Professional Ball Players Give of Themselves, Not Only On The Field
By Kelly S. Croslis

As the holidays approach we hear more and more about those less fortunate than us and how we may be able to help. From donating clothes and food, to collecting toys so a child will have something to open Christmas morning.

Each Sunday we sit in front of our TV's watching pro ball players - no matter the sport, give their all on the field, basketball court, race track, soccer field, and the list goes on. We admire their agility and talent, and sometimes wonder about their incredible salaries. It is off the field, however, that they make their best plays and gain our greatest respect.

NASCAR for example, raises money each year on "NASCAR Day," recently raising $1.64 million dollars. In turn, drivers and volunteers built new playgrounds for kids in less fortunate areas. Also, NASCAR has come together, with Kyle and Pattie Petty in the lead, to open the "Victory Junction Gang Camp," for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illness - things that may otherwise keep them summer camp.

In turn, players from the Indiana Colts, knowing the importance of education, are working to show high school students what their future can be when the continue their education. A poster of 30 Colts players are being given to area high schools and colleges, to emphasize the importance of education, and what hard work and preparation can bring to their life.

Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis, hosted a youth football clinic at Super Bowl XLII. LPGA players give back by helping at local Salvation Army's, serving meals, touring facilities and visiting with those coming to enjoy a meal.

With all the negativity in the news about pro ball players, their drug problems, infidelities and legal problems - there never seems to be enough about what good is happening in their lives and in the lives of those they impact.

Professional athletes, no matter their sport, have the ability to use their name to make a difference in the lives of so many. In turn, there is the hope that their footsteps will be followed by those who sit in their living rooms on Sunday afternoon watching them make a living and admiring their talent on the field, race track or golf course.

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