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.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman was first with the report.
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.
For starters, the team is getting an infield genius.
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
People are having mixed emotions, of course.
Blooper, the Braves mascot, wasn’t too happy about the news.
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.