5 Nationals who defined my childhood and made me fall in love with this franchise

Writing for District on Deck, Paul McCoy reflects on the five Washington Nationals players who shaped his childhood and fandom. Having followed the franchise since its 2005 relocation from Montreal, the author highlights Alfonso Soriano, Tyler Clippard, Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, and Ryan Zimmerman as the key figures who defined his connection to the club.

McCoy credits Soriano's historic 40/40 season in 2006 with bringing early legitimacy to the franchise and praises Clippard's bullpen consistency. He also highlights Harper's electric 2012 debut and 2015 NL MVP season, Rendon's clutch play during the 2019 World Series title run, and Zimmerman's career-long leadership as "Mr. National."