The Los Angeles Angels introduced their new manager this past week in Ron Washington, signing him to a two-year deal, providing the team with some direction at the top.
With a load of uncertainty on the roster with the mixture of youth and solid veterans that still includes Mike Trout, the Angels have one of the most beloved coaches. Washington last held a head coaching job with the Texas Rangers in 2014, following an eight-year run.
From 2010-to-2013, his Texas Rangers teams won at least 90 games, reaching the World Series twice in 2010 and 2011. He most recently spent the last seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves, but first started his coaching career with the Oakland Athletics.
Washington becomes the oldest manager in Major League Baseball, but it’s been his style of coaching that’s made him a favorite with everyone he’s around, per Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:
“He was revered in Oakland,” former Rangers infielder Michael Young said. “He was revered here. Same in Atlanta. After a while, it’s not just reputation or hearsay. It’s now objective fact. The guy makes people better.”
His work with Braves infielders was met with high praise, which the Angels front office took note of and is another plus for the hands-on style of coaching that Washington brings. Angels general manager Perry Minasian recalled an instance in which he helped him out with his form while running with players in 2007:
“He definitely did not need to do that,” Minasian recalled last week. “I was not playing. I was not running the 100 in the Olympics. But that just goes to show you what type of human being he is. He’ll help anyone he can at any point. He’s somebody I think is going to have a huge impact on this organization.”
The Angels have Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto and other players early on in their big league careers, all of whom will greatly benefit from what Washington brings.
Torii Hunter calls Ron Washington a perfect fit as Angels manager
Filling out his coaching line was on Washington’s early to-do list, hiring Eric Young Sr., Ryan Goins, Tim Laker, Johnny Washington, Jerry Narron, Barry Enright and Bo Porter as first base coach.
Former Angels’ outfielder Torii Hunter was among names who could join his coaching staff, but he ultimately declined. However, he recently discussed his relationship with the new Angels manager, citing the positive aspects of what he’ll bring to the organization.
A lot of the same sentiments have been echoed when referring to Washington, in that he’s an incredible teacher, and brings a fire that fuels his approach as a positive voice.
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