Rangers Shocker
Ron Washington on Rangers resignation: 'I was not true to my wife'
Former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington broke his silence on the reason behind his sudden resignation on September 5, indicating that he had an affair and that he needed to recommit to his relationship with his wife.
Here is Washington's statement in its entirety:
When you respect baseball, baseball respects you. I made a mistake, and I’m embarrassed more than I’ve ever been in my life. I don’t run when I make a mistake. ‘When you put yourself in situations, you own it.’ Those are the types of things my wife would always say to me.
I was not true to my wife after 42 years. I broke her trust. I’m here today to own that mistake and to apologize to her and those I disappointed, and those who have trusted in me, and I let them down.
When I was 22 years old, I went to Mexico and a lot of things started making sense to me about the game of baseball. I began to figure it out. I was able to see things that maybe other people weren’t able to see. And I remember calling my wife and letting her know that, ‘I feel like I have arrived’ and I had figured this game out. In reality, you never figure the game out. But I did tell her to quit her job.
It was a really proud moment for me, and something I’ll always remember, and she’s always stood by me. 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, for disappointing Major League Baseball, and for disappointing the Texas Rangers.
All I ask is for your forgiveness and your understanding. I also ask that you respect our privacy as we go on with our lives. This matter is certainly personal and we’re 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. I look to the future and getting back in the game and continuing my career.
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.
The Rangers have made a bit of a resurgence since Washington’s departure, going 6-5 under interim manager Tim Bogar, including a current five-game winning streak. They’re playing the role of spoiler this September, sweeping the Atlanta Braves and taking the first two of a three-game series against the Oakland A’s.
