Ron Washington

Ron Washington on August 14, 2015 (cropped)

Ron Washington (born April 29, 1952) is an American former professional baseball shortstop and current Major League Baseball (MLB) coach. He is best known for his tenure as the manager of the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014. Washington is currently a coach for the Atlanta Braves.

Early Life and Playing Career[edit | edit source]

Washington was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended John McDonogh High School and later played college baseball at Manuel Dominguez High School in Compton, California. Washington was signed as an amateur free agent by the Kansas City Royals in 1970.

Washington made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977. He also played for the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, and Houston Astros during his career. Primarily a shortstop, Washington was known for his defensive skills and versatility, also playing second base and third base.

Coaching Career[edit | edit source]

After retiring as a player, Washington began his coaching career. He served as a coach for the Oakland Athletics from 1996 to 2006, where he was highly regarded for his work with infielders.

Texas Rangers[edit | edit source]

In 2007, Washington was hired as the manager of the Texas Rangers. Under his leadership, the Rangers won the American League pennant in 2010 and 2011, making their first-ever World Series appearances. Washington resigned as the Rangers' manager in September 2014, citing personal reasons.

Atlanta Braves[edit | edit source]

Washington joined the Atlanta Braves as a third base coach in 2016. He has been instrumental in developing the Braves' infield defense and has contributed to the team's success, including their 2021 World Series championship.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Washington is married to Gerry Washington. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has worked to overcome these challenges throughout his career.