– Former manager, Phillies’ 2008 bench coach Jimy Williams
– Phillies’ 2008 bench coach Jimy Williams dies at age 80.
Jimy Williams, Former Red Sox Manager, Passes Away at 80
BOSTON — Jimy Williams, the former manager of the Boston Red Sox who led the team to consecutive playoff appearances in 1998 and 1999, has sadly passed away at the age of 80. The Red Sox announced his death on Friday, stating that Williams had been suffering from a brief illness. He passed away at AdventHealth North Pinellas Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Florida, with his family by his side.
A Career Highlighted by Success and Championships
Jimy Williams was widely regarded as an accomplished manager in Major League Baseball. He was named the American League Manager of the Year in 1999 after guiding the Red Sox to their second consecutive playoff berth. Williams was known for his calm demeanor in the clubhouse, which he believed was easier to maintain than at home with his wife and four children.
After his tenure with the Red Sox, Williams served as the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies under Charlie Manuel. Together, they won a World Series in 2008, marking Williams’ second championship ring. Prior to his time with the Phillies, he had also been the third-base coach for the Atlanta Braves when they won the World Series in 1995.
A Journey from Player to Manager
Before his successful managerial career, Jimy Williams was a professional baseball player. Born James Francis Williams in Santa Maria, California, on October 4, 1943, he attended Arroyo Grande High School. During his high school years, Williams played a prank and started spelling his name as “Jimy.” The name stuck with him throughout his life.
Williams later attended Fresno State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agri-business in 1964. He played summer ball that year with the Alaska Goldpanners alongside future baseball legends Tom Seaver and Graig Nettles. Williams was signed by the Boston Red Sox and began his professional career playing for Class A Iowa. He was later selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1965 Rule 5 draft.
Williams made his major league debut on April 26, 1966, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, facing the legendary Sandy Koufax. He recorded his first hit on May 7, driving in a run with a single off Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants. Although his playing career was cut short by a shoulder injury, Williams cherished every moment he spent in the major leagues.
From Player to Manager: A Legacy in Baseball
Following his retirement as a player, Jimy Williams transitioned into a managerial role. He began his coaching career with the California Angels’ Class A affiliate, the Quad Cities, in 1974. After several successful seasons managing in the minors, Williams became the third base coach for the Toronto Blue Jays under manager Bobby Mattick in 1980.
In 1982, when Bobby Cox took over as the Blue Jays’ manager, Williams was promoted to the role of manager. He led the team to an impressive 86-76 record in his first season. In 1987, the Blue Jays were in contention for the AL East division title with a 3 1/2-game lead and seven games remaining. However, they lost all seven games and finished two games behind the Detroit Tigers. Williams was replaced as manager in 1989 after a slow start to the season and conflicts with star player George Bell.
Williams returned to the Atlanta Braves as Cox’s third-base coach from 1991 to 1996. During his time with the Braves, he was involved in a memorable moment in baseball history when he gave the green light to Sid Bream to score the winning run in Game 7 of the 1992 NL Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A Legacy Remembered
Jimy Williams will be remembered as a respected figure in the world of baseball. His managerial record of 910-790 speaks to his success on the field. Beyond baseball, he was a beloved husband to his wife Peggy for 47 years and a proud father to his sons Shawn and Brady, who both pursued careers in baseball.
Jimy Williams’ contributions to the game will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and managers.
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– Former manager Phillies’ bench coach Jimy Williams dies at age
– Jimy Williams, Phillies’ 2008 bench coach, passes away at 80.
