BOSTON —
Jimy Williams, who managed the Boston Red Sox for five seasons, has died after a brief illness, the team said.
Williams, who led the club to a 414-352 record between 1997 and 2001, was 80 years old.
The California native began his baseball career as an infielder in 1964 when the Red Sox signed him as an amateur free agent. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1965 Rule 5 Draft.
He played in 14 Major League games with the Cardinals and played in the minor league systems for several other teams before he began managing minor league teams in 1974.
In 1986 he returned to the Major League as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. After his stint with the Red Sox, he also managed the Houston Astros from 2002-2004.
In 12 years as a manager, Williams’ record was .535.
Williams was named American League Manager of the Year in 1999.
“Jimy Williams was a true staple and leader of the Red Sox,” the team said in a statement.
Williams is survived by his wife, four children and eight grandchildren.
