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Posted by: Bradley McDonald

Nice job with the sports-related story there, Denelle. I'm sure you know my stance on the topic of women being allowed in the dugout, since we extended an invitation for you to become a part of our "dugout." :)

Here at The Bench Warmer(s), we're suckers for a good cause, so Rick Reilly's article on si.com called "Nothing But Nets" caught my eye. Reilly, a long time SI writer, is asking readers to donate money to buy mosquito nets for kids in Africa. About 3,000 kids a day die from malaria spread by mosquitos, and this number could be cut greatly by nets that are covered in insecticide. Reilly has started it off by donating $20,000. I'm sure Reilly makes a decent paycheck, but he's a sportswriter, not an athlete making $10 million a year!

I've never asked for anything before, right? Well, sorry, I'm asking now.

We need nets. Not hoop nets, soccer nets or lacrosse nets. Not New Jersey Nets or dot-nets or clarinets. Mosquito nets.

See, nearly 3,000 kids die every day in Africa from malaria. And according to the World Health Organization, transmission of the disease would be reduced by 60% with the use of mosquito nets and prompt treatment for the infected.

...

So, here's the ask: If you have ever gotten a thrill by throwing, kicking, knocking, dunking, slamming, putting up, cutting down or jumping over a net, please go to a special site we've set up through the United Nations Foundation. The address is: UNFoundation.org/malaria. Then just look for the big SI's Nothing But Net logo (or call 202-887-9040) and donate $20. Bang. You might have just saved a kid's life.

Or would you rather have the new Beastie Boys CD?

You're a coach, parent, player, gym teacher or even just a fan who likes watching balls fly into nets, send $20. You saved a life. Take the rest of the day off.