The Rangers have wasted this season. And on Friday they butchered the departure of the best, winningest manager in franchise history.
Ron Washington abruptly quit the team. And fans who have loved, supported, forgiven and cheered him for seven years are left without a clue as to why.
In his statement Washington said he was resigning for a personal reason and that “I deeply regret that I’ve let down the Rangers organization and our great fans.”
Uh-oh (we all thought). Washington of course tested positive for cocaine and was suspended back in 2009. But in the press conference at Globe Life Park, general manager Jon Daniels said his manager’s move wasn’t drug-related. Sources in the front office say the issue isn’t Washington’s health, and he certainly wasn’t fired despite his injury-riddled team owning the worst record in baseball.
You're telling me that Washington - one of the most passionate, optimistic, baseball-lovin' personalities in the history of this planet - just shrugged and gave up? Sorry, I'm not buying that he would ever voluntarily come to that conclusion about anything in his life.
I’m told when Washington made the announcement to his team he had two of his lawyers in the clubhouse. Is this a legal matter? Perhaps a family matter, even an impending divorce? Did Wash ask for a leave of absence to get his problem fixed? And was he denied?
Admittedly it’s all speculation, because that’s what the Rangers have forced us to do.
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Imagine Jason Garrett just walking out of Valley Ranch today without an explanation. Or Rick Carlisle, just gone without a trace.
It’s a disservice to loyal fans who deserve better. Who deserve the truth.
And it’s another sad sign that with each passing departure – Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Nolan Ryan, Ron Washington – that the Rangers may never get closer to winning a World Series than in Game 6 back in 2011.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
