SF Giants' Washington back to coaching nearly eight months after quadruple bypass

"SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Ron Washington never imagined being anywhere else in the world during spring training than at a baseball field health scare be damned. Washington, 73, isn't that far removed from undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery this past June, forcing him to step down as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. Only about eight months after the procedure, Wash is roaming around Scottsdale Stadium with his trusty black fungo stick as the Giants' infield coach, doing what he does best: teaching infield defense."

"It's been a happy time because I've gotten my strength to the point where I can come out here and do what I do, Washington said. That was my intention. It'll get better as the year goes along; it's not going to get worse. I'm doing really good health-wise. I'm eating good, I'm sleeping good and I'm able to use (my fungo), which is my bread and butter."

"Vitello began regularly communicating with Washington after filling the Giants' managerial vacancy. He didn't seek out advice, nor did he pitch Washington on a job. Vitello just wanted to talk ball with a man who's spent more than five decades in the game as a player, coach and manager. The two talked often, and Washington even flew out to Nashville to meet Vitello for lunch."

"On the Monday after Thanksgiving, general manager Zack Minasian called Washington about a contract. To Washington, it was easy to say yes. Once I had my issue and I started rehabbing, my focus was to be where I am right now. Maybe not talking to the media, but I wanted to be in spring training because I still have something to offer. I wanted to offer it here. And the San Francisco Giants have given me an opportunity to continue to offer it."

Ron Washington, 73, underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in June and stepped down as Los Angeles Angels manager. Eight months after the procedure, he serves as the San Francisco Giants' infield coach at Scottsdale Stadium, focusing on teaching infield defense. Washington reports regained strength, good eating and sleep, and the ability to use his fungo bat during spring training. Vitello began regularly communicating with Washington after becoming the Giants' manager, and the two met in Nashville and stayed in contact. General manager Zack Minasian offered Washington a contract after Thanksgiving, and Washington accepted to continue offering his experience.

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