Atlanta Braves Will Host 2011-2012 Civil Rights Game

As one of the most favorite sports in United States, baseball has many dedicated fans, some of them even have their own fan page, namely Dana Bashor for example. She has her own website, Dana Bashor Baseball Fan, to show her passion for MLB, especially for her favorite teams, the Angels and the Dodgers.

I personally not a U.S. citizen, and not too much following baseball news, but recently I show interest in Atlanta Braves. Skippered by Bobby Cox, the Braves set a nine game winning streak from May 26th to June 3rd, their longest since 2000 when they won 16 in a row. They led the National League East with 46 wins and 33 loses in regular season.

Now, Atlanta Braves just being announced that they're going to host 2011-2012 Civil Rights Game in their Turner Field Stadium. The Civil Rights Game is an annual MLB's game that started in 2007 to honors the history of civil rights in the U.S. and marked the unofficial end to the league's Spring Training.

Atlanta for 2011-2012 Civil Rights Game

The intent of this game was to "embrace baseball's history of African-American players," as well as to generate interest for future black players, after a demographics survey revealed that the percentage of black players in the league has dwindled over the past twelve years to just 8.4%!


After hosted by the Cincinnati Reds for the last two years, it's very easy to choose Atlanta, the home of slain civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr, to be the next host.

"Civil rights is really a part of each and every one of us, black or white, male or female, because we are a product of inclusion. The only way we will succeed is through that inclusion."
-- Jimmie Lee Solomon, MLB vice-president of baseball development.

Following the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., I think baseball fans also need to get to know each other, no matter what its races, skin colors, ethnics, or religions.

Let's start with Dana Bashor, baseball fan that I mentioned earlier. To know her better, besides visiting her fan page, you can also check Dana Bashor music page to know what kind of song does she listen to.

She also has her own flickr page in Dana Bashor pics, where she upload the photographs of her favorite stuff, places and beautiful moments.

Photo of baseball match that can be found on Dana Bashor's flickr page

The Importance of Fundraising in Youth Development

Many professional athletes that famous and successful right now, came from low-life communities. They went to a school with less sport facilities, but they didn't had a choice. They need to became athletes and got sport scholarship so they can went to college and altered their unfortunate condition.

Among those who has been successful, they always remember of their root. They always tell stories about how important is school and education in helping their career. Besides family, school is the most important part in the youth development. School needs to held a lot of events and activities, but in the other hand it has lack funding. Thus, it needs a creative high school fundraising ideas to keep the philosophy going.

Sometimes, school also needs to held a sports fundraiser just to provides a uniform for their baseball team. In other time they will need fund for paid the tournament's fee or to paid the coach.

Discount Cards, one of the quick sell fundraisers

Considering how the sacrifice that their parents and their school gave for them, many pro athletes try to give back something to community. These players from Atlanta are some good examples;


“It’s probably not the best time to start a nonprofit, but God will make things happen,” said Atlanta Braves' pitcher Tim Hudson, who with his wife, Kim, launched the Hudson Family Foundation to aid children’s charities last year. “We play the game of baseball for a living, we’re very blessed. It’s our duty to give back,” catcher Brian McCann added.

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves' pitcher

While the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, established in 1985, has provided more than $16 million in grants to nonprofits. Players regularly attend functions such as Boys & Girls Club’s Hometown Heroes gala, held on the field at the Georgia Dome. “It’s always important to reach out to the youth,” quarterback Matt Ryan said.

Now, if you want to follow this athletes' footsteps and giving back to your community, you might want to consider to join global philanthropy forum, an organization which aims to build a community of donors and social investors committed to international causes, and to inform, enable and enhance the strategic nature of their giving and social investing.

Alex Rodirguez Wants to Take it Slow with Cameron Diaz

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees third baseman, reported to dating actress Cameron Diaz. Previously A-Rod was dating another celebrity, Kate Hudson, form May to December last year. At those time together, Kate was attending at every New York baseball game, she even went to Alex’s game practices. Apparently things just got way too fast.

Because of that, Alex Rodriguez is believed to have forbid Cameron Diaz from coming to his games, because he wants to keep things very casual with her. An insider stated that A-Rod does not want the same thing happened again to him and Cameron Diaz, said that Hudson's attitude as "always wanted to be on camera."

Alex Rodriguez & Cameron Diaz

While things go calmly for the pair, Kate Hudson seems to be upset with the couples. According to Us magazine, Hudson believes Diaz hooked up with the Yankees baseball star as payback for Kate’s reported fling with Cam’s ex, Justin Timberlake, in 2007, just two days after the couple split.

Alex Rodriguez & Kate Hudson

“Kate hates Cameron. She thinks it’s payback, pure and simple,” an insider told the mag. Hudson ugly words didn't stop there, she also said that Cameron Diaz (37) is nothing more than an aging star who is struggling to keep her youthful looks.

Shaq VS Albert Pujols on Shaq VS Episode 3

Shaq VS Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman

After had a lesson from best duo female ever in beach volleyball, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walls through his reality show, Shaq VS episode 2, now Shaq will tries to beat another top athletes, in their sports and battling in their fields.

And the choose fall at two-time NL MVP and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman, Albert Pujols in a home run derby before a sold out crowd at the home of the River City Rascals in O’ Fallon, MO in the latest installment of “ Shaq VS ,” the new competition series starring NBA superstar Shaquille O’ Neal.

Leading up to the challenge, Shaq will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds, issuing the home run derby challenge to Pujols before a packed house at Busch Stadium following his throw to home plate.

Additionally, Shaq, who coins himself “Shaqqie Robinson” for this fan favorite baseball hitting display, will take batting practice and hitting tips from a slew of current St. Louis Cardinals players and coaches.

Mike Goldberg and Pat Tomasulo host, while Charissa Thompson serves as sideline reporter.

The series closely follows Shaq and his athletic adversary throughout the rigorous training process and the pre-game hype, including press conferences and interviews, all leading up to the final competition. To level the playing field, O’Neal will negotiate a handicap with his opponent in some events and train with a coach for one week leading up to each challenge.

Handicap:

Shaq only has to hit the ball 250 feet to center. Pujols has to hit it 382 feet. Also, Shaq got ten outs per round, while Pujols got only five.

Winner: Albert Pujols (Final Score: 16-10)

Watch other episodes of ABC's New Reality Show, " Shaq VS "

Shaq VS - Episode 1, Shaq VS Ben Roethlisberger

Shaq VS - Episode 2, Shaq VS Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh

Shaq VS - Episode 4, Shaq VS Oscar De La Hoya