Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day

Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day (column from Arlington, Texas): Why I love root, root, rooting for the home team. ARLINGTON, Texas — My three favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. Christmas. Opening Day. I was blessed to join my 16-year-old son, Keaton, and 49,029 fellow baseball fans at my beloved Texas Rangers’ season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday afternoon. I originally planned to watch the game … Continue reading Embracing family, friends and faith on Opening Day

From bat boy to major-league executive

From bat boy to major-league executive (reporting from Arlington, Texas): San Diego Padres’ vice president and assistant general manager Chad MacDonald devoted to his faith. ARLINGTON, Texas — On his frequent trips to the San Diego Padres’ international baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, Chad MacDonald usually takes along an extra suitcase. It’s not because MacDonald, the Padres’ vice president and assistant general manager of player personnel, has … Continue reading From bat boy to major-league executive

Oh, Brothers! For Rockies pitcher with 0.28 ERA, there’s a higher calling

Oh, Brothers! For Rockies pitcher with 0.28 ERA, there’s a higher calling (reporting from Los Angeles). Page 1. LOS ANGELES – Rex Brothers portrays himself as “just a normal dude.” Except that he’s standing in the visitors’ clubhouse at Dodger Stadium as he makes this claim — a few hours before pitching yet another scoreless inning for the Colorado Rockies. “People look at me as an … Continue reading Oh, Brothers! For Rockies pitcher with 0.28 ERA, there’s a higher calling

‘This is what the Lord made me for’

‘This is what the Lord made me for,’ says national motocross champion Trey Canard (reporting from Shawnee, Okla.). Currents. SHAWNEE, Okla. – Out of his racing uniform, Trey Canard seems an unassuming presence, especially for someone known for performing high-speed, bone-jarring exploits in front of 30,000 to 60,000 fans. However, the toughness and quiet confidence of the 5-foot-6, 150-pound Canard shine through as he reflects on … Continue reading ‘This is what the Lord made me for’

The Rookie, Part 2: Jim Morris’ life takes more extraordinary turns

THE ROOKIE, PART 2: After the movie about his life, Jim Morris’ journey takes more extraordinary turns (reporting from Abilene, Texas). Page 1. First Place, Interview, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ABILENE, Texas — Go play catch with Jim Morris. The Jim Morris, that is. The one whose real-life story Dennis Quaid portrayed in the 2002 Disney feature film “The Rookie.” … Continue reading The Rookie, Part 2: Jim Morris’ life takes more extraordinary turns

No football feud: Harrells and McCoys on friendly terms

No football feud: Harrells and McCoys on friendly terms. Inside Story. CASCADE: THE FINAL YEAR – Closing strikes blow to Pacific Northwest. Page 1 lead. New England churches struggle to fill pulpits (reporting from Manchester, N.H.). Page 1. Phil Sanders to join ‘Search’ TV ministry (reporting from Edmond, Okla.). Page 5. In time of war, caring for the families at home (reporting from Spokane, Wash.). … Continue reading No football feud: Harrells and McCoys on friendly terms

In fight over proposed Cowboys stadium, some ask: Where’s Jerry?

October 31, 2004, Sunday, BC cycle In fight over proposed Cowboys stadium, some ask: Where’s Jerry? BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: State and Regional; Sports News LENGTH: 916 words DATELINE: ARLINGTON, Texas Where’s Jerry? In a $5 million-plus blitz to persuade Arlington voters to approve a new Dallas Cowboys stadium in a referendum Tuesday, supporters have touted the benefits of luring … Continue reading In fight over proposed Cowboys stadium, some ask: Where’s Jerry?

Major leagues’ only full-time chaplain a confidant for Astros

The Associated Press September 30, 2004, Thursday, BC cycle Major leagues’ only full-time chaplain a confidant for Astros BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., AP Religion Writer SECTION: Sports News LENGTH: 750 words DATELINE: HOUSTON When Houston Astros starting pitcher Pete Munro arrived at the ballpark on a recent Saturday, a white-haired man with an easy smile greeted him and slipped him a handwritten message. A … Continue reading Major leagues’ only full-time chaplain a confidant for Astros