ANAHEIM, CA — Major League Baseball (MLB) recently celebrated Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy. Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington spoke candidly about Robinson’s impact on baseball and the ongoing challenges and opportunities for Black managers in MLB.
With only three Black managers currently leading teams in MLB, including him, Dave Roberts (Dodgers), and Will Venable (White Sox), Washington reflected on the progress made since Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 and the work still ahead.
“I think he would be pleased because in the beginning, he [Jackie Robinson] only wanted one. So now he got three“, Washington said.
Despite this progress, he emphasized that the journey towards equality and representation in coaching and management roles continues to be a slow and complicated process. “You look back, they had more. But, no, no. Progress sometimes doesn’t work the way you want it to work.”
When discussing the importance of creating opportunities for Black coaches to ascend into managerial positions, Washington underscored the significance of visibility and access. “I think what happens is you got to get in the room. You got to get interviews. Once you get interviews, then it’s up to you to sell yourself.” He highlighted that merely being qualified isn’t enough; candidates must prove they can lead and drive an organization to success.
“There’s quite a few of us out there that can handle the job, but you gotta nail the interview. You can’t write an application for this job. You gotta interview for it, and you gotta win the interview.”
This statement emphasizes the competitive nature of managerial roles in MLB, where candidates must differentiate themselves to earn the trust of general managers and owners.
In a sport rich with history, Jackie Robinson’s legacy serves as a vital reminder of the barriers that have been broken and those that still need addressing. Washington’s insights reflect a commitment to honoring that legacy and actively working toward a more inclusive future for Black managers in baseball. As the seasons unfold, the hope remains that more voices will be heard and recognized within the sport, paving the way for a new generation of leaders.
