Ron Washington resigned as manager of the Texas Rangers on Friday, citing an “off-the-field personal matter” as the reason he has chosen to leave the team. The 62-year-old said in a statement that his decision had nothing to do with the Rangers’ poor performance this season.
“Today, I have submitted my resignation from the job I love — managing the Rangers — in order to devote my full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter,” Washington said, via MLB.com’s TR Sullivan. “As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is what’s best for me and my family.
“This is in no way related to the disappointing performance of the team this season. We were already discussing 2015 and looking forward to getting the Rangers back to postseason contention.”
Washington has managed the Rangers since 2007. He became the first manager in franchise history to win a playoff series back in 2010 and later took the team to its first World Series. The Rangers lost that year and returned to the World Series again in 2011, once again coming up short.
“I deeply regret that I’ve let down the Rangers organization and our great fans,” Washington continued. “Over the past eight seasons, it’s been a privilege to be part of some of the best years in club history and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and for the great management, players, and coaches who have made our time here a success. Thank you for respecting my privacy.”
Washington was firmly on the hot seat this season. The Rangers are 53-87 and have been a major disappointment. Tim Bogar will serve as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
