The entire baseball world was left on edge when Ron Washington announced he was stepping away indefinitely due to undisclosed health concerns.
On Monday, the Angels manager addressed the media for the first time since late June, revealing he underwent quadruple bypass surgery. A significant procedure, but one Washington says he’s recovering from well—so well, in fact, that he hopes to return to managing by next season.
“(Doctors) told me by the time I reach eight weeks I could start doing some light work, but my light work was to come up to Texas and be with the team,” Washington said, via Stephen Hawkins of The Associated Press. “I feel great, I really do. … I didn’t come here to work, I came here to be around my guys and have fun with them.”
Washington admitted the surgery saved his life. He was hospitalized on June 23rd and had the surgery a week later. By July 7th, he was discharged from the hospital and is now focusing on a healthier lifestyle.
Few embody the phrase “baseball lifer” more than Ron Washington. He spent over a decade in the majors before immediately entering the coaching ranks, serving in a number of roles for north of 30 years.
Seven of those years were spent with the Atlanta Braves from 2017-2023. Washington was a beloved figure at third base and lauded for his presence in the clubhouse, helping the Braves to six straight division titles and a World Series. His opportunity to manage again was long overdue, and following the 2023 season, he finally got his chance with the Los Angeles Angels.
At 73, Washington is the oldest manager in the majors. If his recovery continues on track, he hopes to still hold that distinction when the 2026 season begins.
“It’s awesome. … He looks like himself. I’m just really glad to see him out here, and I know everybody here is pretty excited,” Angels outfielder Jo Adell said. “He’s bouncing back and making it a point to get back here with us. I think it’s big for everybody. I think it speaks to who he is.”
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire