Heart of a Manager: Ron Washington’s Fight to Keep Leading | Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges
When you think of Ron Washington, you think of grit, leadership, and baseball wisdom that spans generations. But in this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges sits down with the Los Angeles Angels manager to uncover a story that goes far beyond the field.
Washington opens up about the three terrifying days he ignored warning signs—until he landed in the hospital for an emergency quadruple bypass surgery. With honesty and humor, he shares what it was like to come face-to-face with mortality, the lifestyle changes he’s making, and why he still feels “born to lead” in baseball.
Alongside Ron’s powerful story, Norm delivers his trademark mix of sports and heart: tackling the controversy over Tommy Fleetwood edging out Scotty Scheffler in golf’s latest championship, and spotlighting the McLean brothers’ awe-inspiring row across the Pacific Ocean—a journey for both world records and clean water charity.
This episode blends sports history, raw humanity, and the kind of conversation you don’t want to end.
Chapters
0:00 – Ron Washington’s Health Scare & Career Reflections
A 57-year career in baseball, interrupted by a fight for his life.
3:41 – Quadruple Bypass Surgery
Ron describes the scary reality of waiting too long to see a doctor.
7:03 – Breaking Habits, Building Health
How smoking, rehab, and recovery shaped his new daily battle.
9:20 – Baseball, Leadership, and Resilience
Why Washington still feels called to lead—even after his surgery.
10:26 – From Fried Food to Fresh Choices
The diet shifts that keep him on track.
11:58 – The Road Back to the Dugout
Ron shares his December recovery milestone and hopes to manage again.
17:14 – Life Beyond Baseball
Reflections on age, health, and a hopeful return to New Orleans.
19:00 – Golf Controversy: Scheffler vs. Fleetwood
Norm questions how a dominant season wasn’t rewarded properly.
22:16 – Rowing Across the Pacific
The McLean brothers chase records while raising funds for clean water.
👉 A story about baseball, resilience, and the unshakable will to keep going. Subscribe to Just Wondering and catch new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.
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