Dick Heller
Articles by Dick Heller
HELLER: D.C. baseball emerges from the dark ages
Like you, I'd enjoy rooting the Nationals upward and onward in 2012, perhaps even to — dare we dream? — the World Series. Published April 2, 2012
HELLER: Easy to see Bert Sugar’s love of the Sweet Science
Some years ago, Kids in Trouble, the District-based charitable organization founded by sportscaster Harold Bell, presented Lifetime Achievement trophies to boxing writer Bert Randolph Sugar and yours truly. I don't remember what I said at the awards dinner and neither does anyone else, because Sugar stole the show. As usual. Published March 27, 2012
HELLER: Death to the DH would be a dream come true
The designated hitter is an abomination foisted on us by a desperate American League in 1973. Nearly four decades later, its tentacles choke traditional baseball at nearly every level from Little League to the minors. Published February 13, 2012
HELLER: Dundee transformed Ali from boxer to icon
Angelo Dundee handled many prominent fighters in his career, including Sugar Ray Leonard, but his association with Muhammad Ali defined him more than anything else. Published February 7, 2012
HELLER: TV viewing if you punt Super Bowl
So you've had it right up to there with Super Bowl XLVI, and you need something else to do Sunday evening. It'll likely be too cold and dark to venture outside, but here comes cable TV rushing to the rescue with a plethora of choices that almost justify the expense — especially if you like football but don't care to watch Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin scowling for three-plus hours. Published February 1, 2012
HELLER: Nats should save a princely sum and pass on Fielder
Let's say it in one simple sentence: The Nats would be nuts to sign Prince Fielder. Published January 23, 2012
HELLER: Joe Torre is the right man to own part of Dodgers
Even if you're a Giants fan, it should be possible to root a bit for the archrival Dodgers if nice-guy Joe Torre becomes part of the club's ownership group. Published January 5, 2012
HELLER: Feb. 14 is a date for baseball lovers
Who needs August? Welcome to the dog days of January, when every new year seems just like the old year for many sports fans in these parts. Published January 4, 2012
HELLER: It’s time to ring in the new … and some old
Here's a prospective peek at the fun and games of 2012, with the promise that it will be a better year for somebody, somewhere. Published December 26, 2011
HELLER: Little cheer for another year of pro hoops
Excuse me please if I'm not jumping up and down about the Washington Wizards belatedly opening their season the day after Christmas. Or even twitching. Published December 21, 2011
HELLER: A great rivalry that lacks competitive balance
Army finally showed up in body as well as in spirit for Saturday's annual extravaganza against Navy, and the Black Knights' 27-21 defeat at FedEx Field could have been considered a moral victory after nine consecutive double-digit losses in the series. But we all know what moral victories are worth, so football remains a nasty word on the Plain of West Point. Or should be anyway. Published December 11, 2011
HELLER: Army-Navy clash would be even better if teams kept up with the times
There's nothing in sports quite like an Army-Navy football game. The color and pageantry, emotion and ebullience, are marvelous to behold. And when the nation's two highest elected officials are in attendance, as President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were Saturday at FedEx Field, we are reminded anew just how important and unique is this 111-year-old sporting spectacle. The problem, you see, is that they insist on playing a 1925 football game as part of it. Published December 10, 2011
HELLER: Pride and pageantry supersede records when Army meets Navy
Every Army-Navy football game is marvelous and memorable, as more than 80,000 spectators will discover Saturday at FedEx Field. Published December 5, 2011
HELLER: Terps’ once-great track program on last legs
The University of Maryland's decision to eliminate eight of 27 varsity sports hurts the athletes involved more than anybody else. But because three of the teams affected are indoor and outdoor track and cross country, I keep expecting to hear Jim Kehoe roar from somewhere in the great beyond. Published November 29, 2011
HELLER: Sporting News strikes out by omitting Ripken streak
During much of the 20th century, The Sporting News called itself the "Bible of Baseball" with good reason. Based in St. Louis and issued weekly, the venerable publication was the only place where fans could get stories and stats on all major and minor league teams ad infinitum. Published November 27, 2011
HELLER: As the leaves fall, so do our football teams
Just when you thought sporting matters couldn't get worse. Published November 1, 2011
HELLER: Rooting against the Rangers just feels right
For the second straight autumn, the World Series offers a dandy chance to boo our fool heads off until or past midnight. Call it the bitching hour. Published October 18, 2011
HELLER: Tribute paid to D.C.’s bygone ballpark
The Minneapolis lawyer stood on the outdoor podium and waved his hand in the direction of Howard University Hospital behind him on Georgia Avenue NW. Published October 17, 2011
HELLER: Bobby Thomson, Ralph Branca linked by epic homer in classic rivalry
A man in a gray uniform threw the ball, a man in a white uniform hit it and seconds later the most riveting moment in sports history was history. Published October 2, 2011
HELLER: Great expectations are just around the corner
Michael Morse, among other Nationals, said it best: "I can't wait for next season." Published September 28, 2011