After nearly a decade of falling short, the Los Angeles Angels are trying something different to right the ship heading into the 2025 season – and it starts with a no-nonsense clubhouse policy: NO cell phones allowed.
In an effort to build camaraderie and sharpen focus, new manager Ron Washington has implemented a strict ban on mobile phone use inside the Angels’ clubhouse – a decision backed by veteran leaders like Mike Trout and Kyle Hendricks, who are tasked with enforcing the rule.
“Now the rules have extended to the outside of the clubhouse,” Washington said. “Right now, they are in the hallways in here (outside of the clubhouse). Now it’s going to be completely out of the g*ddamn (building). It is not punishment; I just want some focus.”
Washington, known for his old-school approach, said the idea came from the front office but is being left in the hands of veteran players to police internally.
“That clubhouse is for the veterans on this team to run it the way they want to run it,” Washington said. “We just dropped what we would like to have happen and we want them to make certain it happens inside the clubhouse.”
Trout, entering his 15th season in Anaheim, said the policy is already having a positive effect on team dynamics.
“It’s been good,” Trout revealed. “The guys are interacting more. I think the biggest thing we’re working on this year, just building that family chemistry, getting everybody on board.”
According to Trout, players have been generally receptive to the change.
The policy includes a $500 fine for anyone caught using a phone inside the clubhouse – a rule that does allow for emergency exceptions. Washington even joked that he should be held to the same standard.
“That clubhouse is for Mike and he’ll run it how he wants to run it,” Washington continued. “That clubhouse is for (Kyle) Hendricks. He can run it how he wants to run it. And for all the veterans we got on this team to run it the way they want to run it.”
The old-school manager isn’t new to this approach.
He installed a similar policy during his tenure with the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014, a period that saw Texas reach back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011. Back then, veterans like Michael Young, Adrian Beltré, and Ian Kinsler helped enforce the rule.
Washington believes the move helped create accountability and unity, two traits desperately needed on an Angels squad coming off a franchise-worst 63–99 season.
“It’s not punishment,” Washington repeated. “It’s just trying to keep them focused. You can use your phone when you come in. Take it and you can leave the clubhouse and you can use your phone as much as you want. It’s to get them more focused on what we are supposed to be doing.”
The Angels haven’t posted a winning record since 2015 or reached the postseason since 2014 – when Trout was in just his third full season.
While the three-time MVP remains the face of the franchise, injuries have kept him from being a regular presence in the lineup, limiting him to more than 82 games only once since 2019.
Now, with Trout and Hendricks guiding the younger players and Washington attempting to instill discipline, the Angels are banking on culture change to help break a cycle of underachievement.
What are your thoughts on Washington’s no-phone rule???
