The Atlanta Braves saw Ron Washington depart the team this week. Washington, who formerly managed the Texas Rangers, returned to the American League West Division with the news that he became the new manager for the Los Angeles Angels.
As you might expect, some players took the news harder than others. One of those players was switch-hitting All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies.
Albies penned a heartfelt goodbye message to the departing Washington on social media. Talkin’ Baseball posted the message, which was written on the second baseman’s Instagram account.
Ozzie Albies says thank you to Ron Washington pic.twitter.com/454GlWaEUf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 9, 2023
“Wash helped me become the player I am today. He was always there for me and supported me in so many different ways. I’ll always be thankful to have had this time to work with him. Thank you Wash for everything. God Bless You. Braves Country will miss you.”
Washington worked as a coach on the Braves staff from 2017-2023. Fittingly, Albies’ career with the Braves also began in the 2017 season. So Washington oversaw Albies’ development and growth at the Major League level. He’s turned into one of the best second basemen in the league and one of the best switch-hitters in baseball.
Washington will have a fascinating task ahead of him in Anaheim. The Angels haven’t made the MLB Postseason since 2014 despite sporting Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani over the last few seasons.
