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Jesse Dougherty

@jessedougherty.bsky.social

7.5K followers 356 following 1.4K posts

Typing about sports for @washingtonsun.bsky.social (formerly NOTUS). Used to type about sports for the Washington Post. Get in touch: jessedougherty@washsun.com And subscribe to my free newsletter: collegesportsmoney.substack.com

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Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

New with @reesegorman.bsky.social: Majority leader Steve Scalise tells @washingtonsun.com that, in spite of Ted Cruz's wishes, the House will not come back during campaign season to vote on the PCSA. Scalise also signaled amendments will be added by the House: www.washingtonsun.com/congress/ted...

washingtonsun.com

Ted Cruz’s Bid to Pass His College Sports Bill Soon Is Falling Short

Steve Scalise says the House game plan includes making changes — after the elections.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Dave Levinthal @davelevinthal.com · 01/10/2026

Have heard from some new @washingtonsun.com readers: Will you publish a physical newspaper? No, we do not have plans to publish a physical newspaper. But we will be doing this: www.washingtonsun.com/about-us/pre...

washingtonsun.com

The Washington Sun launches The Washington Sun Magazine

The Sun will work with Washingtonian to distribute an initial six-month run of a monthly print publication.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Or an alternate headline: You no longer have to trust anonymous House aides saying that there's a low chance — if any — that it returns before the midterms for the PCSA. Steve Scalise told Reese so on the record (and more). www.washingtonsun.com/congress/ted...

washingtonsun.com

Ted Cruz’s Bid to Pass His College Sports Bill Soon Is Falling Short

Steve Scalise says the House game plan includes making changes — after the elections.

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Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

New with @reesegorman.bsky.social: Majority leader Steve Scalise tells @washingtonsun.com that, in spite of Ted Cruz's wishes, the House will not come back during campaign season to vote on the PCSA. Scalise also signaled amendments will be added by the House: www.washingtonsun.com/congress/ted...

washingtonsun.com

Ted Cruz’s Bid to Pass His College Sports Bill Soon Is Falling Short

Steve Scalise says the House game plan includes making changes — after the elections.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The Protect College Sports Act passed in the Senate tonight, 77-22. Now it's on to the House. For @washingtonsun.bsky.social: www.washingtonsun.com/congress/sen...

washingtonsun.com

The Senate Passes Its College Sports Bill, Setting Up a House Fight

The bill passed 77-22 after a more than five-year battle over regulating college sports.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Hey thanks! On the bit about missing me, etc. etc. And thanks for sharing these thoughts. All makes sense to me. I keep asking people: But did the first half of this season make the second half harder or easier to stomach?

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Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Thanks, Becky! I appreciate you reading, as always. I have asked this a good bit on X so I'll also bring it here: Did the fun first half make the second half easier or harder to swallow?

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I agree! It was hard to write it any other way, even if a more definitive stance would have made for a better season-ending column.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Yeah I think that last bit especially is a great way to put it. And that's the part where I think fans are getting short changed (over and over and over now) by ownership. And I appreciate you saying that! Truly my pleasure

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

That feels fair, and is a good distillation of why I feel like it's pretty hard to answer directly.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I think that's fair. And where I'd probably land, too, if i had to choose between that binary (in terms of a mild overachieve)

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

More than fair. Not sure if you had a chance to check out the column, but through that lens you may think it went a bit soft, which would also be fair! Thoughts?

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I've already reached broken record status on this, but I really can't get past these dissonant ideas. Feels like the whole thing to me. And more here: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

washingtonsun.com

The Nats Took a Step Forward This Year. Fans Still Deserve More.

It is nearly impossible to judge this Nationals season, which came to a conclusion on Sunday, within the binary of good or bad.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Hey that was thoughtful

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Internet Contrarian @internetcontrarian.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The one thing about spending money is that, as you saw with Werth and Max, sometimes you need to do it a year earlier than anyone would think. You saw that in the flabby results and poor ticket sales this year. Only so much you can spend in a single offseason. But over 2-3? Alas.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

More than fair! Now send my link to everyone you know and encourage them to send it to everyone THEY know. Thanks in advance

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2026 Washington Nationals. Did they overachieve or underachieve in the end? Drop your thoughts here, if you are moved to. I worked through it a bit for @washingtonsun.bsky.social: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

washingtonsun.com

The Nats Took a Step Forward This Year. Fans Still Deserve More.

It is nearly impossible to judge this Nationals season, which came to a conclusion on Sunday, within the binary of good or bad.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

… while I assume that meant TV episodes to watch, it’s been a while since the NFL has felt so relatable. You’re either sleeping or having an episode. There is really no in between anymore.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Have Cowboys-Ravens on mute while my baby sleeps in my lap (b/c my fantasy team has sucked me in again, which will last another two weeks max). Subtitles just showed the announcers discussing the teams traveling to Brazil. “Some guys slept.” “Some episodes.” And …

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Kevin Bartner @heshsson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A character based on him will appear in a remake of Field of Dreams in 60 years.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

The Washington Sun Metro @washsunmetro.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Washington Sun’s @jessedougherty.bsky.social is hosting an AMA on r/Nationals today at 12 p.m. ET. Bring your questions!

From the Nationals community on Reddit

Explore this post and more from the Nationals community

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Thanks for reading it, Sara!

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

She’s used to it

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Neighbors just had a baby with the middle name Aldo. Learning this, I said (to my wife): “Of course, after Aldo Ramirez, acquired by the Nats in the Kyle Schwarber trade.” It’s an incurable sickness.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The Nationals have spent the second half experimenting with calling pitches from the dugout. But Keibert Ruiz is still calling his own games, a sign of his growth as a catcher + the trust he's earned from the coaching staff and front office. More here: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

The Nationals have experimented with calling pitches from the dugout. But not when catcher Keibert Ruiz is behind the plate, because of the trust Ruiz has earned from the coaching staff.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hey thanks for saying so, James! And I will certainly be writing some analysis as the season ends/offseason begins. And thanks for the kind words on what we're doing at NOTUS/The Sun. It's been really fun

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Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Here’s what I saw, heard and learned while spending this past weekend with the Nats. Within: a customized bobblehead, the consensus most intriguing relievers + a key caveat to the team calling pitches from the dugout. And more for @washingtonsun.bsky.social: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

washingtonsun.com

Lessons From the Final Days of the Nationals’ Season

A customized bobblehead, pitchers showing promise, and a star player benched before owning his mistake.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The Nationals have spent the second half experimenting with calling pitches from the dugout. But Keibert Ruiz is still calling his own games, a sign of his growth as a catcher + the trust he's earned from the coaching staff and front office. More here: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

The Nationals have experimented with calling pitches from the dugout. But not when catcher Keibert Ruiz is behind the plate, because of the trust Ruiz has earned from the coaching staff.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Here’s what I saw, heard and learned while spending this past weekend with the Nats. Within: a customized bobblehead, the consensus most intriguing relievers + a key caveat to the team calling pitches from the dugout. And more for @washingtonsun.bsky.social: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

washingtonsun.com

Lessons From the Final Days of the Nationals’ Season

A customized bobblehead, pitchers showing promise, and a star player benched before owning his mistake.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Aside from some very quick analysis toward the end, this doesn’t get too into the money, why it makes sense for both sides, what it might indicate for future moves and spending, etc. But those are interesting topics for other days! Spreading ‘em out. www.washingtonsun.com/sports/cade-...

washingtonsun.com

Cade Cavalli Got His Big Contract. Then He Showed Everyone Why.

The Nationals won big Friday night, after reaching a contract extension with their ace.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

In the visitors clubhouse at Busch Stadium on Friday, the most important person in the room was also the loneliest. On Cade Cavalli and his contract extension, which just happened to be announced right before he pitched (for @washingtonsun.bsky.social): www.washingtonsun.com/sports/cade-...

washingtonsun.com

Cade Cavalli Got His Big Contract. Then He Showed Everyone Why.

The Nationals won big Friday night, after reaching a contract extension with their ace.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Aside from some very quick analysis toward the end, this doesn’t get too into the money, why it makes sense for both sides, what it might indicate for future moves and spending, etc. But those are interesting topics for other days! Spreading ‘em out. www.washingtonsun.com/sports/cade-...

washingtonsun.com

Cade Cavalli Got His Big Contract. Then He Showed Everyone Why.

The Nationals won big Friday night, after reaching a contract extension with their ace.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

In the visitors clubhouse at Busch Stadium on Friday, the most important person in the room was also the loneliest. On Cade Cavalli and his contract extension, which just happened to be announced right before he pitched (for @washingtonsun.bsky.social): www.washingtonsun.com/sports/cade-...

washingtonsun.com

Cade Cavalli Got His Big Contract. Then He Showed Everyone Why.

The Nationals won big Friday night, after reaching a contract extension with their ace.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

lindsey adler @lindseyadler.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I love when Hillary Clinton posts my friend's work.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Hillary Clinton, noted Washington Sun reader. (Also this is a great story by @emmabaccellieri.bsky.social about working moms in the NWSL)

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Two groups of athletes mirrored the two biggest forces that will tug at Congress over the PCSA this fall: Labor and the college sports establishment (NCAA, conferences, schools). It feels like the cleanest distillation of the lobbying battle w/ this bill: www.washingtonsun.com/sports/colle...

washingtonsun.com

Lobbying for the College Sports Bill Is Heating Up

Athletes representing both sides of the debate spoke at competing news conferences Monday.

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Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

What do active athletes think of the Protect College Sports Act? It's impossible to get an accurate cross-section of opinions across the 500,000+ across three divisions. But we got a tiny sense from two distinct pressers Monday (for @washingtonsun.bsky.social): www.washingtonsun.com/sports/colle...

washingtonsun.com

Lobbying for the College Sports Bill Is Heating Up

Athletes representing both sides of the debate spoke at competing news conferences Monday.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

With the Senate back next week, lobbying around the Protect College Sports Act has picked up again. And behind the scenes, two of the biggest names in sports labor are fighting it together. On Michele Roberts and DeMaurice Smith (@washingtonsun.bsky.social): washingtonsun.com/sports/miche...

washingtonsun.com

Two Sports Labor Giants Join Fight Against College Sports Bill

Michele Roberts and DeMaurice Smith, former heads of the NBA and NFL players’ unions, are lobbying against the PCSA.

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I asked some professional hitting coaches to break down Vivek Ramaswamy's swing. "Very, very, very much a front-foot hitter, so that’s the first thing we’d attack. But I’m not sure it’s salvageable." For @washingtonsun.bsky.social: washingtonsun.com/campaigns/vi...

washingtonsun.com

Hitting Coaches Break Down Vivek Ramaswamy’s Baseball Swing

The candidate for Republican governor was mocked for his swing in a campaign video. We asked experts to weigh in.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate you reading!

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Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

With the Senate back next week, lobbying around the Protect College Sports Act has picked up again. And behind the scenes, two of the biggest names in sports labor are fighting it together. On Michele Roberts and DeMaurice Smith (@washingtonsun.bsky.social): washingtonsun.com/sports/miche...

washingtonsun.com

Two Sports Labor Giants Join Fight Against College Sports Bill

Michele Roberts and DeMaurice Smith, former heads of the NBA and NFL players’ unions, are lobbying against the PCSA.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Yes (maybe)

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

If you, a politician, post your baseball swing on the internet, you will (maybe) get feedback from some of the brightest hitting minds around. That is the Washington Sun promise.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I asked some professional hitting coaches to break down Vivek Ramaswamy's swing. "Very, very, very much a front-foot hitter, so that’s the first thing we’d attack. But I’m not sure it’s salvageable." For @washingtonsun.bsky.social: washingtonsun.com/campaigns/vi...

washingtonsun.com

Hitting Coaches Break Down Vivek Ramaswamy’s Baseball Swing

The candidate for Republican governor was mocked for his swing in a campaign video. We asked experts to weigh in.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Thanks for sharing! And for such a nice intro

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Oriana González @oriana.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

SCOOP: Democrats' allies in Hollywood and entertainment industry are disillusioned with the party Dems are still asking them for messaging help in 2026 Hakeem Jeffries' team has hosted at least 2 meetings with screenwriters this cycle w/ @kadiagoba.bsky.social washingtonsun.com/2026-electio...

washingtonsun.com

Democrats’ Hollywood Allies Think the Party Has Lost the Plot

A number of entertainment industry figures who worked on Democrats’ successful 2018 cycle are sitting this one out.

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The best writer in my house (@joanniesen.bsky.social) wrote a moving essay about her first cat. Eloise died last week at 16 years old. RIP to a good one. You should read it: joanniesen.substack.com/p/dont-get-a...

joanniesen.substack.com

don’t get a kitten

An ode to a weird and wonderful cat

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Yeah that's totally fair. I think maybe my brain doesn't go there right away because a lot of teams have moved away from having a traditional, set-it-and-forget-it closer. Which, you can argue, has pluses and minuses. But I'll definitely be mindful of this! Thanks for the note

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Yeah that's fair, too. But in the moment you're right, have to wonder how much they are breaking it all down like that

Reposted by Jesse Dougherty

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

For the @washingtonsun.bsky.social (!) ... I wrote about the blown saves record as the product of an interrupted growth curve. That doesn't absolve the Nationals of the bullpen they've run out this year. But it feels like necessary context for the whole thing: washingtonsun.com/sports/natio...

washingtonsun.com

The Nats, the Blown Saves Record, and Unforeseen Expectations

The Nationals have blown more saves than any team in MLB history. But there's more to it than just an embarrassing record.