Could a sports team be treated like a corporation?  And how about grown men being  treated like children? While this debate might go on, a new rule initiated by the Angels further amplifies it. Their 63-99 record last year and finishing last in the AL West did call for a few strict actions, and the rule initiated by their manager, Ron Washington does that to some extent. Why? Because of restricting cell phone usage among grown-up players. What does this mean? How is restricting cell phone usage related to the Angels’ on-field performance?

Players are not permitted to use cell phones in the clubhouse, according to a new regulation that the Angels have implemented in their locker room. The goal of this new policy, as outlined by Angels manager Ron Washington, is to encourage team unity and a greater emphasis on baseball. According to the MLB insider Rhett Bollinger, the core objective behind this is to promote better communication and bonding among the players. So, will the players accept this rule?

Well, the two players Zach Neto and the Angels face Mike Trout agreed to the restriction. No further information is available for the others from the clubhouse. While not using cell phones in the locker room might offer more time for the players to interact with each other, its real-world implementation is debatable. The fans are skeptical if this would be effective enough. Taking to the microblogging site X, they are sharing their opinions toward the same.

The Angels’ management created a fan uproar

While it is reported that Trout agreed to the rule, a fan questioned his availability. Yes, Trout is yet to play a full season since 2021, owing to his injuries. Last year, he played only 109 games, and this year he is set to return as a DH. Still, this fan is skeptical about a player agreeing to the rule but has no surety about his availability.

Yes, all the players in the locker room are grown-up men, and they can’t be managed as children. So, will a strict restriction work for them? Will that not create an uproar among them? “It is not punishment; I just want some focus,” Washington said. While the players are not punished, and just a more interactive locker room is expected, the players’ reactions would be highly awaited.

A user referred to Washington as someone from the previous generation. While Washington is 72 now, and belongs to the older generation, what if his strategy works out? Well, Washington managed the Rangers from 2007-2014 and implemented the same rule there. The Rangers got AL Pennants in 2010 and 2011. Hence, need to wait and watch this time.

A good question raised here is whether the manager himself is included in this restriction or not. “I fit in it, too,” Washington said. “If I’m outside in the clubhouse on the phone, I want them to ring my butt up, too”. So yes, the Angels GM, Ron Washington is also included in this restriction.

This is Washington’s second year with the Angels, and they finished at the bottom last year. A fan pointed out the same that despite all these rules, the team is still expected to stay at the bottom. Well, this year, the Angels got a few names and Mike Trout is returning to a new role. So, a bet can be made on them, but will this cell phone restriction make them a postseason winner? Time will tell.

Time will tell if the Angels are getting a better result due to this restriction but till then, fans will be skeptical about this uncommon rule in the clubhouse.

Do you think this restriction will work for the team? Let us know in the comment below.