Former big leaguer Sanderson now models Christ as player agent

Source: BPSports

You�d think a longtime major league pitcher � especially one who made millions of dollars as a 19-year veteran, former All-Star and member of multiple playoff teams � would kick back and relax for awhile after retiring. Maybe travel to exotic locations or buy a mansion and sip daiquiris by the pool.

Not Scott Sanderson.

�I took three weeks off after my last game and then started representing players,� he said. �I knew later in my career that this is what I wanted to do.�

Corey Lynch thanks Jesus after being selected in NFL draft

Source: BPSports

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Appalachian State free safety Corey Lynch in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

Lynch’s wife Cissie is the daughter of Franklin Graham and the granddaughter of Billy Graham.

“I’m going to bring a lot of dedication. I’m going to bring character. Those are always tops on my list, and definitely some game-changing plays,” Lynch said about his selection by the Bengals.

“I just thank Jesus Christ for everything he’s done for me so far. He’s led me to Appalachian through a great career, and I believe he’s led me to the Bengals for another great career. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Faith, father help guide Felix to success on the track

Source: Sports Illustrated

It is early morning at the large cafeteria hall of the Sunrise Ministry in Auburn, Calif., and Professor Paul Felix is giving an Olympic performance in the face of poor conditions. The volume on his body microphone is jumping from faint resonance to raised screeching to silence, and the veteran pastor isn’t fond of his handheld mic. “Can we fix this?” he asks. “I like to talk with my hands.”

At the front table, the soft-spoken daughter who otherwise tried to emulate the man with the booming voice, smiles at the irony. After all, Allyson Felix usually lets her feet do most of the talking.

In four months, the sprinter may be the female track star of the Beijing Olympics, running three distances — including two relays — with a chance to win three gold medals. But on this morning, she is the youthful, beaming, 22-year-old Sunday-school teacher who has just introduced her dad at the church’s annual father-daughter breakfast.

“My family has always been there to make sure I understood what we were learning in church,” she tells people. “My running is a gift from God; My success is not of myself. I know that my actions on and off the track should be a reflection of God, because people watch what you do and what you say. My father taught me that.”

Jones maturing in faith in twilight of career

Source: BPSports

Todd Jones vividly remembers his worst outing ever.

It was June 1, 2007, and the Detroit Tigers were at Cleveland. The Indians were threatening to close a 9-5 deficit in the eighth inning, so Detroit manager Jim Leyland brought in Jones, the team�s veteran closer, to nail the game shut. Two runs scored before Jones retired the side, but the Tigers spotted him two more runs in the top of the ninth.

It wasn�t enough. Jones imploded in the bottom of the ninth, surrendering a three-run homer to Victor Martinez and two more runs to absorb a bitter 12-11 loss.

�That was nice,� Jones recalled, sarcastically. �There�s usually one game a year where a fan leans over and says, �Mr. Jones, are sure you�re right-handed?��

Final Four: Faith touches the hardwood

Source: Baptist Press

NCAA college basketball is closing one of its most suspenseful seasons in scenic San Antonio with a Final Four of college basketball royalty: North Carolina, UCLA, Kansas and Memphis.

Saturday’s two semifinal games will match UCLA against Memphis and Kansas against North Carolina. The two winners play Monday night for the 2008 NCAA Championship.

Among the crowds in San Antonio will be a sizable representation of coaches and players who, on the basketball court and beyond, see Jesus Christ as life’s ultimate champion.