My Favorite Player on Each D.C. Sports Team:

The Reasoning

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

5/15/2020

         Despite not getting seriously into sports until my teen years it did not take me long to develop a love for sports. Along with an appreciation for the athletes apart of these teams. Now that I am working hard to get into the sports media industry it has given me the opportunity to reflect on myself as a sports consumer. The main point of interest being my favorite player from each D.C. franchise I support. This piece will present my favorite player on each of the 4 major D.C. sports franchises since I became a sports fan. Describing the reasons for these players gaining my unwavering support.

            The first player apart of this group played for the Washington Redskins before eventually retiring after a long, productive 16-year career. This player is former Middle Linebacker London Fletcher who played for 3 teams but spent his last 7 years in Washington. My justification for London Fletcher being my favorite Redskin comes from several avenues. One is the fact he was considered an undersized linebacker from a less-heralded college program in John Carroll yet went on to have a great career. I am always one that has appreciated a great underdog story, so he interested me immediately. He was one of the first players who stood out to me when I first started following the Redskins. Always showing his passion, while leading just as much by example on the field. Having gone back to look at his career statistics and game film only further validate my affinity for the linebacker. I respect his longevity in the league, starting all 16 games 14 of his 16 seasons. Plus, the consistency in performance from year to year is uncanny. Putting up no fewer than 111 tackles for 14 straight seasons, and finally making the pro-bowl deservedly 4 of his last 5 seasons. London Fletcher represents one of the few bright spots of the 2000’s leading into the 2010’s era of Redskins Football. A player who played hard and showed much resolve despite little success for the team during his tenure. He will go down as one of my top Redskins for a long time, a player who transcended the Redskins and was a great ambassador for the game. A player that helped me cement my want to support the Redskins to this day.

            The next player to be recognized plays for the Washington Capitals hockey club. No, it is not the obvious choices like Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom or Braden Holtby. The player that has steadily grown into my favorite player is Right Winger Tom Wilson. Tom Wilson is a fan favorite among many Capitals fans, and not well liked among other fans bases (i.e. Penguins fans). He is my favorite Capitals player because he is a player who I have had the privilege to watch grow from young enforcer, to all-around great contributor. His growth has been intriguing to follow over his time with the Caps. Since he began his career as a 19-year-old rookie in the 2013-2014 season he has evolved his game immensely. Going from just 10 points his rookie year, to 40 plus points his last two seasons with the club. The stats alone do not show his growth as a player, his play on the ice from game to game has seen remarkable change as well. I have come to appreciate how Wilson has self-policed his once reckless abandon style. Now keeping his physical edge but playing under control, while becoming a significant offensive threat on the ice. Utilizing his size and hands to be a great net front presence and being good at puck retrievals on forechecks. Combine this along with his impressive speed for a player that is 6’4” 218 lbs. and you get a true power forward. Wilson also being a huge part of the first ever team I watched win a world championship as a sports fan in the area is special too. The great thing about Wilson being my favorite player is at 26 years old I still have a lot more to see of him. A player who as we both go about the prime of our youth still has as much to show on the ice as I do as a sportswriter. A journey I feel good about sharing indirectly with this player. Plus, now he will only be referred to officially as ‘Tom Wilson Stanley Cup Champion.’

            The player that is my favorite from the Washington Wizards was a tough choice at first. Though shooting guard Bradley Beal was an easy choice because of his play on the court and personality off it. On the floor Beal has gone from solid backcourt mate for star point guard John Wall to star level player himself for the Wizards. As he has increased his scoring output each of the last 5 seasons while adding to his overall game. Whether it be getting more skilled as a ball handler or becoming a stronger defender Beal’s game has helped him become easily a Top-4 shooting guard in the league. He has grown off the court as well from an introverted kid to a more open and conscious person. I respect what he stands for in his strive to win, while remaining loyal to the franchise to this point. Despite championship contention being a way off his commitment to see the organization’s new plan through is commendable. I can only hope his loyalty is repaid with a chance to win a championship soon. Bradley Beal’s personality relates to mine in many ways as he is very laid back, while also serious and understanding. I would consider it a great opportunity to be able to meet Beal, and further learn about my favorite NBA player someday. A player who should have been an all-star this season among other things. A player who demands more respect and is a very worthy representative of the Washington Wizards. A true face of the franchise that can be hopefully leaned on till he hangs them up.

            The final player to discuss is a player from the Washington Nationals. This player being former Nats Third Basemen Anthony Rendon, now with the Los Angeles Angels. While the wound for me is still fresh from him departing this past offseason, he is easily my favorite Nats player. Whether it was his non-challant attitude in everything he did on the diamond. His quietest kept demeanor or signature yawn caught by cameras while in the dugout. To even saying he does not watch baseball because he considers it “boring”.  He was authentic and a player extremely easy to root for on my end. I will always see him as a Top National all-time when all is said and done. A player who put up consistently great numbers both regular and postseason. Showing up in clutch moments and helping bring a championship to baseball for the district. Allowing me to experience my first ever Championship parade last year. Anthony Rendon will always be not just my favorite National but up there as my favorite D.C. sports athlete of my time as a sports fan. A player who never showed too much emotion, but always delivered in high stress moments. Rendon brought many more great moments to the franchise than can be counted. Despite injuries holding him back a times he established himself as a stallworth that the Nats were and now the Angels are lucky to have. When he does return to Nationals Park, I hope to be there to salute my favorite player for his contribution, even if he is in a different uniform.

            These players will all be personal favorites of mine for as long as I am a sports fan. These players brought great moments and should all by the end of their careers be honored for their contributions to their franchises. Players that will be some of my top DMV athletes for years to come.