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Texas Rangers Manager Ron Washington Resigns

Keith Allison
/
Flickr

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington has resigned. He’s leaving to address an “off-the-field personal matter.”

Washington has coached the Rangers since 2006, leading the baseball team to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

But the Rangers are 53 and 87 this season after several starters were injured.  

In a statement, Washington said that stepping away from the Rangers is best for him and his family. He said he regrets letting down the team and the fans. 

Team officials discussed the departure at a press conference this afternoon.  They say Washington's resignation is not drug-related. Washington failed a drug test in 2009 after using cocaine.

Bench coach Tim Bogar has been appointed interim manager for the rest of the season.

Washington has guided the Texas Rangers through more victories than any other manager, which includes four straight 90-win seasons and three playoff appearances.

Washington's statement
 
Washington released the following statement on his departure: 

"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.   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.

I deeply regret that I've let down the Rangers organization and our great fans. 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."

Bogar, who's been appointed interim manager for the rest of the season, has spent the last 11 seasons as a major league coach and minor league manager. Bogar is in his first season on the Rangers staff.

Former KERA staffer Krystina Martinez was an assistant producer. She produced local content for Morning Edition and KERANews.org. She also produced The Friday Conversation, a weekly series of conversations with North Texas newsmakers. Krystina was also the backup newscaster for the Texas Standard.