The Los Angeles Angels closed out their managerial search with the hiring of Ron Washington as the team’s newest skipper.
Washington was among several veteran names in the mix, alongside former New York Mets manager Buck Showalter. The Angels were able to pry him away from the Atlanta Braves, providing him with an opportunity to lead their relatively young lineup.
With the top spot locked in, and the Angels making their own coaching changes prior, Washington is rumored to have a full coaching staff mapped out, including Torii Hunter as his first base coach.
Ron Washington, the first Black manager hired in 3 years, also plans to have a star-studded diverse coaching staff:
Chili Davis, hitting coach
Torii Hunter, 1B
Eric Young Sr., 3B
Clint Hurdle, bench coach
Ryan Goins, infield coach
https://t.co/5sCkbeoaZ3— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 8, 2023
Hunter has been a named thrown around with the Angels, as he was in the mix as a potential candidate for the manager slot. It’s unknown how deep the consideration went, but in recent years, the former All-Star outfielder has made it clear he desired to join MLB coaching ranks.
Hunter made a preseason appearance at Angels Spring Training in Tempe, Arizona, along with John Lackey and Adam Kennedy. The front office and many around spring camp took note of his energy and enthusiasm, which will fit in with what the team is hoping to bring forward in 2024.
Torii Hunter excelled when playing for the Angels
During Hunter’s 19-year playing career, he spent five years from 2008-to-2012 in an Angels uniform. He became a steady force in the lineup, bringing stellar outfield play with him.
In 713 games, he posted an .814 on-base plus slugging with 105 home runs, 432 RBI, and 396 runs scored. Hunter was named to three American League All-Star teams, earned two Gold Glove Awards and tallied two Silver Slugger Awards.
Hunter amassed 50.7 WAR, won nine career Gold Glove Awards, making five All-Star teams.
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