Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers understands how it feels to come from behind to achieve victory. The Rangers manager struggled with drug use in the past and failed a test for cocaine in 2009. Washington also admitted that he used marijuana and amphetamines during his playing career.
However, with treatment and rehabilitation, Washington has conquered his drug addiction and become one of the best managers in the MLB. He’s led the Rangers to back-to-back World Series and could become the second black manager to win a title if his team defeats the St. Louis Cardinals.
Here are five reasons Washington’s redemption in life will lead to a victory on the field. –amir shaw
1. He knows how to deal with adversity.
Washington has dealt with tremendous adversity off the field. But his tribulations have allowed him to manage close games to perfection. His team was slaughtered by a score of 16-7 in game 3 of the World Series and they came back to defeat the Cardinals 4-0 in Game 4.
2. Players can relate to his plight.
Washington has a great ability to relate to young players. It can take time to figure out the best way to deal with troubling situations. Washington understands that mistakes are inevitable, but he also can teach players how to bounce back.
3. He knows how to rally his troops.
The Texas Rangers have a winner’s attitude because Washington instilled it in them. He knows that deficits in life and in games are only temporary. “I made mistakes in my younger days. I want to get past it, move forward and get back on the field and start winning some ball games,” Washington once said.
4. His organization respects his character.
Washington will never admit to being the perfect person, but he stands up for himself and works to correct his mistakes. “I’m sure there are things in our past we’re not proud of. Ron could have avoided the question or lied, [but he] chose not to. I’m not going to punish him for being honest. That doesn’t excuse the behavior, but that’s reality,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels once said.
5. He’s a fighter.
It takes a strong person to admit to his transgressions and maintain leadership when at fault. The Cardinals are only a small obstacle in Washington’s quest to maintain his determination. “My family, friends and players know Ron Washington. I am a good person. No, I’m not a good person. I’m a damn good person. And I’m proud. And I fight. And I’m hungry. And I made a mistake,” he said.
