ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Angels announced on Wednesday that they have hired Ron Washington to fill their managerial vacancy, signing him to a two-year contract.
Washington, 71, will return to managing after a nine-year hiatus. Initially hired following the 2006 season, Washington managed the Texas Rangers from 2007 and 2014, where he went 644-611 as the manager, taking the club to back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011. Washington resigned from his position late in the 2014 season to focus on his family after openly commenting about extramarital affairs.
Washington returned to coaching in 2015 with the Oakland Athletics and was hired as the Atlanta Braves third base coach following the 2016 season, where he has spent the last seven seasons and grew a connection with Angels GM Perry Minasian.
Washington had his final interview with the Angels on Tuesday night, according to a report from Sam Blum of The Athletic, where the Angels decided his experience and teaching abilities would make him a proper fit for their young core. Among the finalists for the Angels manager position was Buck Showalter, who was replaced by Washington for the Rangers position in 2007. Other candidates reported were Gary DiSarcina, Torii Hunter, and Ray Montgomery.
Known for his ability to connect with players on a one-on-one level and his “Wash-isms”, Washington is well-regarded among his peers in the industry for his teaching and developing ability. A long-time infield instructor, he focuses on the fundamentals — particularly with position players — while holding all players accountable.
The Angels have voids in their coaching staff that will continue to be filled by Washington and Angels GM Perry Minasian after the departures of Matt Wise (Pitching Coach), Marcus Thames (Hitting Coach), and Drew Butera (Catching Coach), all of which left the Angels for coaching positions with the Chicago White Sox. In a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, it was noted that Washington has a desire to bring in a diverse staff that may include Chili Davis, Torii Hunter, Eric Young Sr., Ryan Goins, and Clint Hurdle, though that report has not been confirmed by the organization.
The Angels will formally introduce Washington at a press conference to be held next week.
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