Ron Washington got another chance to manage in the big leagues, and he's determined to make the most of it

Boston Globe

2 days ago

Washington walked into Fenway Park on Wednesday afternoon going for a sweep against the Red Sox, but was denied in
Get Starting Point
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
The Angels lost 99 games in Washington's first season in 2024, with three-time MVP Mike Trout limited to 29 games because of injuries. Trout already has missed 26 games this season with knee issues, but Washington has the Angels more competitive, more consistent, and playing more of his style.
Advertisement
But the clock is ticking. The Angels didn't hire a 71-year-old manager to foster a rebuild. And Washington plans to capitalize on his second chance after falling short in Texas a decade ago. Washington led the Rangers to two World Series appearances but resigned under controversy because of an extramarital affair.
Advertisement
But he remained relevant, got back into coaching, back to his expertise working with infielders, and then built up his résumé again after successful seasons as third base coach with the Braves. He wanted another chance in an industry that doesn't offer Black managers many do-overs.
'I know I can manage. I know I can lead guys,' he said. 'I know I can help an organization get where they want to get because I've been a leader all my life. I just wanted the opportunity to manage again. I wanted to be in Atlanta for the rest of my life, but if a managing job comes up, I don't care where it's at, that the only way I would leave.'
Starting over after losing his dream job wasn't easy, but it was necessary because Washington loves the game so much. His pride did not block his humility.
'I wasn't embarrassed to go back to the third base coaching box,' he said. 'I wasn't embarrassed to get back on [the field] and help these kids get better. I wasn't embarrassed to give to the game that gave to me. I wasn't embarrassed about none of that. I just loved the game.'
Washington's passion for the game is infectious. His pregame media session Wednesday was similar to a sermon, with Washington offering his baseball gospel, drawing in listeners with his words, convincing players that the fundamental way, a way that endures generations, is the right way.
'I've been loyal to the game and because I've been loyal to the game, it's been loyal to me,' said Washington, who played 10 major league seasons as an infielder. 'I still have my passion because there's so much youth in the game today and they need guys like me. We are a dying breed. I'm not talking about the managing part of it. I'm talking about trying to get them to understand how the game is played, how you come out here every day and give your best, how you become a great teammate.
Advertisement
'All of that stuff is part of baseball, but the glamour stuff has taken over. Back in the day, if you hit a home run and you do what these kids do today [to celebrate], you'd get one in the neck. And everybody in baseball knows it was going to happen.'
Getting one in the neck doesn't sound like a pleasurable experience, but when it comes out of Washington's mouth, it's hilarious. His Louisiana drawl and brutal honesty have made him a coaching mainstay for 30 years, since the days he was tutoring Eric Chavez and Miguel Tejada in Oakland.
Washington's rise to the managerial ranks was unlikely because he doesn't carry that big name. He worked feverishly at his craft, molding infielders, serving as a sage, mentor, and life coach, telling youngsters how it is because he cared, knowing they may not digest his advice smoothly.
That was then. This is now, when younger players ask why, where the 20-year-old fresh from Double A gives Washington his unsolicited opinion on how he can flourish in the big leagues. Washington may giggle at their suggestions, but he respects their voices. That respect is what has kept him relevant in the game.
Advertisement
'Those kids got passion for the game, too,' Washington said. 'Because they've got passion for the game, it's easy for me to express my passion. They want to be good. They want to win. But we don't know how to win yet. I've got four or five guys that we depend on every day that's in their second full year at the major league level. You can't take days off, even if you're not feeling very well.
'You're 20 years old, how much baseball do you know? How much experience have you got at 19? But they like to talk back. So I don't stop them from expressing that.'
Having an open ear, respecting players young enough to be his grandchildren, and showing them a different and more refined way is how Washington maintains his staying power.
'It's simple, I'm going to leave the game of baseball when Ron Washington is ready,' he said. 'Think I'm going to let some 20- or 19- or 22-year-old run me out of the game of baseball? What I do, I'll adjust. I'm not going to change who I am. When I feel like I can do that, then I'll go home. When I get tired, I'm going home. Right now, I'm sharp as a tack.'
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at