Jimy Williams, the former manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, died in Florida after a brief illness, the Red Sox announced on Monday. He is survived by his wife, four children and eight grandchildren.
In 12 seasons as a manager, he finished 910-790 at the helm of the Blue Jays (1986-89), Red Sox (1997-2001) and Astros (2002-04). He won two World Series as the Atlanta Braves’ third-base coach in 1995 and the Philadelphia Phillies’ bench coach in 2008.
During his five seasons with Boston, Williams enjoyed some of his best success as a manager. A year after finishing second in the American League Manager of Year voting, Williams won the award in 1999.
This also coincided with Boston’s back-to-back trips to the postseason in 1998 and 1999. Williams owned a 5-9 playoff record with the ballclub.
“Jimy Williams was a true staple and leader of the Red Sox,” the Red Sox said.
Williams had a brief career in the majors, playing 14 games across two seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966 and 1967.
After six seasons as a manager in the minor leagues, Williams got his first coaching gig in the big leagues in 1980 as a base coach for the Blue Jays.
