Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington misses his time in Atlanta. Was it the right decision for him to leave the Braves?
Ron Washington was cherished during his time with the Atlanta Braves, and it’s easy to see why. He was a vital presence in the Braves’ clubhouse, consistently stepping up to support his players whenever the opportunity arose. As an unofficial infield coach, he played a key role in the defensive development of players like Ozzie Albies, Orlando Arcia, and Austin Riley.
Washington’s success in this role made him a sought-after managerial candidate in recent years. He previously led the Texas Rangers to consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, but his tenure there ended with his firing, partly due to struggles with drug addiction. However, with the support of the Braves and manager Brian Snitker, Washington was able to rebuild his reputation. Now in his 70s, he wondered if he would ever get another shot at managing, and when the opportunity with the Los Angeles Angels came, he seized it.
In Anaheim, Washington faces a challenging situation. The team is far from playoff contention in their first season without Shohei Ohtani. Mike Trout is once again sidelined by injury, and his career appears to be in decline due to ongoing health issues. While there are some promising young players, it’s difficult to envision the Angels making significant progress during Washington’s time at the helm.
Ron Washington gives the Braves some advice, and seems to forget he’s managing the Angels
Washington’s Angels played against his former team this weekend, and the new manager openly expressed how much he missed the Braves clubhouse. David O’Brien of The Athletic mentioned to Washington that many fans in Atlanta believe his departure is a reason for the Braves’ struggles this season.
“That really touches me,” Washington responded. “Throughout my time in Atlanta, I always hoped that if I ever left, people would remember me for making a difference. And hearing the fans say that makes me feel like I did.”
Although Washington disagreed with this idea, O’Brien noted that, for a moment, the manager seemed to momentarily forget about his struggling Angels and appeared as if he was once again delivering his message to the Braves’ infielders and the rest of the team, just as he did during his seven years in Atlanta.
Washington even offered the Braves some advice, suggesting that they seem to be trying too hard. Watching from a distance now, Washington believes his confidence and personality could have helped the team push through despite a few injuries—though the Braves have also been hit hard by injuries this season.
Whether Washington’s departure is the cause of the Braves’ struggles in 2024 is uncertain. However, if you ask around the Atlanta clubhouse, it’s clear the players would welcome him back in a heartbeat—a true mark of strong leadership.
Be the first to comment