Ron Washington's journey through the world of baseball is a testament to his enduring presence in the sport. Born on April 29, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Washington's early years in baseball began in the minor leagues. He was signed by the Kansas City Royals as an amateur free agent in 1970, but it wasn't until 1977 that he made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Washington's playing career in the majors spanned parts of ten seasons, during which he played as an infielder. His time on the field saw him don the uniforms of several teams, including the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, and Houston Astros. Known for his defensive skills, Washington primarily played shortstop and second base. His batting average over his MLB career was .261, with 20 home runs and 146 runs batted in.
After retiring as a player, Washington transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to influence the game. His coaching career began in the minor leagues, but he quickly ascended to the majors. In 1996, he joined the Oakland Athletics as a first base coach and later served as their infield and third base coach. Washington's tenure with the Athletics was marked by his ability to develop infield talent, contributing to the team's defensive prowess.
In 2007, Washington took on the role of manager for the Texas Rangers. Under his leadership, the Rangers experienced a period of success, reaching the World Series in 2010 and 2011. Although the team fell short of winning the championship both times, Washington's managerial skills were widely recognized. His approach to managing was characterized by a focus on fundamentals and an ability to connect with players, fostering a strong team dynamic.
Washington's time with the Rangers came to an end in 2014 when he resigned as manager, citing personal reasons. Despite his departure, his influence on the team and the players he mentored remained evident. After leaving the Rangers, Washington returned to coaching, joining the Oakland Athletics once again as a coach in 2015.
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