A sports connection was bound to pop up in the tragedy in Arizona yesterday, and it's even sadder than you'd imagine: the nine-year-old girl who was killed in Jared Loughner's rampage yesterday was the granddaughter of Phillies legend Dallas Green and daughter of Dodgers scout John Green. Christina-Taylor Green was born on Sept. 11, 2001 — she was featured in a book about children born on 9/11 — and went to the Safeway yesterday to meet Rep. Giffords, as she had an early interest in politics. She was also a Little League baseball player, the only girl on her team.

The Phillies released this statement:

"The Phillies organization expresses our heartfelt condolences to Dallas and Sylvia and the entire Green family on the senseless, tragic loss of Christina's life. She was a talented young girl with a bright promising future. Her untimely death weighs heavily on our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by yesterday's horrific shooting."

The Dodgers released this statement:

"We lost a member of the Dodgers family today. The entire Dodgers organization is mourning the death of John's daughter Christina, and will do everything we can to support John, his wife Roxana and their son Dallas in the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. I spoke with John earlier today and expressed condolences on behalf of the entire Dodgers organization."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Greens as well today.

The National Championship game, meanwhile, will take place Monday night in Glendale, although a moment of silence will be held before the game.

[h/t to Stephen]