athletes involved with Teammates4Kids

[fuzzwuzz]

Saw this and thought, why not try and make a list?

Mike Banks upbeat as AZ Cards begin training camp

While it has been a hot summer packed with Cardinal football, Mike tells of other team activities he's been involved with, including a park renovation project for the benefit of kids. He was also among team members who traveled to Las Vegas where he met Garth Brooks and has pledged to become active in Brooks' foundation that benefits kids of all needs around the world.

"Someday, I'd like to form my own foundation to help kids," he told.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12515100&BRD=1842&PAG=461&dept_id=335645&rfi=6

[fuzzwuzz]

I don't know if this athlete is involved in Teammates but he sure seems to respect Garth.

Curt Schilling
Our guy stops by the Red Sox's dugout to get some hard answers from Boston's hard-throwing right-hander



Money is probably one of the most overrated things in the history of mankind.

A guy like Garth Brooks, who has really committed his life to doing things for other people. Scott Rolen. People you walk away from feeling good about human beings in general.

If I were commissioner I'd abolish the DH. I'd rather not face the DH.

I'm passionate about the game. I'm passionate about what I do.


http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cs-0408150039aug15,1,4421882.story?coll=cs-baseball-print

[Paula]

I don't know if this athlete is involved in Teammates but he sure seems to respect Garth.

Curt Schilling
Our guy stops by the Red Sox's dugout to get some hard answers from Boston's hard-throwing right-handerYes, he is a Touch'Em All Player. The Teammates for Kids (www.teammates4kids.com) website actually lists the players who are involved in each division, although the lists may not be totally up to date.

Paula

[fuzzwuzz]

By Bill Center
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
September 9, 2004






DAN TREVAN / Union-Tribune
Padres pitcher Andy Ashby was all smiles after closing out victory in his first appearance since elbow reconstructive surgery nearly 11 months ago.

As the fans rose to their feet in anticipation of what was about to happen, Andy Ashby grew concerned that it might not happen.
"When I tried to get the bullpen gate open, my hand was shaking so bad that I couldn't get a hold on the latch," Ashby said.

"Here are all these people giving me one of the best feelings I've ever had and I can't get out of the bullpen. I'm just telling the gate, 'please open.' "

It did, and as Ashby began to walk across the outfield grass at Petco Park teammates as well as the crowd recognized what was going on.

Less than 11 months after undergoing "Tommy John" elbow reconstruction surgery, the 37-year-old right-hander pitched a perfect inning of relief yesterday to close out the Padres' 10-5 victory over St. Louis.

It was the first time Ashby had pitched since Aug. 23, 2003, and his first time as a Padre since 1999.

As Ashby started his warmup tosses, Garth Brooks' "Standing Outside the Fire" played on Petco Park's sound system. Ashby heard the song and the fans.

"I was a nervous wreck," said Ashby, who won 17 games for the Padres' 1998 National League championship team and ranks fourth on the club's career lists for wins (70) and winning percentage (.530), third in strikeouts (828) and fifth in innings pitched (1,211) and starts (185).

"The way the fans reacted, it was incredible. You can anticipate and anticipate, but once you're back in there . . . wow. It was amazing the way these fans sort of knew."

Knew what Ashby had been through. Knew what he was going through.

"The fans here are as special as they are anywhere," Ashby said recently. "I hear about how great fans are in Boston and Chicago and a lot of places compared to here. But in San Diego, you become like a member of their family. They pull for you on a personal level."

Ashby had felt that since he signed a minor league contract with the Padres last March. The contract gave Ashby access to the Padres' rehab facilities. And it gave the Padres a chance to evaluate the pitcher's recovery with an eye on 2005. The Padres never expected Ashby to pitch this season. But once he began throwing, he circled September on his calendar.

"It's crazy, but it was like everyone in this city was right there with me – teammates, fans, training staff. There's so many people to thank."

But his rehab has also meant isolation. Players on the major league disabled list can watch games from the dugout, but Ashby was on the minor league roster, so during games he was exiled to the clubhouse, where he'd ride an exercise bike or watch television. "Groundhog Day" through 138 games.

"Ash was going batty being trapped inside here every game," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He was champing at the bit.

"He worked his tail off and couldn't even step on the field. It was great to see him get that ovation."

The applause for Ashby grew with almost every pitch, hitting a peak when Ashby struck out the first hitter he faced (John Mabry) and a crescendo when he retired the side in order.

As Ashby turned to watch Jay Payton settle under Marlon Anderson's fly ball to center field for the final out, first baseman Phil Nevin wrapped the lanky right-hander in a bear hug and teammates flowed onto the field.

The Padres hadn't reached the playoffs, but Ashby had. "This is where I want to pitch and end my career." he said.

Ashby was activated Sunday, two days after another star of 1998, Sterling Hitchcock, retired from the weight of recurring injuries.

"It was like Hitch passed Andy the baton," Bochy said.

Ashby felt the same way. "I'll be calling Hitch in a few minutes," he said.


http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20040909-9999-1s9padside.html


I checked Ashby out here at PG. He's in with Garth's Teammates!