Ron Washington is clearly missed by the Atlanta Braves, and it appears that he is as well.

The Atlanta Braves are missing Ron Washington, and it appears that he is too. ANAHEIM, CA His boisterous, filthy humor. His distinct laugh. The daily texts he sent to players, encouraging them to be confident. The seriousness and vintage swagger he radiated. the unwavering optimism.

The Atlanta Braves miss these qualities in Ron Washington, also known as “Wash,” their longstanding third-base coach and infield instructor who resigned after the 2017 season to manage the Los Angeles Angels, taking first-base coach Eric Young Sr. with him.

In the first three games of their three-game series against the Angels, which started on Friday, numerous Braves players made it a point to approach and embrace Washington on the field prior to batting practice. Atlanta went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and lost 3-2.

Not the blatant salutations for a coach gone. These were sincere, firm hugs, the kind you could get from close friends or relatives who haven’t seen each other in a long time.

While Washington, 72, kept Angels media members waiting a long time in the home dugout for their scheduled pregame session with him, Braves manager Brian Snitker remarked, “It was good to see him, I know that.” Snitker stood and spoke with Washington in front of the visitors dugout for at least thirty minutes. “I’m sure he had fun seeing everyone, including the guys.”
For Braves infielders, Washington was more than just a trainer. All the players not only enjoyed having around him, but also held him in high regard.

Second baseman Ozzie Albies looked up to him as a father figure and mentor. When Ronald Acuña Jr. was still a young and inexperienced star for the Braves, he was the coach that didn’t hesitate to give the young player the feedback he needed.

Third baseman Austin Riley, first baseman Matt Olson, and former Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, among others, attribute their improved defensive performances to him. Riley, in particular, feels that he has improved his game by a few notches.

Riley emphasized that the Angels picked Washington as manager for a purpose, even though he was 71 years old at the time—at least 25–30 years older than the majority of managers appointed in the modern era. He is special. He’s an excellent motivator. When he enters a room, attention is drawn to him. The players always had his back, and he made sure of it. They cherished Wash. Continue to do.