Jimmy Williams, who won 910 games as captain of the Boston Red Sox and was named American League Manager of the Year in 1999, has died at the age of 80. Williams also served as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros.
The Red Sox announced that Williams passed away from an illness Friday at AdventHealth North Pinellas Hospital in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He lived near Palm Harbor. (Related: NASCAR’s absolute legend LW Wright sadly passes away at the age of 76)
After arriving in Boston, Participated for 2nd consecutive year In the postseason, Williams won the American League Manager of the Year Award.
A former major leaguer, his playing career came to an end after a shoulder injury, and he turned to management. His first job was in 1974 in the Midwest League’s Class A Quad with the California Cities when he became captain of the Angels. After six years in the minor leagues, he was promoted to MLB in 1980, becoming the third base coach of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jimmy Williams, who managed the Red Sox from 1997 to 2001, was a true mainstay and leader for the Red Sox.
We send our love to the Williams family. pic.twitter.com/HPRWGw4XqE
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 29, 2024
When Bobby Cox left the Blue Jays in 1982 to join the Atlanta Braves as general manager, he got his first professional managerial job in Toronto.
Williams became manager of the Red Sox after the 1996 season and finished his career with a record of 910 wins and 790 losses.
He then became the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, winning a World Series championship ring in the latter.
