Former MLB player and longtime manager Jimy Williams has died.
Williams, who played two seasons (1966-67) for the St. Louis Cardinals before becoming a manager and managing 1.700 games across three different teams was 80.
The Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros, the three teams Williams managed, shared tributes Monday.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue Jays Manager Jimy Williams. His impact on our organization will forever be remembered. ⁰⁰Our hearts go out to Jimy’s family and friends during this difficult time 💙 pic.twitter.com/7jQovwPqhm
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 29, 2024
As the Red Sox manager from 1997-2001, Jimy Williams was a true staple and leader of the Red Sox.
We send our love to the Willams family. pic.twitter.com/HPRWGw4XqE
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 29, 2024
We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Astros Manager Jimy Williams. Jimy spent three (2002-2004) of his 12 MLB seasons as the Astros Manager. We send our heartfelt condolences to Jimy’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ihP51rXuKu
— Houston Astros (@astros) January 29, 2024
Williams was originally drafted by the Red Sox, who he would later go on to manage, but was moved to the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft. He appeared sparingly for the team, having 13 at-bats in two seasons. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 1968 expansion draft and chose to retire due to a shoulder injury and pursue a coaching career instead.
After years in the minor leagues with the California Angels, Williams was hired as a third base coach with the Toronto Blue Jays and promoted to manager after the 1985 season when Bobby Cox left Toronto to rejoin the Atlanta Braves. After three winning seasons, Williams was fired early in the 1989 season when the Blue Jays got off to a 12-24 start.
Williams rejoined Cox’s staff in Atlanta and remained with the Braves through the 1996 season as a third base coach, winning the 1995 World Series with the team.
In November 1996, Williams was named manager of the Boston Red Sox. He remained with the Red Sox from 1997-2001 and led the team to two playoff appearances, an ALDS loss in 1998, and an ALCS in 1999, the year in which Williams won Manager of the Year.
Williams was then named the manager of the Houston Astros, where he remained from 2002-04 and went 215-197 in 412 games with the team.
Williams made one final return to baseball, being named the Philadelphia Phillies bench coach in 2007. He remained with the team through the 2009 season, winning his second World Series in 2008.
[Toronto Blue Jays] [Houston Astros] [Boston Red Sox]
