Diego area. The owner of the race track in Atlanta and his main sponsor Lowe's both matched his contribution. Johnson is from the San Diego area himself. Here's the note: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/jimmie-johnson-donates-349000.html.

Also, a note about Reds coach Johnny Narron, a Christian, not being brought back by the team next season. This is significant because he was also a mentor/confidant for Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, also a Christian, who was playing in his first season back in baseball after coming back from drug abuse and MLB suspension. I just pray that a player or coach on the team will be able to replace at least some of what Narron did for Hamilton last season. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071031&content_id=2289843&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin.

Lastly, a Christian article about former Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, his career, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last summer: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=77283760-A4DF-4114-95377C234FBF4428&method=display.

More later.

football, Rockies, misc.

Hi! First of all, an article about the impact that the Facing the Giants movie has made world-wide, 1 year after it was released. If you haven't seen this movie, I strongly recommend it. It's one of my all-time favorites. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5684.

Here's an article about former Falcons wide receiver Eric Beverly and his wife Danielle, who is fighting breast cancer for the third time. She was miraculously able to have a baby normally after going through cancer treatments twice, but not long before the baby, Lia, was born in June, the lumps returned. Here's a quote from Danielle about it:

"God gave me cancer at a young age so we could make a difference," says Danielle, who is 33, as is her husband. "I beat this the first two times, and I am going to see Lia graduate, get married and have children. I will be a 45-year cancer survivor.... And I am praying that when she's older there is a cure."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/stories/2007/10/17/beverly_1018.html?imw=Y.

Next, another article about Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, a Christian, and how he got to this point in his life: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/mlb/article/0,2777,DRMN_23924_5725799,00.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/97).

Here's a good article about Rockies scout Will George, whose wife Florinda died from breast cancer in May, and how the Rockies now have an angel looking over them: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071017&content_id=2270509&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Also, staying with the Rockies, an article about Rockies pitcher Matt Herges, a Christian, and his strange path to the Rockies, which included spending a good part of this season with their Triple-A Colorado Springs. No other Major League team would give him a chance last spring, but the Rockies offered him a minor-league contract. He earned his way back to the Majors and has been a big part of the Rockies playoff run. Here's the article (includes video): http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071018&content_id=2271038&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a neat article about how MLB donates the T-shirts and hats from the losing teams in each playoff round, and the Wild Card play-in game, to World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization. World Vision then gives the shirts to people around the world who have lost everything from natural disasters or other reasons. The NFL also does this. I think that this is so neat. If people doesn't have anything to wear, they're not going to care what a shirt says. It's something to wear and they're grateful. The shirts and hats would otherwise just be destroyed. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071018&content_id=2271371&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Next, an inspiring article about Hamilton Southeastern High School (Indianapolis) senior football player Nick Sliger, who has overcome learning disabilities to become eligible to play football at IU next year. He was just going to take a certificate of attendance and not get his degree, but then he started getting recruiting letters from different colleges. So he decided to commit to catching up and taking the classes required for him to go to IU, with help. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/SPORTS0202/710190461/1247/SPORTS.

Here's a good Christian article about Danny Lotz, member of the 1957 North Carolina national championship team and husband of Anne Graham Lotz, and Albert Long, a star athlete at North Carolina in the 1950's, and how they started a weekly men's Bible study on the North Carolina campus: http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/741871.html (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Also, another article about Deanna Favre, the wife of Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who has overcome breast cancer. She has become a speaker about breast cancer, overcoming nerves at an initial speaking engagement at Wisconsin-Madison. Here's a quote from her about it:

"I have come a long way from that Madison talk," she says as she sits in a conference room high above the Lambeau Field atrium. "When I was asked to speak the first time, I said, 'Absolutely not.' But it really tugged at my heart. I think God was telling me, 'You have to do this. This is your calling.'

"I was always one of those skeptical people who'd say, 'All these people who say they have these callings from God, or God told them to move here or move there, how do they know?' Well, now I know. And all I'm doing, really, is telling my story. And who knows it better than me?"

Here's the article: http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/index.php?ntid=252149&ntpid=1 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/12).

Here's a Christian note from Wednesday's "The Daily" from Sports Spectrum about Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook:

COOK ON THE MENU: Aaron Cook is just glad to be alive. And now the gets the special bonus of being added to the Colorado roster for the World Series. Cook has been injured since early August, but with his injured side muscle has recovered. So Cook is in and slated to pitch Game 4 for the Rockies. In August 2004, Aaron Cook nearly died. Should have, doctors figured. He was pitching against Cincinnati when he started getting dizzy and nearly blacking out. He was taken from Coors Field to a hospital, where doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs. According to Cook, “The doctors said they didn’t know how I was still alive.” Treatments and two rounds of corrective surgery followed, and Cook returned to the mound in 2005. About this near-tragic medical event, Cook told Sports Spectrum magazine, “It was in God’s hands, and I didn’t have any control over it. Probably the best thing I was told was this: Anything that you don’t have control over is ‘sovereign’—meaning that God has it in control, and we can’t worry about those things. God’s got it in His hands.”

Here's the link: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071024.php.

Next, an article about Titans linebacker Corey Simon, a Christian, announcing his retirement yesterday: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArwcFYeg6G4fxlyiUA6m1Ul.T4h4?slug=ap-titans-simon&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Cardinals pitcher Mike Maroth, a Christian, being released by the team yesterday: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10431696/rss.

Lastly, an article about Colts center Jeff Saturday, a Christian, giving a talk about healthy eating to kids at Orchard Park Elementary School in Indianapolis this week: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071026/LOCAL0101/71026002/-1/LOCAL17 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/14).

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.

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.

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.

MLB, NFL, and other sports misc.

First of all, a funny note about two Christians on the Braves, 1st baseman Mark ("Tex") Teixeira, who was recently traded there from the Rangers, and outfielder Matt Diaz:

He's got your number: Teixeira wore No. 23 with Texas, but had to switch to No. 24 with the Braves because his former number was occupied by outfielder Matt Diaz.

Teixeira said he will stick with 24 for the rest of the season and negotiate with Diaz to get his old number back during the offseason, with one potential exception.

"I'm going to keep 24 this year, and if we win a World Series, I'm not changing -- I'm not changing the number. But depending on what happens this year, maybe we'll talk about it in the offseason."

Diaz's conditions were a little more simple coming off Atlanta's 12-4 win over Houston on Tuesday night, when Teixeira showed up in uniform during the seventh inning.

"Tex," Diaz yelled across the clubhouse Tuesday, "if you give us 12 runs a night, you can have whatever you want."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2123231&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about the Braves unfortunately designating 1st baseman Julio Franco, a Christian, for assignment last Wednesday to make room for the players that they traded for last Tuesday. The Braves do hope that he will accept the minor league assignment and be a player or player/coach until they call him back up when the roster expands in September. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2123087&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Royals outfielder Reggie Sanders, a Christian, tearing his hamstring for the second time this season and facing the possibilty that his season, and possibly career, could be over: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2123702&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb.

Here's an article about Rockies 2nd baseman Jamey Carroll, a Christian, and how his hitting has improved of late after struggling for awhile: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070801&content_id=2123284&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col.

Also, an article about the Twins reaction to the bridge tragedy in Minneapolis on Wednesday. They went ahead and played their game on Wednesday after the bridge collapsed near the Metrodome a half hour before game time. Safety officials thought that it would be better for all of the fans already at the game to stay there for the time being. It was hard for the players to play and even think about baseball that night though. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070802&content_id=2124611&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a Christian article about an Athletes in Action (AIA) high school wrestling team competing in a tournament in Guatemala. The article is about one of the wrestlers, Stephen Doty, and his parents and their experiences in Guatemala with AIA and as missionaries: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=244.

Next, an article about the AIA college baseball team, the AIA Fire, winning the Alaska Baseball League title last Wednesday: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=243.

Here's an article about former Titans/Oilers offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, a Christian, before his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last Saturday. Here's a quote from him about how he and his brother Clay, a defensive lineman, were able to play for as long as they did:

So how did he manage to survive two decades and only have to be helped off the field twice?

"God just allowed me to get drilled in the knees," Matthews says. "As much as I'd like to take credit for it, I can see more and more that God just blessed me and my brother with bodies that could take the pounding."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-08-02-bruce-matthews_N.htm?csp=34.

On the other end of the career spectrum, an article about Colts rookie offensive lineman Tony Ugoh, who is one of the two candidates to replace recently retired left tackle Tarik Glenn, a Christian. Here's a quote from Ugoh about it:

... When I asked him what makes him think he [can] step in immediately and do the job he laughed.

"Praying," he said.

"About what?" I asked.

"Everything and anything," he said.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10278933.

Lastly, an article about two Christians on the Cardinals, 1st baseman Albert Pujols and new pitcher Mike Maroth. Pujols noticed that Maroth was tipping his pitches to the batters, which was causing him to give up a lot of hits and runs. Here's a quote from Pujols about it:

... "I just told him, he's my teammate, and I'm going to help everybody. I know it's not my job, because I could face him on a different team [one day], but he's on my team [now], and I'm going to help him out."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070802&content_id=2125156&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

football and MLB misc.

First, a blog post by former Titans runningback Eddie George on his former Titans teammate Bruce Matthews, a Christian, who is going into the NFL Hall of Fame today. Here's a quote:

More than anything though, I had a great appreciation for him as a man – how he carried himself, being a man of God and a family man.

Here's the blog post: http://www.titansonline.com/blog/blog.php?author=4 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5642).

Here's an article about Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, and how he's okay with the amount of catches he gets. He knows that he's not the star receiver on the team, and that's fine with him because it makes the team better. However, his teammates realize how important he is to the team as a whole. Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=5a4d0c4e-8d6b-4e97-92c0-f77b892e95ba.

Next, an article about Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer's foundation that helps to fund camps to help kids who are grieving after a death in their family. There are eight camps so far, with more in the works. He and his wife have joined up with several other Major Leaguers and their wives to expand the camps. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070731&content_id=2120226&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Willie Harris teaching kids about the life of Jackie Robinson. Harris has a connection with Robinson not just because they are/were both African American, but because they are the only two Major Leaguers who were born in Cairo, Georgia. Granted Robinson moved to California when he was like 1 1/2 years old. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070731&content_id=2120719&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Also, an article that goes under the "What is the world coming to now" category. Iowa State head football coach Gene Chizik tried to hire Baptist pastor Kevin Lykins as the team chaplain. However, 130 members of the school faculty signed a petition against the hire because it gave preference to one religion over another. So then Chizik tried to go around them by hiring Lykins as the teams "life skills coach". But the faculty still complained because there was "not an open search that guaranteed members of every faith an opportunity to apply for the position." They said that it "violated ISU President Gregory Geoffroy's mandate against creating a perception of 'giving preference to one religious faith or viewpoint over any others.'" Give me a break! Since when was it a crime for a team at any level to have a team chaplain or other similar position?! This all seems totally wrong to me. Here's the article: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/uwire/073107aaa.html.

Here's the webpage about Faith Day in Cincinnati August 12th (it includes a link to a video invitation with Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton and his wife): http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/ticketing/faith_day.jsp.

Lastly, Yankees 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez in his post-game interview after hitting his 500th homer said this: "The Good Lord will lead my path." You can watch the video of the press conference here: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/237/popup/index.php?cl=3578892.