Jimy Williams, a highly respected figure in the world of baseball, has passed away at the age of 80. Known for his managerial prowess, Williams enjoyed a successful career that spanned over a dozen seasons and included stints with teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros.
Born as James Francis Williams on October 4, 1943, in Santa Maria, California, Williams began his journey in baseball as an infielder. He attended Fresno State, where he earned a bachelor's degree in agri-business in 1964. During his time at Fresno State, Williams had the opportunity to play alongside renowned players like Tom Seaver and Graig Nettles as a member of the Alaska Goldpanners.
After graduating college, Williams signed with the Boston Red Sox and commenced his professional baseball career. He made his major league debut on April 26, 1966, and while his playing career was cut short due to a shoulder injury, he still managed to leave his mark. In 14 major league games, he boasted a batting average of .231, with one RBI to his name.
Following his playing days, Williams transitioned into coaching and managing. He began his managerial journey with the California Angels' Class A Quad Cities team in 1974. After several successful seasons managing in the minors, Williams got the opportunity to serve as the third base coach for the Toronto Blue Jays under manager Bobby Mattick in 1980.
When Bobby Cox left the Blue Jays organization in 1986 to become the general manager of the Atlanta Braves, Williams filled Cox's shoes as Toronto's new manager. Under Williams' leadership, the Blue Jays experienced moderate success and were on the verge of winning the AL East in 1987 before faltering in the final week of the season.
Williams returned to the Braves as Cox's third base coach from 1991 to 1996, and his presence would be forever etched in baseball history. In the 1992 NL Championship Series, Williams gave Sid Bream the go-ahead to score the winning run on Francisco Cabrera's single, securing the Braves' victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 7. The play, known as 'The Slide,' propelled Atlanta to the World Series.
In 1996, Williams was appointed as the manager of the Boston Red Sox. He led the team to consecutive playoff appearances in 1998 and 1999, earning him the title of American League Manager of the Year in the latter season. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle clubhouse dynamics, Williams created a stable environment for the Red Sox.
After leaving the Red Sox in 2001, Williams took the reins as manager of the Houston Astros. He enjoyed two winning seasons with the team but was unexpectedly fired in 2004. Despite the sudden departure, Williams remained an influential figure in the baseball world and went on to serve as a Tampa Bay roving instructor and as Charlie Manuel's bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he earned a World Series ring in 2008.
Off the field, Williams was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, of 47 years, along with his daughters Monica Farr and Jenna Williams. Williams' sons, Shawn and Brady, followed in their father's footsteps and pursued careers in baseball. Brady currently serves as the third base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, while Shawn has previously managed in the minor leagues.
Jimy Williams leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. With a managerial record of 910 wins and 790 losses, Williams will be remembered as a respected leader who had a profound impact on the teams he managed and the players he worked with. His contributions to the game will forever be cherished by baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
