MLB, football, and basketball

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post 2: football, MLB, NBA, and music

Hi. Here's the second batch of articles that I have to post today.

First, a note about Christians that made the NFL Pro Bowl this year from Sports Spectrum's The Daily. The game will be in February in Hawaii:

PRO BOWL BROTHERS: Among those players named to the NFL Pro Bowl teams, there is always a strong representation from players who are willing to profess their faith in Jesus Christ publicly. Here are some of the Christians who will be playing football in Hawaii in February. AFC: Jeff Saturday, C, Indianapolis; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego; Troy Polamalu, SS, Pittsburgh. NFC: Jason Witten, TE, Dallas; Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle; Tony Richardson, FB, Minnesota; Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay; Tommie Harris, IL, Chicago; Patrick Willis, IL, San Francisco.

Here's the webpage: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/daily/archives/071219.php (more on Witten later in this post).

Along with that, here's a funny note about what Saturday's little boy had to say about him making the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year:

Reaction to the NFL's Tuesday announcement that five Indianapolis Colts will play in the 2008 Pro Bowl game Feb. 10 dominated locker room discussion Wednesday at the team's Westside complex.

That was a change for center Jeff Saturday, whose selection for the third consecutive season didn't exactly wow his 7-year-old son at home.

"Jeffrey said, 'What?' I said, 'I made the Pro Bowl,' " Saturday recounted.

"He's like, 'All right, let's go sledding.' "

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/SPORTS03/712200437/1058/SPORTS03.

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, wanting a chance to start next year, after doing pretty well starting most of this year: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=320494.

Here's an article about the great coaching job that Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, has done this season considering all of the injuries to the team. Also mentioned is Colts assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, also a Christian. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=smith_michael&id=3161166.

Also, another article about former MLB pitcher turned Christian singer Kent Bottenfield. He's released two albums so far, the latest one in September called Back in the Game. Here's his website for more: http://www.kbott.com/site.php?content=home. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071220&content_id=2334325&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about new Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis playing Santa for boys at a children's home for foster boys near Detroit earlier this week: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071220&content_id=2335092&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about how Suns forward Grant Hill, a Christian, is enjoying playing more this year because he's finally injury-free after several injury-filled seasons: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlpRqDEA6qFAU87ZC2KfIkI5nYcB?slug=jy-hill121907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.

Here's the other article about Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a Christian. It's about the foundation that he and his wife started, The Jason Witten S.C.O.R.E. Foundation, which supports women and children who are victims of domestic abuse after his mother was a victim herself. Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-12-19-insider_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, an article about the Camouflage Kids attending the IU/Coppin State game at IU this afternoon. The Camouflage Kids are families who have a parent serving in the military. Families have also attended games at Butler, Valparaiso, Purdue, Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, Michigan State, Air Force, Auburn, Duke, North Carolina and Notre Dame this year. Here's the article: http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122007aab.html.

Here's an article about Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney bringing presents to needy kids (includes video of the news segment): http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7518003&Call=Email&Format=HTML.

Lastly, a great article about LSU defensive end Anthony Zehyoue (pronounced "Zay-yew"), who, with help from a priest, escaped civil war in Liberia along with his mom and siblings to join his dad in Louisiana when he was five. Here's a quote from him about that:

"How did we get out of that?" he said. "Why did God choose us?"

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10540623/3.

football, MLB, etc.

Hi. I'm going to split the articles that I have into two posts and I'll post the second part either later today or tomorrow. Here's the first post.

First, an article about Georgia special teams player Chris Gaunder and about how he's gone from walk-on to special teams player to medical school next year. Here's a quote from him:

This past August, he was rewarded with an athletic scholarship. On Saturday, Gaunder will become the first member of his family to graduate from college.

"We're definitely a family that's hardworking, a family that instills its values in hard work and dedication," said Gaunder, whose mother drives a school bus and whose father is an automobile shop foreman. "I think aptitude is there in a lot of people, but I've been very blessed to be in a family that believes in taking advantage of opportunities presented to you. I've been blessed with some wonderful opportunities."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/12/14/bowlgagrad_1215.html.

Here's an article about Diamondbacks 1st baseman Tony Clark, a Christian, who will be playing for a different team next year after a series of trades were made. Here's a quote from him about playing in Arizona:

A Glendale, Ariz., resident, Clark had long wanted to play for the D-backs and finally got his opportunity in 2005 when he was signed as a free agent by former GM Joe Garagiola Jr.

"It was an absolute blessing," Clark said. "I never envisioned an opportunity to play for my hometown team, so when Garagiola Jr. had called, it was literally the answer to my prayer and my hope to be at home. To think I had the privilege of playing for three years and not just one, I count myself as being very thankful."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071215&content_id=2327234&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy (a Chrsitian) and Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin before their teams played last Sunday. The two have known each other for several years because Dungy and Kiffin's dad Monte (Buccaneers defensive coordinator) coached together with both the Vikings and Buccaneers. Here's a quote from Lane Kiffin about Dungy:

Kiffin, now 32, vividly recalls a particular meeting with Dungy. It happened when Kiffin was a freshman at Fresno State, where he played quarterback.

"He brought me in and sat me down and talked to me about going to college and making the right decisions and all the trouble that could come with college," Kiffin recalled. "It was a pretty neat deal. I've never met a stronger person in his belief, faith and coaching, and in who he is, than Tony Dungy. I've never met anyone close to him."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/SPORTS03/712160417.

Now for some of the news about MLB's Mitchell Report about drug use in baseball. I am of course disappointed with the players included on the list, including some Christians, but I have much more respect for the handful of players who have admitted drug use and apologized than those who have either kept silent or denied it. A couple of the players who admitted their use of drugs are Christians: Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte and Orioles 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. They both admitted using drugs only once or twice, and then stopping because they felt it wasn't right. I have to say that, although they were wrong and that it was good that the truth about their drug use came out, I don't hold it against them too much. It's forgive them than the others who were heavier users and have not admitted using them. Here's some articles and notes about the report and those involved. First, an article about Pettitte and including his statement about his use: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-pettitte-hghadmission&prov=ap&type=lgns. Here's another article about Pettitte and about how reactions to each player mentioned in the report should be individually and not condemning the group as a whole: http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3157202.

Also, an article about Brian Roberts statement about drug use: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2329198&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The last article on the Mitchell Report is about how teams and fans are more likely to give second chances to those that admit their mistakes than those that don't: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2331424&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article on Astros 1st baseman Lance Berkman, a Christian, about how he became a switch-hitter. It also mentions that he likes to watch other switch-hitters, including a couple of fellow Christians: Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran and Braves 1st baseman Mark Teixeira. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071218&content_id=2329274&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article on the Appalachian State football team winning its third straight Division 1-AA national championship. Their head coach Jerry Moore is a strong Christian. Also, safety Corey Lynch is marrying Cissie Graham, the daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of Billy Graham, later this month. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5727.

Also, an article about athletic teams at Union University came together to buy Christmas presents for kids from a child abuse center: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5728.

Here's an article about Cincinnati head football coach Brian Kelly, a Christian, signing a new contract to stay with his team: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3159041.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, winning the AP Player of the Year Award, to go along with his Heisman Trophy: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10535759/rss.

Here's an article about Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, a Christian, saying that he would like to coach the Redskins next year and beyond: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10534554/rss.

Also, an article about Tom Osborne, a Christian, becoming the permanent athletic director at Nebraska, instead of the interim one: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071219/ap_on_sp_co_ne/nebraska_osborne_1.

Lastly for now, an article about Colts tight ends Ben Utecht (a Christian) and Bryan Fletcher honoring a middle-school for their volunteer work last fall: http://cache.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=64b8cc96-1511-4bee-9305-202d9dbfd572.

MLB, NFL, and basektball

First of all, a couple of articles about Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, and his MVP-like season. The first article is about his teammates campaigning for him for the MVP Award: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213555&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

The other article about Holliday is about him winning the NL Player of the Week Award for the week ending September 16th: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213899&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a good Christian article about Christian athletes and coaches to look up to with all of the trouble that some athletes, coaches, and others in sports have been getting into lately. The Christians included in the article are Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook, Magic center Dwight Howard, North Carolina women's basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell, Colts head coach Tony Dungy, and PGA golfer Zach Johnson. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5665.

Here's a couple of articles about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and his miraculous return from a concussion during the Lions/Vikings game last Sunday. He suffered a concussion during the 2nd quarter of the game and returned in the 4th quarter to lead the Lions to an overtime victory. All of his concussion symptoms had disappeared and he checked out with the doctors and convinced them and the coaches that he was fine to return. Here's a quote from Kitna about it:

"It was a miracle," Kitna said Monday. ...

"I've never felt anything like that, and for it to clear up and go right back to as normal as I can be, is nothing short of a miracle," Kitna said. "I just definitely feel the hand of God. That's all it was. You can't explain it.

"I have no headaches, no symptoms, no lingering effects. But that was the worst my head has ever felt, and the worse my memory was in the second quarter. Yet, after halftime there was nothing."

Here's that article, including a video of the post-game press conference: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3024381 (originally found at: http://www.timellsworth.com/).

The other article about Kitna is about what he did to bring the Lions back after his return from the concussion and how he inspired both his teammates and the fans: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/SPT02/709170357/1066/.

Also, an interesting note about Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis, who is Jewish, starting the Cubs game this afternoon with Yom Kippur starting at sundown today. He was happy that it was an afternoon game and that he would be done pitching by sundown. But what I thought was interesting was what he had to say about religion, family, and baseball:

"I look at it that religion is an important part of my life, but so is family and baseball," Marquis said. "To me, family takes precedent over all aspects of my life. Baseball and religion fall into place, and I try not to make one more important than the other."

Now, I know that this is the opinion of only one Jewish person, but what he said is completely counter to the order that most Christians put their faith, family, and sports in. Most Christians would say God, family, and then sports. I just thought that his quote was very interesting. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213853&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's a happy article about Braves pitcher Peter Moylan being reunited with his wife and daughters for the first time since he left his home in Australia for spring training last spring. His wife gave birth to their second daughter in July, but Moylan decided to stay with the team because of all of the time it would take to get home to Australia and back. So last Monday night he got to meet his daughter for the first time. He also got to see his 6-year-old daughter too. Just a side note: Could you imagine travelling by yourself from Australia to Atlanta with a 6-year-old and 2-month-old?! Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=2213915&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about the "Further Adventures of Tyler Zeller". Zeller, a Christian, is a 7'0" senior basketball player at Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, and the younger brother of Notre Dame basketball player Luke Zeller, also a Christian. He's one of the best high school basketball players in the country this year and is being recruited by his top four schools IU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Purdue. Here's an article about his official visit to North Carolina last weekend on his first official visit of the four schools. UNC conveniently had fellow Hoosier natives and former UNC players Sean May and Eric Montross there to meet him, among other current and former players. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/SPORTS0203/709180376/1057/SPORTS02.

Lastly, a Q & A article with former Knicks forward Allan Houston, a Christian. Houston is trying to make a comeback to the NBA after being retired the last two years. Here's a quote from him about his playing days with the Knicks:

Question: The Knicks had a long and storied history before you got there. Now you hold some of the team records and are mentioned in the same breath as Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and other greats. What is that like?

Houston: I get chills when I think about what that means. I really do. When people come up and say that to me, that they mention me in the same sentence with those guys and the history of the Knicks, it just means a lot. All I ever wanted to do was just get better every year I played. I had no goals in terms of going down in history. Every year I played I just wanted to continue to get better. To know that you are even part of history like that, I don't take it for granted. I look at it as a special, special thing and I thank God for it. It was a blessing to be a part of it every single day. I look at who I got to play with, and even lasting in New York that long was a miracle! (laughs)

Here's the article: http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/houston_070918_interview.html?rss=true.

Peavy, Colts, Alexander, and Easley

First of all, I missed the article for Padres pitcher Jake Peavy in the list of articles of Christian players nominated for MLB's Roberto Clemente Award for community service, so I'll include it now. Here's a quote from him about why he gives back:

"We're so blessed financially that I feel great to help out," Peavy said. "It's something I'm fortunate enough to do for my charity work in San Diego and Alabama. Anything I can do to help, I'm going to continue to do."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183325&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd.

Here's an article about the St. Vincent Children's Hospital in Indianapolis being renamed the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent after Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his wife Ashley donated an unspecified amount of money to the hospital. The hospital approached the Mannings about the name change. The hospital is one of two children's hospitals in Indianapolis, the other being Rily Hospital for Children. Here's the article, which also includes a video too: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/BUSINESS/709060539/1003/RSS03.

Next, a good article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy and about how others see him and his Christian faith: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060541/1247/SPORTS.

Here's a great article about how Dungy reached out to a little boy in a wheelchair at one of his book signings over the summer: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060543&theme=.

Also, an article about when some of the Colts were kids and they met college football or NFL players and how much that meant to them. It just goes to show how much influence an adult can have on children, no matter what their job. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060434/1058/SPORTS03.

Here's a quote from a Q & A article with Colts offensive tackle Tony Ugoh:

Don't want to get you fined by your teammates for saying nice things about them, but you seem like you fit right in with the personalities of this [offensive] line. "Yeah, definitely. I'm blessed to be on this team because we do have a great group of guys, not only great players, but personality-wise, they're all very good. They've been a tremendous help to me."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/SPORTS03/709060444/1058/SPORTS03.

Next, a good Christian article about the David Barham and his family, who helped raise former Oklahoma and current Vikings linebacker Rufus Alexander: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5661.

Lastly, an article about Mets utility player Damion Easley, a Christian, and his lost opportunity to finally play in the playoffs this year. He's second on the list of current players with most games played without reaching the playoffs, and the Mets are in line to make the playoffs this year. However, Easley tore ligaments in his ankle a few weeks ago and will likely be unable to play in the playoffs at all. Here's the article: http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10336575.

MLB and NFL

First, a Christian article about Marlins pitcher Taylor Tankersley and remembering a friend: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5557.

Next, a Christian article about Indians pitcher Paul Byrd and the Bible: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5558.

Here's an article about the players' council formed by the NFL to discuss player off-field behavior, among other things. I don't think that it is coincidental that the group includes at least three Christians: the Eagles Troy Vincent, Colts Jeff Saturday, and Vikings Tony Richardson. Here's the article: http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3016688.

Also, an article about the Colts trip to the White House on April 23rd, two weeks from today: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/SPORTS03/704060448/1004/RSS02.

Lastly, an incredible picture of the Mariners Jose Lopez playing in the snow at Jacobs Field in Cleveland yesterday (Sunday). The entire Mariners/Indians weekend series was postponed because of snow in Cleveland. I'm just glad that I don't live in Cleveland! To see more pictures of the Mariners playing in the snow, click on the double arrow buttons above the picture: http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070408/483/f827eb7b6b5c45a9a0844f3ea30940eb&g=events/sp/040907baseballsnow;_ylt=AsJGdlE0Y0v2ktDuN6D8ql0_z7QF.

Colts and etc.

First, a picture of the Colts in the lockerroom after they had won the Super Bowl last Sunday.

Hi. First, an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy speaking at the Super Bowl Breakfast: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5540.

Here's an article about the Braves Jeff Francoeur reflecting back on his off-season and looking forward to the upcoming season at the Braves Winter FanFest. Here's a couple of quotes:

"In this sport, it's really easy to get away from the real world," Francoeur said. "But I think you have to always come back to your roots and where you're from. To stay humble, I think you just have to remind yourself that you're just a regular person like everybody else."...

All of this success has Francoeur waiting anxiously for the start of Spring Training. Braves pitchers and catchers will report to camp on Feb. 15 and the first full-squad workout will be on Feb. 21.

"I can't wait," Francoeur said. "First and foremost, I feel the best I've ever felt spiritually. Mentally and physically, I'm in the best shape of my life."

Francoeur's maturation as a man has been a product of him getting engaged and moving into his own house over the course of the past six months. The added responsibilities combined with a renewed religious faith have him truly feeling like an adult.

"I've really become more of a man and matured a little more," Francoeur said. "So I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens."

Here's the article: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070203&content_id=1793691&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Next, an article about the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration last Friday night. Some of the NFL players there were Rams tight end Roland Williams, Saints lineman Willie Whitehead, Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris, and Ravens fullback Ovie Mughelli. Also there was former quarterback Randall Cunningham, who is now a pastor in Las Vegas, Tony Dungy, and Sara White, the widow of Reggie White. The White family has recently published a book and video about Reggie and the family. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5541.

Here's an article about Colts quarterback coach Jim Caldwell, NFL executive Gil Brandt, and Bears assistant coach Gill Byrd: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5542.

Also, an article about some of the media's take on Colts owner Jim Irsay and Dungy expressing their belief in God following the Colts winning the AFC Championship. The article includes Jim Nantz, who broadcasted both the AFC Championship game and the Super Bowl for CBS, Sterling Sharpe, who was a CBS commentator for both games, and James Brown, who was the CBS pre-game, half-time, and post-game anchor for both games. Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5544.

Here's another article on what the Colts Gary Brackett went through with the deaths of his family members. Here's a quote:

Before each game, Brackett joins the "back 7" defensive players for a time of prayer. Then he walks over to his locker and talks to his late parents and brother.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/columns/story?columnist=mosley_matt&id=2752985.

Next, an article about Tony Dungy and now former Colts assistant coach Leslie Frazier, who just yesterday was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Vikings. Frazier mentions a time a few weeks after Dungy's son committed suicide that he helped a guy who was suicidal after his fiancee broke up with him. Here's a quote from the article:

Frazier has insight into the coach not just as a colleague but as someone who shares the coach's religious beliefs. When Frazier was fired from his previous job, in Cincinnati, he and Dungy prayed together.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070204/SPORTS03/702040357/1100/SPORTS03.

Here's an article about Tony Dungy and Colts president Bill Polian and how they've worked well together even though they are totally opposite personalities. Here's a quote from Dungy about it:

It's been fascinating, watching Polian and Dungy, two polar opposites in terms of personality and approach, work together to form a management team that works.

"I think the Lord put us together for a reason," Dungy said. "It's kind of like a marriage where opposites attract. I think it's been very good.

"(Polian) has been good for me, to give me a little more sense of urgency, and I think I've been good for him to make him a little more patient. I think we balance off each other very well, but it's fun.

"We've had very few, if any, disputes on how we want to go, how we want to progress with the team. I think it's been a good balance."

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070204/COLUMNISTS01/702040409/1100/SPORTS03.

Also, an article about LSU basketball player Glen "Big Baby" Davis and how he's had to deal with his mom being a drug addict and in and out of jail: http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/02/02/0204bigbaby.html.

Here's a good article about Jeff Saturday, being the Colts center, and playing with Peyton Manning. Here's a quote:

Saturday played at North Carolina but wasn't drafted. He signed with Baltimore as a free agent in 1998 but was waived. The Colts signed him in 1999 and he's been their starting center since 2000.

His journey to the Super Bowl was much different than Manning's highly publicized path.

"The journey I've been on has definitely been God's favor," Saturday said. "I don't deserve what I have. It's been an awesome experience. I have so much fun in what I'm doing; I never envisioned it, that's for sure."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/02/03/0204afcafc.html.

Laslty, an article about Peyton Manning giving the team the credit when he was given his Super Bowl MVP trophy at a press conference Monday morning. That's one of the biggest things that I love about the Colts, they're a "TEAM" with a capital "T". Another thing that I liked was that the team couldn't wait to get back to Indianapolis and celebrate with the city. I don't know if any other team would have hurried back from Miami the day after the Super Bowl to ride out on open floats in 10 degree temperatures! Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=4640.

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.