1. Former Jays Manager Jimy Williams
2. Jimy Williams Dies at 80.
Jimy Williams, Former Blue Jays Manager, Passes Away at Age 80
Jimy Williams, a beloved figure in the world of baseball, has sadly passed away at the age of 80. Williams was widely known for his role as the manager of the Blue Jays from 1986 to 1989. During his tenure, the team achieved a commendable record of 281 wins and 241 losses.
Prior to his managerial position, Williams served as the third base coach for the Blue Jays for six seasons. He took over the role after Bobby Cox left to manage the Atlanta Braves. In 1985, under Williams’ coaching, the Blue Jays made their first-ever appearance in the playoffs, although they were ultimately defeated by the Royals in a seven-game series.
When Williams stepped into the role of manager, he inherited a team that had high expectations. However, the American League East division was highly competitive at the time, with several strong teams in the mix. The Blue Jays finished the 1986 season with a respectable 86-76 record, placing fourth, trailing the Red Sox by 9.5 games.
Before the start of the 1987 season, Williams made a significant trade, swapping Damaso Garcia for Craig McMurtry of the Braves. Garcia had been a source of contention for Williams, as he believed a leadoff hitter should have a higher on-base percentage than Garcia’s .306. The disagreement escalated when Garcia set fire to his uniform in the clubhouse. Despite the challenges, the Blue Jays had a successful season in 1987, finishing with a strong 96-66 record and securing second place in the AL East, just behind the Tigers.
In 1988, the team fell short once again, finishing tied for third with an 87-75 record, two games behind the Red Sox. Williams faced another hurdle when he proposed moving George Bell to the designated hitter position due to his knee issues. Bell vehemently opposed the decision, leading to further tension within the team.
The 1989 season started poorly for the Blue Jays, with a 12-24 record in the first 36 games. As a result, Williams was let go from his managerial position. Despite the challenges faced during his time with the Blue Jays, Williams went on to manage the Boston Red Sox from 1997 to 2001 and the Houston Astros from 2002 to 2004. He then served as the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2006 to 2008, where he won a World Series ring.
Throughout his managerial career, Williams led teams to a combined record of 910 wins and 790 losses, showcasing his expertise in the sport. While his teams often came close to achieving greatness, they fell just short of their ultimate goals.
Jimy Williams leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. His dedication and passion for the game will be remembered by fans and players alike. Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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1. Former Jays Manager Jimy Williams Dies at 80
2. Former Jays Manager Jimy Williams Passes Away at 80.
