Ron Washington Resigns As Manager Of Texas Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - The baseball world took a major hit Friday as Ron Washington resigned as the manager of the Texas Rangers.
[tweet https://twitter.com/MLB/status/507979643798831104]
In a statement released to the media Washington writes:
"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.
"This is in no way related to the disappointing performance of the team this season."
"I deeply regret that I've let down the Rangers organization and our great fans. Over the past eight season, 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 out time here a success. Thank you for respecting my privacy."
Washington was a skinny middle infielder who had more than twice as many games in the minors than the majors in 20 seasons as a professional player. He then spent four years as a minor league coach before 11 seasons as an assistant in Oakland, the last 10 as the third-base coach before the Rangers hired him.
Washington took the top spot as the Rangers 17th full-time manager in 2006. His record at the helm is 664-611, and he is the franchise's all-time leader in regular season wins and games managed (1275).
Washington not only led the Rangers as manager for eight seasons, but led the team to five straight winning seasons '09-'13.
"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." said Jon Daniels, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager of the Rangers. "Ron 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."
Bench coach Tim Bogar has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the 2014 season.
During the 2009 season Washington tested positive for cocaine. He admitted making a "huge mistake" and offered his resignation to then Rangers president Nolan Ryan -- the team declined to accept it. While the Rangers currently have the worst record in baseball, Washington said his resignation has nothing to do with the Rangers performance or his past drug use history.
Today's events were certainly unexpected. Just last moth it was announced that Washington would lead squad of MLB All Stars as they toured Japan for a series of exhibition games this off-season.
The trip will mark the 11th All-Star Series and the 36th time overall that a team of MLB players has traveled to Japan for a series of exhibition games.
When the extension was announced Rangers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jon Daniels said, "Under Wash's guidance and tutelage, the Rangers have enjoyed their greatest successes in franchise history. I look forward to working with him to build on that success in 2014 and beyond."
*This is a developing story. Listen to 105.3 The Fan and follow CBSDFW.COM for more information.
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