Tommy Hanson: Wash’s speech ‘best I’ve heard’

It didn’t take long for Tommy Hanson to realize why players love Ron Washington.

Hanson came away impressed by Washington’s annual speech to the team on the day of the first full-squad workout.

“It was the best clubhouse speech I’ve heard,” Hanson said. “It pumped me up. I was ready to go play somebody right now.”

Washington is known for his passionate speeches and said this year’s had been easier to prepare for because of all the new faces in the clubhouse.

“I had a chance to express to them what Texas Rangers baseball is like,” Washington said.

What is Texas Rangers baseball, in Washington’s opinion?

“Execution. Situational hitting. Doing what the game asks you to do,” Washington said. “And being a family.”

Washington’s speech covered the basics of what he wanted to see in spring training. Health is the most important, as well as playing fundamentally sound baseball.

Washington said the fundamentals of the game are not easy to execute, which is “why you’ve got to keep emphasizing.”

Briefly

This story was originally published February 20, 2014 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Tommy Hanson: Wash’s speech ‘best I’ve heard’."