The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Washington adjusted lifestyle during quarantine, feels safe as MLB restarts
Braves coach says he’s doing what’s needed to work during pandemic.
Braves third base coach Ron Washington, at age 68, is comfortable coaching this season because he has faith in Major League Baseball and himself.
Washington falls under the highrisk category amid the coronavirus pandemic. He could’ve opted out of the season or perhaps even coached digitally rather than be physicallypresent. But he couldn’t willingly step away from the sport in which he’s been involved over four decades.
“I trust Major League Baseball, the protocols they have,” Washington said. “But I also trust me. I’m going to make certain that I do everything I have to do to make certain I can make it through this 60-game season, the playoffs if all that’s possible, and get home safely. So I’m masking up too. I’m doing everything I have to do. I’m staying distant from people. I’m only getting out when it’s time to go to the store. My process is to the house, to the ballpark,tothe house, to the ballpark.
“My wife allowed me to make that decision. Most wives, with this COVID-19 out here, would want
their loved ones home, but she knows this is what I do for a living. She knows how much I love it. She trusts me to do what I have to do to stay safe.”
The Braves had three individuals decide against participating this season: starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, outfielder Nick Markakis, and first base coach Eric Young Sr., who’s high-risk. Those announcements came after the Braves had four players — Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Touki Toussaint and Pete Kozma — test positive for COVID-19 on July 3. The news cycle has quieted since, with manager Brian Snitker recently saying it’s starting to feel like more normal preseason training.
“It took a couple days and we’re back to where we were when we left spring training,” Washington said. “As far as our legs, hands, the way we’re moving around, I feel pretty good about where we are right now.”
The Braves are growing accustomed to the sport’s extensive health and safety protocols. The rules have completely changed players’ and coaches’ daily lives. Washington is proud of how his players have handled the new realities. He stressed one primary reason he feels safe is because of how they’re approaching unprecedented conditions.
“Our young kids are class acts,” he said. “They know what’s at stake here and they’re taking it seriously. You hear about other teams around the league and how they’re having problems, but here we haven’t been having any problems. That’s because our young kids have really, really, really been making certain that when they’re away from the ballpark, they take care of themselves. When they come to the ballpark, they take care of themselves.”
Washington explained that he feels safer at Truist Park than anywhere else because of the widespread guidelines. “This is very safe. You don’t get in here unless you’re negative, and that’s the good thing. They check you in and once you get in here, the training staff and medical staff that’s here, they’re like hawks. They’re around making certain guys are doing what they’re supposed to do. Sometimes you get out there and you might get a little lax, but there’s always someone in your ear making certain that you’re getting back into the protocol. It’s going to be different, but in the end, it’s baseball.”
During months of house chores, constant TV and movie watching, and infrequent trips to the grocery store, Washington made lifestyle changes. He said he hasn’t smoked a cigarette since leaving the team’s facilities in North Port, Florida, on March 13. Life, like baseball, is all about the adjustments, he says.
“It’s mind over matter,” Washington said. “I’ve been a strong-willed, strong-minded person my whole life. You have to do what you have to do. Life is changing and you just have to go with it. Hopefully the day will come that we’re back to normal soon.
“This is serious business . ... The game of baseball is about readjusting, adjusting and readjusting. It never stops. Life is in the same pattern.”
Washington joined the Braves in October 2016 as third base coach. He’s been instrumental in the team’s turnaround, acclaimed for his defensive expertise, lively leadership, infectious enthusiasm and ability to relate to players.
Several Braves, especially second baseman Ozzie Albies, have developed tight bonds with Washington. “Wash means everything to our team,” Albies said. “He does his best to get everybody ready at what we do. Better feet, better hands. He makes stuff happen. He makes magic happen with a lot of guys.”
Washington was a finalist for the Padres’ managerial job last offseason. He hasn’t managed since his tenure with the Rangers (2007-14), during which the club made the postseason three times and won its only two American League pennants.