Ron Washington explains resignation
IRVING, Texas -- Former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said Thursday that he resigned earlier this month because he was "not true to my wife."
"I was not true to my wife, after 42 years," Washington said as his wife, Gerry, sat nearby during the news conference. "I broke her trust. I'm here today to own that mistake and apologize to her, and to those I disappointed, and those who have trusted in me, and I let them down.
"... Today, I'm at a very low time in my life. I'm sorry for breaking the trust that I had with my wife and for disappointing my players, for disappointing my coaches, disappointing Major League Baseball and for disappointing the Texas Rangers."
After making his statement, Washington stepped off a small stage and put his arm around his wife's shoulder, and she put her arm around his waist as they walked off together.
Citing personal reasons, Washington stunned the Rangers with his resignation Sept. 5. At the time, club officials said they had known for weeks that Washington was dealing with a personal matter but didn't disclose what the issues were.
After discussing all sorts of scenarios regarding whether he could remain with the club or not, Washington determined it was best to leave.
"All I ask is for your forgiveness and your understanding," Washington said Thursday. "I also ask that you respect our privacy as we go on with our lives. This matter is certainly personal and we are trying hard to put it behind us.
"I was born to be a baseball player. I'm a baseball lifer. The Rangers gave me a home, and I'm thankful for that. And I'm also thankful for the experience to have the opportunity to manage here in Texas."
The Rangers had no response to Washington's statement Thursday, noting that Washington resigned "to turn his full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter," and that any inquiries regarding the situation should be directed to the former manager.
Several players have reached out to Washington since his departure, including third baseman Adrian Beltre, who wouldn't reveal details of that conversation.
Rangers pitcher Derek Holland has a picture of Washington taped to his locker at Globe Life Park.
"I made a mistake. I'm embarrassed more than I've ever been in my life," said Washington, who also was accompanied by attorney Jason Lewis at the news conference, which was held at a Las Colinas hotel. "I don't run when I make a mistake. When you put yourself in situations, you own it."
The 62-year-old Washington had a 664-611 record in his eight seasons with the Rangers, guiding the franchise to its first two World Series appearances (2010, '11). He is the franchise's leader in regular-season wins and games managed, and he had an 18-16 record in three postseason appearances.
In 2009, Washington tested positive for cocaine and was subjected to random drug testing. Washington begged for forgiveness and even offered to resign, but then-team president Nolan Ryan stuck with him, signing him to a two-year contract extension in 2012.
As a player, 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 pro. 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 after the '06 season.
Washington was replaced by Tim Bogar on an interim basis.
After a 1-5 start, the Rangers are now 6-5 with Bogar.
Bogar will be given an opportunity to interview for the full-time position once the season is over. Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is under consideration to replace Washington, as well.
"I look to the future and getting back into the game and continuing my career," Washington said. "I wanted to give a final thanks to the fans. Texas Rangers fans, you've been good to me, and I will miss the Metroplex, and I will miss you. That's all I have to say. Thank you."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
