Angels' Mark Gubicza Describes New Manager's 'Insane' Energy Level

Mark Gubicza played for plenty of managers during his tenure as a professional baseball player. During his 13 years with the Kansas City Royals, he had seven managers, and when he ended his playing days with the Angels in 1997 that made eight.

He is in his 17th season as a television color analyst for the club and spent time in spring training as a guest instructor. He was there for bullpen sessions, workouts, home games, and road games.

He also knew not to be late. But even when he was early, the new manager was already running drills on the field.

In an interview with Angels Magazine, he shared an anecdote from his time with L.A.'s first-year skipper Ron Washington.

“I arrived at 6:45 a.m. one day and it’s dark and there is Wash out on the field using a portable light on the diamond working on fielding drills.”

Gubicza, overall, was impressed with Washington and pitching coach Barry Enright's new-look operation. There was a different energy at camp than in years before.

“He is probably one of the most inspiring people you will ever meet. His energy level is insane. How hard he works and how dedicated he is...it’s truly incredible. It’s inspiring and he’s been doing this for a long, long time.”

Washington is a baseball lifer. He has been in the professional game for 50 years, only playing in parts of 10 seasons. His first coaching job in the major leagues was with the Oakland Athletics in 1996 as the first base coach. He transitioned to third base in 1997 and remained there until 2006.

He became the manager of the Texas Rangers in 2007 and remains the winningest manager in franchise history after leading the club to a first or second-place finish every season until his departure in 2013.