Thomas Boswell

Nats’ hurdles reveal heroes

As the Nats have played first-place baseball this spring, each bit of adversity has led them to discover another essential but unlikely hero.

Thomas Boswell

Baseball’s old order is fading

OPINION | The Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies have all chosen this precise moment to lose their edge.

Sally Jenkins

Goodell stays moves ahead

OPINION | Throughout a tumultuous year, NFL commish maintains legal upper hand and moral high ground, whether he deserves it or not.

• Hard Hits: There is clear evidence of collusion
• Labor peace a distant memory | Union’s obstacles
• Redskins, Cowboys are named in NFLPA’s lawsuit

Sally Jenkins

OPINION | Holdsclaw fends off depression

Former Mystics standout Chamique Holdsclaw has emerged from struggles with depression as a stronger person eager to help others.

Mike Wise

Oh, no — don’t tarnish the anthem

OPINION | Fans who desecrate the Star Spangled Banner with their team’s rooting interest ought to keep quiet.

• Orioles strike first blow at Nationals Park
• Boswell: It’s time to resolve MASN dispute

Mike Wise

OPINION | Jeff Green’s Georgetown finale

OPINION | Jeff Green, former Hoya and current Boston Celtic, receives his diploma five years after walking across a stage as an NBA first-round pick.

• Green reflects on his moment

Tracee Hamilton

OPINION | Adversity in the workplace

Through two tightly contested playoff series, this year’s Capitals laugh in the face of adversity and howl in the face of overtime.

• Bog: Ovechkin’s almost incredible goal

Tracee Hamilton

Nationals-Phillies rivalry is so on

OPINION | In three days, a pandering marketing campaign became a genuine rivalry.

• Rizzo: Hamels act ‘classless, gutless’
• Is this the moment the rivalry started?

Jason Reid

Pushing the right buttons

OPINION | Davey Johnson is doing his best to make good on his vow that Nats would make the playoffs.

• Strasburg, pitching staff can hit
• Rodriguez slams finger in door
• Espinosa ‘closer’? | Morse could return Friday

Jason Reid

OPINION | Lessons from the NBA playoffs

To succeed like the NBA’s final four, the Wizards must draft players who are difference-makers as well as an all-star talents.

• Duncan focused on title No. 5
• James, Heat eager for a challange

Norman Chad

California dreams turn to nightmares

COUCH SLOUCH | Albert Pujols’s $200 million contract was supposed to be the start of something big — until it wasn’t.

Norman Chad

Chess dress code checkmates plunging necklines

COUCH SLOUCH | “Mental sport” tries to maintain decorum at the table.

John Feinstein

Hokies on shaky ground

OPINION | Virginia Tech did not handle the firing of Seth Greenberg well, and now it is left to ponder its next move.

• Greenberg era ends in Blacksburg
• A look at possible replacements
• Poll: Was it time for Greenberg to go?

John Feinstein

Bruins escape; Game 7 awaits

OPINION | It has been a roller coaster ride for the Capitals and the Bruins as the series shifts to Boston for Game 7.

Andrew Beyer

OPINION | Philosophy of horse racing

I’ll Have Another owner J. Paul Reddam, a former professor, has unconventional opinions about his chosen profession.

Andrew Beyer

OPINION | It figures to be Bodemeister

For speed handicappers, the most formidable entry in the Kentucky Derby is clear.

• Beyer breaks down Kentucky Derby field
• Bodemeister emerges | No starts as 2-year-old
• Beyer’s picks for top Derby winners of all time