The Boston Red Sox announced that Jimy Williams, the team's former manager, has died at the age of 80. Williams was also manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.
"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," the Red Sox wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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
Similar was the message from the Blue Jays, who highlighted Williams' work while leading the team. "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue Jays Manager Jimy Williams. His impact on our organization will forever be remembered," the Blue Jays detailed.
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
Meanwhile, the official website of Major League Baseball detailed that, although Williams "never won a World Series as a manager, he did win a pair of Fall Classic titles while serving as third base coach with the Braves in 1995 and as bench coach with the Phillies in 2008."
Williams is also remembered for receiving the Manager of the Year Award for the 1999 campaign with Boston, making him the last helmsman of the franchise to receive this award, "despite the fact that the Red Sox have won four World Series titles in the 21st century. That year, the Red Sox finished in second place in the American League East Division with a record of 94-68."
Williams is survived by his wife Peggy, to whom he was married for 47 years, as well as his four children and eight grandchildren.
