Home

MLB

Mike Trout Reveals How Manager Ron Washington Changed Locker Room Culture Since Shohei Ohtani’s Exit

Published 04/18/2024, 11:30 AM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels’ undisputed superstar, has shared a heartwarming detail. In an interview, he was asked about the sweet gesture of the Angels’ manager, Ron Washington. He indicated that, though this was a small gesture, it had a big impact. After all, isn’t it all about positivity and a sense of motivation in the clubhouse? 

As Trout spoke about, the 71-year-old Washington takes the time to write a personalized snippet of a message ever so often. Whether it’s a motivational quote or just something players might need to hear, place it on each player’s chair. Now, that’s something a player could use right before every game or the first game of a series.

Mike Trout Appreciates Ron Washington’s Gesture 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The 32-year-old Trout’s words reflected gratitude for his manager. He said, “It’s great, just something to pick me up. You know stuff that we need to build on buy in on. I think it’s been great for everybody in the clubhouse. I look forward to coming and seeing that paper on my chair just to read it. The motivational quotes. He takes the time to write it down every day or every first game of the series.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Simple acts such as this highlight the leadership style of Ron Washington. He is not just focused on X’s and O’s; it’s evident that he recognizes the importance of building a team culture that puts motivation and a positive mindset above all else. After all, that’s what one needs to have a winning attitude.

The Angels have not seen a winning season since 2015. It turned out that their recent managerial carousel hasn’t helped. However, Washington’s arrival brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of victories. His dedication to his players, as he displayed through his motivational message ritual, is a welcome one for the team.

A New Era for the Angles With Ron Washington on Board and Shohei Ohtani’s Exit?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Mike Trout’s excitement and gratitude about the motivational messages indicate positivity in both the player and the manager. It suggests a buy-in from the team’s star player, which can be a crucial factor in creating a winning atmosphere. Let’s not forget that Trout has been the star player on the team since Shohei Ohtani’s departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

So is this the start of a new era for the Halos? Although it is still early, Ron Washington’s leadership, along with his personalized touch, might resonate with the Halos despite Ohtani’s absence. One thing remains to be seen. Will this translate to on-field success? Nevertheless, the team is clearly entering a new era, and the players do seem motivated under Washington’s guidance.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Kanishka Prakash

803Articles

One take at a time

A pro MLB writer at EssentiallySports, Kanishka Prakash has two years of experience in content curation. Having multiple 'Editors Pick' under her name, Kanishka’s coverage focuses on the legendary Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and current superstars Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper. Not just that, she covers exclusives, her latest on a Chicago Cubs pitching coordinator, and also goes on to discuss trade agreements.
Show More>