Fansided

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington resigns

By Mike Dyce

May 27, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington (38) walks back to the dug out in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington (38) walks back to the dug out in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ron Washington led the Texas Rangers through the most prosperous time in franchise history. Under his leadership starting in 2007, the Rangers won two AL Pennants and went to the World Series twice.

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During the 2014 season, the Rangers have struggled and slipped to a level of inadequacy the team hasn’t experienced in years and currently sit at 53-87. A lot of the 2014 struggles can be blamed on injuries that have plagued the Rangers, but Washington, who is 62 years old, is stepping down and resigning as manager of the Rangers.

The Rangers appointed bench coach Tim Bogar as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2014 season.

Washington said in a statement that it is because of an off-the-field personal matter however, and not the team’s 2014 form. During his time as the Rangers manager Washington was caught in a bit of a scandal for cocaine showing up in a drug test and it could be because of some relapse there, or another unknown personal matter.

Washington’s statement, via T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com:

“Today, I have submitted my resignation from the job I love – managing the Rangers – in order to devote my full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter. As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is what’s best for me and my family.

“This is in no way related to the disappointing performance of the team this season. We were already discussing 2015 and looking forward to getting the Rangers back to postseason contention.

“I deeply regret that I’ve let down the Rangers organization and our great fans. Over the past eight seasons, it’s been a privilege to be part of some of the best years in club history and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and for the great management, players, and coaches who have made our time here a success. Thank you for respecting my privacy.”

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said in his own statement that the team wasn’t considering removing Washington as manager despite the team’s struggles in 2014.

“Ron Washington informed us today that he has chosen to resign as Rangers manager in order to turn his full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter. Out of respect for Ron’s privacy, the Rangers will leave any comment on the details to him.

“While we are disappointed, we accept Ron’s decision and are grateful for his many contributions to the Rangers organization over the last eight years. This has certainly been a difficult season for our major league club in terms of on-field performance, but we were looking forward to moving ahead with Ron as our manager in 2015.

“Ron has guided the Rangers franchise to more victories than any manager in club history, including four straight 90-win seasons, three playoff appearances, and back-to-back American League championships. He has left his mark as a teacher, motivator, and leader on this organization. We wish Ron the best as he deals with this matter.”

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