A new leader for the Angels
Let’s check in on the Los Angeles Angels, who have finally settled on their next manager after an interesting search.
Former MLB catcher and ex-Angel Kurt Suzuki — a World Series champion who made headlines for proudly wearing a MAGA hat during the Nationals’ 2019 White House visit — is taking over as new skipper for the Angels.
Suzuki takes over for Ron Washington, who left the team during the season due to health issues.
WASHINGTON, DC – Catcher Kurt Suzuki wears a “Make America Great Again” hat as he is embraced by U.S. President Donald Trump as he welcomes the 2019 World Series Champions, the Washington Nationals, to the White House November 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
To his credit, Suzuki’s a fearless guy.
When questions arose about his “political” move, he shrugged it off and told people to chill.
The Angels’ managerial search drew buzz when names like Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter surfaced — a move that reflected the dismal franchise’s commitment to hiring familiar faces rather than making bold, outside hires.
President Donald Trump reacts as Nationals player Kurt Suzuki wears a “Make America Great Again” baseball hat during a ceremony to welcome the 2019 World Series Champions, the Washington Nationals on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, November 04, 2019. (Photo by Olivier Douliery / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
Suzuki was viewed as another “in-house” guy based on his previous work alongside general manager Perry Minasian, who was already on the hot seat by season’s end.
Pujols and Hunter were iconic Angels during their respective runs — though Pujols’ contract remains one of the worst in franchise history — but both were dropped from managerial consideration as early as Sunday.
Suzuki, 42, will be introduced on Wednesday at a team press conference.
Suzuki already has a built-in fanbase in Orange County after starring at Cal State Fullerton, leading the Titans to a College World Series championship in 2004, and winning the Johnny Bench Award.
Kurt Suzuki of the Los Angeles Angels salutes to the crowd during his retirement ceremony prior to a game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 30, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Kurt Suzuki of the Los Angeles Angels looks on from the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on October 4, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Catcher Kurt Suzuki of the Los Angeles Angels acknowledges the fans as he exits the game after the first pitch in the bottom of the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on October 4, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Suzuki had a brief stint with the Angels in 2013, then returned to Anaheim from 2021 to 2022. He was teammates with stars like Mike Trout and Taylor Ward, who are still on the roster.
Now, he’s managing them.
If the Angels can’t hit, at least they’ll have a spirited manager with no prior experience.
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