Things just got much worse for the Texas Rangers, who are already having a terrible season. The team’s manager since the 2007 campaign, Ron Washington, is said to have left the organization.
On Friday afternoon, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune broke the following news:
Background information on the subject was given by Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
The #Rangers have announced that manager Ron Washington has resigned to focus on personal matters.
The Rangers went 664-611 and won the American League pennant twice while Washington was in Texas, but they lost both World Series. In addition, he managed the All-Star Game in 2012 and 2011 seasons.
MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan cited Washington’s resignation statement as follows:
I have turned in today.my decision to step down from my beloved position as Rangers manager in order to focus entirely on taking care of a personal issue that is off the field. Even though it hurts, giving up on the game is best for my family and me.
This has nothing to do with the team’s underwhelming season-long performance. We were talking about 2015 already, eager to get the Rangers back into the postseason picture.
I sincerely apologize for disappointing the Rangers organization and our wonderful supporters. I’ve had the honor of participating in some of the greatest seasons in the club’s history over the last eight seasons, and I will always be appreciative of the chances I’ve had here, as well as the fantastic coaching, players,and coaches who have helped us succeed during our time here. I appreciate you keeping my privacy in mind.
Sporting News’ Jesse Spector shared his thoughts on the resignation:
Ron Washington’s departure from the Rangers surprised me. I hope he resolves all of his personal issues and returns to baseball soon.
According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, Tim Bogar, the bench coach, will temporarily assume managerial responsibilities in his place:
