Paul Sullivan

Paul Sullivan is the Chicago Tribune's In the Wake of News columnist and baseball writer, covering the Cubs, White Sox and national news. A 44-year Tribune veteran, Sullivan was named Illinois Sportswriter of the Year in 2015, '16 and '19 and earned the Ring Lardner Award for excellence in sports journalism in 2018.

Season ticket holder Rich Dutton, of Troy, Ohio, plays catch with his grandson at Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field on March 25, 2026. Opening day is Thursday between the Cubs and Nationals. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Opening day arrives for Cubs and White Sox with renewed optimism, new faces — and even a few bidets

March 26, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Another opening day for Chicago baseball, the gift that keeps on giving ... since 1876.

Former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and former catcher and manager David Ross share a moment with the World Series trophy as the 2016 championship team is honored during the Cubs Convention on Jan. 16, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Anthony Rizzo and David Ross team up on ‘The Lovable Reunion’ for Chicago Cubs’ 10-year anniversary

March 25, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

A new podcast from Anthony Rizzo and David Ross on the 2016 Chicago Cubs could be the start of something big.

Iowa's Cooper Koch celebrates a three-point shot during the second half of a second-round game against Florida on March 22, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Column: After Big Ten’s big weekend, can the conference send multiple teams to the Final Four?

March 24, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Big Ten walked the walk on the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, which bodes well for the possibility of its first national championship since 2000.

White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami, left, shakes hands with Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman during a Cactus League game at Sloan Park on Feb. 20, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Baseball returns after a long, hard winter, and we’re grateful to welcome it home

March 22, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Baseball is back this week, and though it's not as good as the sport we grew up with, it's still "the game" for many of us.

White Sox's Munetaka Murakami stands at the plate during the fourth inning of a Cactus League game against the Brewers at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 22, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Dreaming of a White Sox HR into the Chicago River — and pricing out options to watch the Cubs

March 18, 2026 at 7:06 p.m.

With one week to go before opening day, there’s exciting news from the North and South Sides.

Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. dunks the ball during the first half of the Big Ten Tournament championship game against Purdue on March, 15, 2026, at the United Center. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Column: How to fill out your NCAA Tournament brackets without really trying

March 17, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Anyone can look at the seedings and fill out an NCAA Tournament pool sheet with a decent chance of winning. Here's a more fun way of filling in your bracket.

Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg bites his jersey during the second half of the Big Ten Tournament championship against Purdue on Sunday, March, 15, 2026, at the United Center. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Who’s under the most pressure as Big Ten tries — again — to end its men’s NCAA Tournament drought?

March 15, 2026 at 8:22 p.m.

We hear every year about how tough the Big Ten is, but the conference has little to show for that toughness in the NCAA Tournament.

A person arrives at the United Center for the opening day of the Big Ten Tournament on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Sports thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, including a bloated Big Ten and Marquee’s ‘Chicago slang’

March 15, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Thoughts on a St. Patrick's Day weekend, including the NFL considering a "Thanksgiving Eve" game, the bloated Big Ten Tournament and Marquee's version of "Chicago slang."

Illinois coach Brad Underwood argues with an official in the second half against Wisconsin during the Big Ten Tournament on March 13, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Michigan wills its way to win under Dusty May, while Illinois finds way to lose under Brad Underwood

March 13, 2026 at 6:40 p.m.

Michigan and Illinois are national powers, but Wolverines coach Dusty May survived a nail-biter in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, while Brad Underwood watched the Illini blow its chance.

U.S. manager Mark DeRosa adjusts his cap before an exhibition game against the Rockies on March 4, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

Column: Team USA manager Mark DeRosa’s gaffe heard round the World Baseball Classic draws critics’ ire

March 13, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Mark DeRosa led a charmed life as a player and MLB Network morning show host. But after a gaffe and a loss to Italy in the World Baseball Classic, the...

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