Gary Carter, Albert Pujols and lots more

Former Montreal Expos and New York Mets catcher Gary Carter said his new job, managing at Palm Beach Atlantic University, is “spiritually uplifting.”

Sir Albert
The St. Louis Cardinals slugger just keeps out-doing himself, and I’m talking about generous acts off of the field. Mike Coolbaugh was Pujols former teammate and a minor league 1^st base coach who got killed on the field. Friends were having a benefit for his family recently and the dinner’s primary sponsor backed out at the last minute. Pujols once again stepped up, and anted up.

Megan Frazee
Check out the former Liberty University standout’s blog. It gives you a nice insight into life for a professional athlete who is playing overseas. She’s in Turkey right now after playing this past season in the WNBA with San Antonio. After living in Turkey for four years, I read her blog and A) miss some things (the food!) and B) realize she is a courageous young woman who is willing to stand up for her faith wherever she is at.

Tim Tebow
Shocking! Tim Tebow has been nominated by Austin Murphy as the Sportsman of the Year for Sports Illustrated.

Case Keenum
Hey Tebow’s Eye Black, Where’s Keenum’s Eye Black? The University of Houston quarter back and Heisman Trophy contender is putting verses under his eyes as well.

Interesting…
It’s always nice when Christians tear into each other, but these Carl Lewis critics do have a point. But why can’t we call each other up and talk vs a press release? Here is Sir Carl’s website. In checking out Mr. McConkey’s website (Lewis’s critic) I believe he’s angry at just about everyone.

Morgan Shepherd
Tony Stewart took a question about Morgan Shepherd this past weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Here’s the Q and A.

Q. Speaking of Nationwide, you are involved in one team somewhat with Morgan Shepherd. He hasn’t been here the last few years to this track. Why are you involved in his program? What is it about him that inspires you?

TONY STEWART: What inspires us is that he’s so dedicated to what he’s doing. He spends every dime he has to come and support NASCAR and support the Nationwide Series. A lot of times, he’s his own crew chief. His own family is part of his crew. He’s learned how to do a lot with very, very little. You know, it was a situation where Kevin and myself saw the effort he was making, wanted to try to help. It grew larger than what I anticipated doing actually.

You know, it’s hard not to fall in love with Morgan, what he’s doing. He’s one of the most positive people I’ve ever been around. I mean, it doesn’t matter how bad your day is, when Morgan comes around, is talking to you, you kind of forget about how bad your day is and you realize that, you know, you’re helping somebody that truly deserves the help. You know, I’d love to see a good sponsor come along that can help him and help support him, help him get the people that he needs. I mean, he’s got the talent; he’s got the desire, drive, the will to do it. He just needs the support right now. If Kevin and I helping him out this year can help generate some excitement, get some people to come onboard and help out, it would be awesome.

Here’s the link if you want to read the rest of the interview from Motorsports.com.

FAMU Rattlers winning and singing!

Coach Joe Taylor, head football coach at Florida A & M University, knew that it would take more than talent to turn his program around. He would have to rebuild his player’s character and FCA would be part of that, according to this NY Times story. Some of the players have even started a Christian singing group of six players.

Yankee pitchers and Sportsman of Year

Yankee pitchers
According to Baptist Press Sports, faith is the key for Andy Pettitte, who has found turning challenges over to God to be vital, and Mariano Rivera turned his entire life over to Christ when he was a teen.

Tony Dungy
Sports Illustrated’s Phil Taylor has a nomination for the magazine’s Sportsman of the Year and makes a great case for Tony Dungy. The Louisville Cardinals would probably vote for him, after the pep talk he gave them. And for those folks over at Tebow’s Eye Black, Dungy says Timmy T will be a Top 5 pick.

Pierce brothers
These baseball fans and supporters were named to the Troy University Baseball Hall of Fame. One of the two is suffering from MS, but is charging it head on. He said his faith is vital to his efforts: “I am who I am,” Terry said. “I’m not a saint but I am a Christian. God has helped me a lot. I feel the power of prayer. When people tell me they’re praying for me, I thank them because I do feel that. (Motivation comes from) people around me and life in general. It’s the passion and motivation within you. I’ve always had a competitive spirit.”

Didn’t know it…
Manute Bol is suffering a lot right now, but I remembered his taxi accident. What I didn’t know is that he’s a devout Christian who refused to convert to Islam.

Glenn Coffee
The former Alabama running back’s FCA Director came and spent some time with him, helping him in his transition to the NFL, and helping him with grocery shopping.

Marathon man, baseball players leading bikers to Christ, Montenegro, Dave Bliss, Tim Tebow and world’s longest headline

Ryan Hall
The stand-out runner, who has been mentioned here a bunch, finished fourth in the New York Marathon, and people are looking at that as a complete flop.

Story of the day
This baseball player led this biker guy to Christ, and this story details the end result. If you really want to have some fun, read the comments at the end. 

Using his gifts
This coach found himself using his gifts overseas as he ministered to athletes in Montenegro. Here’s his website.

Dave Bliss
Former Baylor coach Dave Bliss is back in Texas after leaving in the wake of a scandal that started with a player’s killing and snared Bliss in a web of lies and financial shenanigans (that was the lead from the NY Times story). This story, about the same event, is very good as well, and from the Dallas Morning News. And here’s the Austin American-Statesman story about the same event.  

Football camp
Still digging in the oldies but goodies file, and came across this one about a North Carolina football camp, where they try and teach a little more than football skills.

Tim Tebow
This is an old story about how Tebow has fans from other teams because of his faith. Wow, the Bible can bring Gator, Bulldog and Tide fans together!

Jonny Diaz
I’m just posting this one because it’s the craziest baseball/Christian music story I’ve ever seen. If you want a somewhat straight interview with Diaz that talks baseball, music and women, check this one out!

Lots-a-links…

Ryan Hall
Ryan Hall, a very outspoken Christian, who’s also a pretty decent runner, is ready to go Sunday.

NFL chaplains
Time magazine did this story about NFL chaplains. There is a photo essay attached with pictures of John 3:16 in different scenarios. It was educational; I didn’t know that In-N-Out burger had the verse on the bottom of their cups.

Chris Coste
Took this blurb from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, about one of my favorite baseball players:

     Among those pulling for the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series over the Yankees is Chris Coste. The former Concordia-Moorhead baseball star played catcher for last season’s World Series champion Phillies and this year was optioned to the minor leagues, then claimed by Houston during the season.  Coste, 36, who has a lake home in northern Minnesota, still would get a World Series ring if Philadelphia wins and a nice share of the playoff pool.

Coste doesn’t delve into his faith in his book, but has been known to share it with groups. He’s presently looking for an employer, after being released by the Astros.

Jay Frank
This small college point guard is hoping to close out his career on a high note, but keeps his faith in the center of his life. Here’s about his Athletes in Action trip to Central America.

Sam Bradford
This Baylor columnist doesn’t think much of the University of Oklahoma quarterback’s decision to return to college, and this letter writer says she’s CRAZY! 

Bobby Richardson
Any regular reader of ChristianSportsOnline knows my feelings about the Yankees. However, there are some past greats on that team that are an inspiration. One of them is Bobby Richardson, who is still going strong. 

Albert Pujols
This former prison chaplain holds Albert Pujols up as an example on All Saints Day.

CSO and Tebow…
I’ve been told that CSO is being mentioned at midnight on www.Tebowseyeblack.com! Hope it’s nice.

Pujols sponsors prom, Waino gives $$$s to FCA

Wonderful story from Baptist Press’s Tim Ellsworth on the ‘prom’ sponsored by Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (and logical National League MVP to be announced in the next few days). The prom was for those with Down Syndrome.   This is a blog post from a World Magazine writer who attended the event with him.  Here are photos of the event from the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Waino
Speaking of Cardinals, Adam “Waino” Wainwright received his peers’ vote as National League Pitcher of the Year, also known as the Players’ Choice Award. With the award, came a $20,000 check that he could give to any charity he wanted. He gave half of his check to the Southeast Georgia FCA. Here’s a Sharing the Victory magazine story about him and his faith.

Frazee
Ever wondered what it’s like to live in Turkey? Well, you could come over to my house and I could tell you long stories about my four fun-filled years there, or you could go to Megan Frazee’s blog, which is fun and insightful, and gives you a look behind the curtain of what it’s like to be a professional basketball player in Turkey (much more interesting than my time there 12 years ago).

Morgan Shepherd starts, finishes Memphis

Kudos to Morgan Shepherd who qualified in the 21^st slot for Saturday’s Nationwide Series race and finished 34th. Anyone who’s not familiar with Shepherd, put him in the little search thingy! We’re big fans here and glad to see his season righting itself. This Racin’ Today story gives background on his program, but doesn’t get into his faith. He’s now on Facebook and Twitter. Despite a litany of on-track challenges, his off-track ministry is flourishing.

I am Second
The website, www.IamSecond.com, have posted several new testimonies from college football quarterbacks and rivals Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford, to go alongwith older videos from NASCAR announcer Darrell Waltrip, baseball feel-good story Josh Hamilton, Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten and former NFL coach and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs.

Rick Reilly
The former Sports Illustrated, now ESPN.com writer turns out some real gems. Here’s a couple of my favorites that involve faith in some way, shape or form. This is a GREAT, and revealing, piece on Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. The UT signal caller isn’t shy about sharing his faith but didn’t know him and Tebow weren’t big fans of each other. Thanks that make you go hmmmm… Then, there is this video on John Wooden, who was turning 99-years-old and recalled the last time “he used a profanity.” New Orleans point guard Chris Paul will share his story with Reilly on his intermittent show, Homecoming, in the near future where he’ll probably talk about his new book.

Wow…
Saw golfer John Daly on the sidelines at the Arkansas-Ole Miss game. He has dropped a lot of weight.

Visiting with WNBA’s Megan Frazee

Megan Frazee, one-third of Liberty University’s women’s basketball’s Frazee triplets, just wrapped up her first season in the WNBA and started her first season in a Turkish Women’s Basketball League.

Her rookie season was exactly that. A first season against talent like she’s never seen as she squared off against the world’s  best women basketball  players, and she held her own. Frazee averaged 5.0 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game in 29 appearances as a WNBA rookie. Frazee’s efforts helped the Silver Stars reach the WNBA Playoffs, where they fell 2-1 to Phoenix in the Western Conference semifinals.

After a season like this, you know there is such a bright future for her. She was kind enough to answer a few questions about the past, present and hopes for the future.

What was it like playing this year without having another Frazee to pass to?

It was different not playing with my sisters, but I had done it a few times previously, so I was kind of used to it. My teammates were very welcoming down in San Antonio, which was great. I loved playing with my sisters, but knew that after college we would most likely being taking different paths. My sisters are both nursing majors, so they are finishing up their degrees this fall at Liberty University. I am so proud of them, for working extremely hard!

Describe the WNBA lifestyle.

The WNBA lifestyle is one of being pretty busy when traveling, but it is also laid back as well. I was able to have a lot of down time to myself, which I enjoyed. It was nice being able to read for pleasure rather than having to study or read for school. I think one of the biggest things I enjoyed, was not having to juggle school and basketball at the same time. We are treated as professionals, which we are, so the training is very smart as well. Once again I was blessed to be on a team who had a lot of Christians, so we had a great time with one another!

Other than that, what was the toughest thing about your first season in the WNBA?

I have to say that for me, I’m not sure that there was anything extremely tough. The biggest transition for me was probably being away from family and friends. The Lord saw me through though, and it really wasn’t that bad at all. I started going to a church with one of my teammates, so I had a couple of families who kind of adopted me while I was down in Texas. The Lord sure does watch over his children, and for that I am thankful!

As I understand it, there are several Christian players and coaches on the Silver Stars. Do you mind sharing about that?

There are several players and coaches who are Christians. It was so nice coming from a place like Liberty University to go to a team who is spiritually sound. Whenever we could, we would have team Bible studies which was great! Several of the girls told me that San Antonio was a special place, and it definitely was. The WNBA lifestyle, as a whole, is probably categorized by a lot of people as very secular, but I can say that where I was there was definitely a lot of like minded people.

Now, you’re in Turkey. What are your initial feelings about that?

I was excited to be heading to Turkey. I had the privilege of going to North Africa last year, and really enjoyed the experience, so I was excited to get a taste of another culture. It is so neat to see different parts of God’s creation. I have been praying that the Lord would work through me to be a light for Him, wherever I go.

What have your first 10 days been like?

I have been here in Turkey about a week and a half, (Editor’s note: It took me a bit  to get this updated so she’s been there two weeks now) and love it so far! The people are very welcoming as well as my teammates. The Lord has blessed me once again. I am looking forward to getting to know my teammates better. We travel a lot by bus, so I am also excited to see the countryside of Turkey. It has been an adjustment being away from family and friends (this time on a totally different continent), but the Lord has sustained me. I am reminded of the verse, Philippians 4:19, that says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God truly does supply each and every need that we may have ☺.

What part of your game are you most focused on trying to improve right now?

In the game of basketball, there is always something to work on. I am excited to be able to play some quality time on the court. Playing basketball games is where you can apply what you have practiced, and be able to put it into action! Offensively, I am focusing on continuing to be strong with the ball down low. Defensively, I want to continue to work on my approach to the ball and also work on my one-on-one defense. I learned a lot of things down in San Antonio, that I am hoping to be able to apply here in Turkey!

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, are you feeling led towards any type of ministry?

I would love to be able to do some type of ministry. I just recently met someone from an International School here in Ankara. He told me that if I ever want to help out with their girls basketball, that I could. Who knows what doors the Lord may open, but I am anxious to see what they may be. The field is ripe for harvest, and I would love to be able to help in any way to bring more people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!

If you want more info on Frazee, here is a nearly 10-minute interview Frazee did with Liberty’s Nick Pierce and here’s a December of 2006 story that ESPN did.

Honesty, Colt McCoy, Fields of Faith and even a laugh

I strive to be as honest and forthright as possible on here and in all arenas of my life. So, I must tell you, I seldom cheer for the New York Yankees. If there was a team of baseball players sent up from the pits of hell to play the Yankees, I’d have to take a second to think about who to pull for. Having said that, I really enjoyed Sharing the Victory’s just posted interview with Yankee first baseman Mark Teixeira. However, that doesn’t mean I will pull for them during the playoffs!

Colt McCoy
Baptist Press has a nice story on University of Texas’s quarterback Colt McCoy, and about mission trips to Peru and such, and this whole leading his team towards a national championship thing he’s involved in. This is also a nice story from Everyday Christian sharing some insights on McCoy. It’s also a bit shorter.

Fields of Faith
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes annual Fields of Faith is expected to kick off. The event has grown from three schools in 2004 to more than 100,000 at 382 schools in 35 states in 2008. This school is excited and here is FCA’s website about the event.

Death in the heartland
I read this story on Tuesday and meant to post it but procrastination proved king. It’s Sunday morning so I’ll get it done. This story is heart-wrenching in parts and bring a smile to your face in others. It’s one of those packages (also has a video story with it) that it’s worth taking 25 minutes out of your life to read and watch. It takes a dramatic look at a Michigan lineman, Elliott Mealer, and a tragic Christmas Eve accident that left his father and girlfriend of several years dead. What lands it as a story on ChristianSportsOnline is it tells how his girlfriend led him to Christ. Do yourself a favor, check it out, but make sure you have the time to enjoy it and a box of Kleenexes handy. I even liked University of Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez a little more after reading the story.

Tebow’s Eye Black
There are not many websites I go to every day and Tebow’s Eye Black is one of them. In fact, I guess there are four daily sites: Tebow’s Eye Black, AFBlues.com (warning, they occasionally have some rough language), ESPN.com and MRSec.com. The mysterious folks at www.Tebowseyeblack.com just do an exceptional job day in and day out. It’s often funny and can really make me think at times. They’ve even done things I didn’t like. Sunday, they had an artist rendering of Tim Tebow coming out of the tomb dressed like Christ (allegedly, I wasn’t there). Check it out and read their explanation. Makes sense, I just don’t like it. Something I love about the site is how they highlight different ministries and people. I’m a native of south Louisiana, and I’ve learned about ministries from my local area. So, check out the site – regularly. (This announcement was not brought to you because they did a story about CSO) When Tebow’s Florida career is over and any of the fine folks with Tebow’s Eye Black need somewhere to use their creative energies, CSO has a place for them!

Today’s humor
This is a 1981 report, via Youtube, talking about that wacky internet and the future for online news. Those who read this site regularly will find it hard to believe, but I’ve been writing for more than 20 years, and in watching this video, I was going, yep, used that equipment, had one like that. Now, 20 years later, they’re all in newspaper museums.

CSO featured on Tebow site

I’m very touched. WWW.tebowseyeblack.com saw fit to run a piece on us today. You can find the story here. My biggest concern with the entire piece is that it seems a little too much about me. This whole site is about Him. Sports is a language many of us understand and we’re using it to communicate about him.

Mike  Singletary
The San Francisco 49ers walloped the St. Louis Rams Sunday, 35-0, and the man who is getting a lot of the credit is 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. He is a man known for his faith and priorities.

According to this Guideposts story, the former Chicago Bears linebacker learned to establish priorities during his days as a Super Bowl ring wearing member of the vaunted defense.

Brett  Favre
As I write this, Minnesota and Green Bay is the Monday Night game this week. Brett Favre is trying to prove his manhood against his former team, but he’s wearing pink. Here’s the background on why, also from Guideposts.