Former Braves coach still loves Atlanta, knows how they can win it all

Despite the Atlanta Braves facing a surprising loss to the Los Angeles Angels, a former coach believes they are still champions.

While the Braves weren't happy with losing, they were happy to see their former coach and current Angels manager Ron Washington. Multiple Atlanta players were spotted before the game began going up to Washington and hugged him, reports David O'Brien of The Athletic , including third baseman Austin Riley.

“To me, he’s in his own category,” Riley said. “They don’t make another Wash. They don’t. I mean, it is what it is. But that’s nothing against anybody else. It’s just, that’s it.”

It seems that players and fans alike have nothing but love for "Wash," with many fans online saying he could easily help the Braves, who are struggling with injuries this season.

“That right there warms my heart,” Washington said. “Because my whole time in Atlanta — if I ever left, somebody asked me, what would I want them to remember me by. And it’s that I made a difference. And the fans saying that (indicates) I made a difference.

“But that doesn’t stop (the Braves) from being champions because that is imprinted in them, no matter who’s there, no matter who isn’t there. They’re going through some rough times. Champions know how to handle rough times.”

That being said, Washington thinks that there's something the Braves can improve on outside the injuries.

“I just think sometimes they try too hard,” Washington said. “And I think that’s what I brought. I brought that calmness to them and understanding what’s going on. And Tui is gonna get there one day. He’s going to get there one day. And the first base coach (Tom Goodwin), he’s been a big-league coach before, but I don’t know if he exerted himself like I exerted myself on their will. You see what I’m saying? So, they might miss that.

“But I constantly told them, y’all are champs, man. No matter who’s (in the lineup), y’all are champs. And don’t forget that.”

Even though they'll be missing most of their star players, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, Washington thinks the Braves will be just fine.

“They got enough left that they can hold it afloat,” Washington said. “I hear people saying that they’re playing their way out of playoff contention. No, not that group over there.”

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