In the middle of the season, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker passed along a message to a friend going through a tough time. Baseball is a brotherhood, no matter the paycheck or awards. The same teammates you once shared a clubhouse with often end up sitting across from you in the opposing dugout.
Rivals one season can become allies the next. Winning remains top of mind for every player, manager, and executive. But nothing beats the relationships formed over a lifetime in the game.
Braves Manager Brian Snitker Sends Well Wishes for Angels Manager Ron Washington
The Braves are 38-45, sitting 10.5 games behind the National League East–leading Philadelphia Phillies. With guys like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jurickson Profar back from the injured list, Snitker is hoping for a strong second half. He’s won 55.2% of his games, so the Braves’ skipper knows how to win.
Still, while another title is in the back of his mind, Snitker has been thinking about an old friend, too. Dave O’Brien, who covers the Braves for The Athletic, shared Snitker’s message.
Snitker on Ron Washington: “I told him, whatever he does, I’m going to be praying for him & hoping for the best. He’s a really good friend & I know how this affects him. We’re all concerned. All we want is for him to take the right steps & get back healthy & doing what he loves.”
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 29, 2025
On June 20, Washington stepped away for the rest of the season due to health reasons. He and Snitker go way back. Both made baseball their lives — from grinding it out in the minors as players and coaches to eventually earning respect as base coaches, then getting the shot to manage.
When the Braves won it all in 2021, Snitker celebrated with Washington, who was his third base coach. In 2016, Atlanta considered both men for the manager position. Out of respect, once Snitker got the job full-time, he brought Washington on board. Washington stayed until 2023, when the Angels called.
This year, through a combination of savvy and experience, Washington had the Angels at 40-40, despite the roster lacking consistent major league talent. Now, with time to rest, it’s unclear what his next move will be. But around the league, Washington remains one of the most respected figures in the game. He’s earned praise from plenty of people.
Ron Washington’s reaction was priceless after Judge was intentionally walked twice in his first two ABs 🤣
🎥: @YESNetwork pic.twitter.com/hSxwZGwugU
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 29, 2025
While he could be back in the dugout next season, it’s fair to wonder what a soon-to-be 74-year-old still hopes to accomplish. Maybe he decides he’s done enough and wants to retire. Or perhaps he returns recharged and ready to lead again.
Either way, baseball guys like Snitker and Washington don’t walk away easily.