1. Former Blue Jays, Red Sox and Astros manager Jimy Williams
2. Jimy Williams dies at age 80.
Jimy Williams, Former Boston Red Sox Manager, Dies at 80
Background and Career
Jimy Williams, the former manager of the Boston Red Sox and winner of the 1999 American League Manager of the Year award, has passed away at the age of 80. Williams achieved great success in his managerial career, winning 910 games over a span of twelve seasons with Boston, Toronto, and Houston.
Cause of death
Williams passed away on Friday at AdventHealth North Pinellas Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Florida, after a brief illness. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Achievements and Legacy
During his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, Williams led the team to their second consecutive playoff appearance and was named AL Manager of the Year in 1999. Known for his calm demeanor in the clubhouse, Williams believed that open communication was vital in maintaining a harmonious team.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born James Francis Williams on October 4, 1943, in Santa Maria, California, Williams attended Arroyo Grande High School, where he first spelled his name as “Jimy” as a prank. He later attended Fresno State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agri-business in 1964. Williams played summer ball with the Alaska Goldpanners, sharing the field with future baseball legends Tom Seaver and Graig Nettles.
In 1965, Williams signed with the Boston Red Sox and made his major league debut on April 26, 1966. He had memorable moments, including striking out against legendary pitcher Sandy Koufax in his first at-bat and recording his first hit, an RBI single off Juan Marichal, a future Hall of Famer.
Despite a shoulder injury that shortened his playing career, Williams showed his passion for the game by transitioning into a managerial role.
Managerial Career
Williams began his managerial journey in 1974 as the California Angels’ Class A Quad Cities manager. After six seasons in the minors, he joined the Toronto Blue Jays as Bobby Mattick’s third base coach in 1980. When Bobby Cox left the Blue Jays in 1986, Williams took over as the team’s manager.
Under Williams’ leadership, the Blue Jays had a strong first season, finishing with an 86-76 record in 1987. Despite a late-season collapse, the team showed promise. However, clashes with star player George Bell and a slow start in the following season led to Williams’ replacement by Cito Gaston in 1989.
Williams later returned to the Atlanta Braves as Cox’s third base coach from 1991 to 1996. He was a part of the memorable 1992 NL Championship Series, where he gave the green light for Sid Bream’s pennant-winning run against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After the 1996 season, Williams became the manager of the Boston Red Sox. The team had successful seasons under his guidance, with consecutive 90-win seasons and a comeback against the Cleveland Indians in the 1999 Division Series. However, Williams was let go in August 2001 with the team’s record at 65-53.
Following his departure from the Red Sox, Williams was hired by the Houston Astros in 2002. He had two winning seasons before being fired in 2004. Williams’ managerial record stands at an impressive 910-790.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jimy Williams is survived by his wife of 47 years, Peggy Williams, and their children, Shawn and Brady. Both sons pursued careers in baseball, with Brady currently serving as the Tampa Bay Rays’ third base coach. Williams is also survived by his daughters, Monica Farr and Jenna Williams, as well as eight grandchildren.
Throughout his career, Williams left a lasting impact on the teams he managed and the baseball community as a whole. His dedication to the game and ability to lead earned him respect and admiration from players and fans alike.
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– Former Blue Jays, Red Sox and Astros manager Jimy Williams
– Jimy Williams dies at age 80.
