There might not be a more beloved figure in the Braves organization than Ron Washington. His no-nonsense approach to life is especially appealing in a day when everyone is worried about saying or doing the wrong thing; not Wash, though.
It’s a bittersweet moment seeing him leave Atlanta for Los Angeles as he’s set to take over the Angels as a manager for the first time since he led the Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances. It’s bitter because he was such an integral piece of the Braves’ success, but it’s sweet because he’ll finally get to be the skipper again.
It’s nothing but love between both sides, though. Braves Country loves Ron Washington, and Ron Washington loves Braves Country; in fact, he called the fan base the most loyal he’s ever been around.
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That certainly carries some weight coming from a guy who has been in Major League Baseball in some capacity for nearly 40 years with 9 different organizations.
He spent 10 seasons as a player, mostly with the Twins but also with the Dodgers, Orioles, Guardians (then called the Indians), and Astros, then 28 seasons as a coach or manager with the Rangers, Athletics, and Braves.
Thanks to TBS, the Braves have become a national brand. In the South, it’s SEC football and the Braves. Other professional sports, including the NBA and NFL, take a back seat in most households that aren’t transplants.
Ron Washington isn’t saying anything groundbreaking; Braves Country knows just how special they are as fans. You can go to a random weekday game in the middle of the summer and Truist Park will be filled.
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