The awaited Angels managerial search ended on Wednesday when they announced the hiring of Ron Washington to be the team’s successor to Phil Nevin.
OFFICIAL: the Angels have hired Ron Washington as the Club’s manager. pic.twitter.com/NGWV6X10PW
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) November 8, 2023
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman was first with the report.
Breaking: Angels hire Ron Washington for their manager job
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 8, 2023
Washington, 71, had spent the previous seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves serving as the third base coach, assisting them in a 2021 World Series win with the team.
This also isn’t his first managerial stint as he was the Texas Rangers skipper from 2007-14. He won the AL pennant with the 2010 and ’11 teams.
Here’s how the sports world is reacting to the news.
The Braves wished Washington the best of luck and gave thanks for all he’s done over the years for their organization.
On behalf of Braves Country, THANK YOU Wash! pic.twitter.com/WrptW4FsnD
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 8, 2023
What Wash did for the Braves over the past seven seasons should never be forgotten. He’s a tireless worker who devotes equal energy to Hall of Famers and 4A players. He makes everyone around him better. Glad to see he is getting another chance. https://t.co/4h2nRkIGCD
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 8, 2023
For starters, the team is getting an infield genius.
The Angels hired Ron Washington
Here’s an example of the kind of uplifting leader and defensive genius he is: pic.twitter.com/jd8ebaKF7k
— Jake (@D1SCHER) November 8, 2023
Washington single-handedly helped infielder Marcus Semien during their time with the Oakland A’s as the Gold Glove Award-winner tried to perfect his infield game.
As 1st half closes, Semien has stuck w/daily pregame drills w/Ron Washington. Melvin credits it for improvement pic.twitter.com/BepKIkVqaJ
— Joe Stiglich (@Joe_Stiglich) July 10, 2016
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, RON WASHINGTON 🥹 the third base windmill and the pregame fielding drills will never be the same. Nobody deserves this opportunity more 👏🏼🥹pic.twitter.com/vwNXAOhORU
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) November 8, 2023
People are having mixed emotions, of course.
It's possible to be simultaneously thrilled for someone's opportunity while being exceptionally sad to see them go. I'd say that describes Ron Washington and the #Braves – and the fanbase – at this news.
Congrats, Wash! You'll be missed. https://t.co/8KwzarhZtb
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) November 8, 2023
Blooper, the Braves mascot, wasn’t too happy about the news.
“Hey Blooper, what does Ron Washington mean to you and the Braves organization?” pic.twitter.com/KVwYRXyu6D
— Blooper (@BlooperBraves) November 8, 2023
MLBNetwork: "I'm your mechanic on duty, you just play.”
Back in 2019, we spent a day on the backfields with new @Angels skipper Ron Washington. pic.twitter.com/ZJMJnVavIT
— GHT⚾️24*7*365 (@GHTMLB) November 8, 2023
There were several finalists in line for the job with reports linking Buck Showalter, who was recently fired from the Mets, and even former Angels outfielder and five-time All-Star Torii Hunter.
The Angels decided to not pick up Nevin’s 2024 option following a 73-89 record.
