Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington is the oldest skipper in Major League Baseball at 73. He’s now recovering from major heart surgery after a scary health episode earlier this summer.
Washington started feeling shortness of breath in late June. Doctors found several severe blockages, which led to a quadruple bypass procedure.
He’s a beloved baseball figure with decades of experience. These days, he’s focusing on his health and hoping to return to the dugout — just not this season.
Ron Washington’s Health Scare
During a June series against the New York Yankees, Washington noticed some troubling symptoms. Tests showed he had serious cardiovascular issues that needed immediate attention.
He went to the hospital on June 23. Surgery happened on June 30 in California, and he spent over a week recovering before heading home on July 7.
A Life-Saving Procedure
Washington called the operation “life-saving.” The quadruple bypass fixed critical blockages that could’ve ended badly if left untreated.
This experience has pushed him to rethink his lifestyle. He’s taking it seriously now, and who could blame him?
A New Focus on Health
Since surgery, Washington’s made big changes for his long-term health. He quit his long-time smoking habit and cleaned up his diet.
He’s also working on getting better sleep. For a guy who’s always been so competitive and locked into baseball, these changes are a big deal.
Not Returning This Season
Washington wants to be back on the field, but his doctors told him to sit out the rest of the 2025 season. He’s not managing a game this year.
He’s aiming to be fully ready by December, hoping for a return to managing in the 2026 MLB season. That’s the plan, at least for now.
The Angels Without Their Leader
When Washington stepped away, the Angels were 36-38. Things went downhill fast after that, and the team finished 2024 with a franchise-worst 63-99 record.
Ray Montgomery took over as interim manager in late June. Washington’s absence has really been felt in the clubhouse and in the standings.
A Morale Boost Upon His Return
Washington hasn’t resumed managing, but he did visit the clubhouse in Texas. Players and staff greeted him warmly, and his presence lifted everyone’s spirits.
They described it as a much-needed morale boost during a tough season. Sometimes, just seeing the right person can make a difference.
Washington’s Career Legacy
Ron Washington’s baseball career is long and accomplished. He led the Texas Rangers to the World Series twice, earning respect as a leader in the sport.
He also played a key role in the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series championship as a coach. The guy knows how to build winning teams.
A Future Still in Baseball
His first year with the Angels didn’t end the way he wanted. Still, Washington isn’t planning to walk away from the game he loves.
For now, he’ll stay connected with the team as he keeps getting healthier. Baseball’s in his blood, and it doesn’t sound like he’s done yet.
Looking Ahead
Washington’s recovery journey reminds us that even the fiercest competitors have to put health first. His story is both a warning and a spark of hope: a sudden health scare, the value of catching things early, and the guts it takes to bounce back.
- June 23: He went to the hospital after showing symptoms during a Yankees series.
- June 30: Doctors performed quadruple bypass surgery in California.
- July 7: He left the hospital to start recovering at home.
- 2026 season: He’s aiming to return to managing.
The Angels will finish 2025 with someone else at the helm. Still, a lot of folks around baseball can’t help but look forward to Ron Washington’s next move.
If he brings even half the fire off the field that he’s always shown on it, I wouldn’t bet against seeing him back in a dugout—hopefully healthier and more fired up than ever.
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Here is the source article for this story: Halos’ Washington had quadruple bypass, eyes ’26
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