Veteran baseball figure and Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington says he’s recovering from quadruple bypass heart surgery after a health scare took him out of action in late June.
At 73, he’s the oldest manager in Major League Baseball. Washington shared his recovery story while visiting the team in Texas, eight weeks after surgery.
He won’t return to the dugout this season. Still, his resilience, lifestyle changes, and dedication to his players have drawn admiration from around the baseball world.
Ron Washington’s Health Scare and Surgery
Washington’s ordeal started during a series against the New York Yankees. He felt shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.
Doctors quickly ran tests and found severe valve blockages. Stents weren’t an option, so they recommended quadruple bypass surgery right away.
The June 30 Operation in California
Washington went under the knife on June 30. Recovery was rough—he admitted there were moments in the hospital when he worried he might not make it.
He credits his medical team and support network for pulling him through. Washington feels the surgery gave him another shot at life, and he doesn’t hide his gratitude.
Lifestyle Changes and Determination
Since then, Washington’s made real changes for his health. He’s eating better, sleeping more, and—maybe most impressively—he quit smoking for good.
He says he feels “strong” these days and hopes to be fully recovered by December. It’s a pretty optimistic outlook, all things considered.
Returning in Spirit, If Not in Person
He’s not back managing games, but Washington’s reconnected with his team. He’s started joining the Angels on some road trips, offering support and leadership from the sidelines.
Players and staff have responded with real emotion, praising the impact Washington has on the clubhouse—even when he’s not in the dugout.
Washington’s Legacy in Baseball
Washington’s legacy goes way beyond the Angels. He’s probably best known for leading the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Later, he added a World Series ring as a coach with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. That’s no small feat.
Leadership During Challenging Times
He took over a struggling Angels squad in a tough spot after Shohei Ohtani’s departure and Mike Trout’s recurring injuries.
While Washington recovers, interim manager Ray Montgomery leads the team and tries to keep them competitive. Washington’s influence sticks around, though, providing a steadying force for the players.
Impact Beyond Baseball
At 73, Washington’s recovery goes beyond sports. His story shows resilience, the value of quick medical help, and why lifestyle changes matter after a health scare.
It’s a reminder—even for pro athletes and coaches—sometimes you have to listen to your body and put health first.
- Age-defying leadership: Washington’s still inspiring as MLB’s oldest active manager.
- Life-saving surgery: Quadruple bypass fixed valve blockages that stents couldn’t touch.
- Commitment to well-being: He quit smoking and changed his diet to protect his heart.
- Unwavering support: He visits players on the road, even while recovering.
- Proven track record: Led teams to several World Series and won a championship.
Looking Ahead
December’s almost here, and there’s a sense of hope surrounding Ron Washington’s recovery. Fans and players are holding out for good news.
Even if he’s not back at full speed, just having Washington around lifts the Angels. His resilience is a quiet reminder of what matters when things get tough.
Maybe, if things go right, we’ll see him in uniform again next season. Wouldn’t that be something?
Right now, though, he’s keeping his attention on getting healthy and spending time with his family. He’s still sharing wisdom with his players whenever he can.
In baseball—and honestly, in life—you can’t help but notice how much experience and heart matter. Sometimes, that’s worth more than any playbook.
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