Renowned baseball coach and manager, Jimy Williams, passed away on Friday at the age of 80 in Florida following a brief illness. Williams, whose career spanned over three decades, managed teams such as the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Astros, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

With a managerial career that consisted of 12 seasons, Williams achieved notable success during his tenure. He earned the American League Manager of the Year award in 1999 while leading the Boston Red Sox. Williams was a revered figure during his time as the Red Sox manager from 1997-2001, leaving a lasting legacy within the organization.

Prior to managing at the major league level, Williams had a brief stint as a player, appearing in 14 games for the Cardinals. His dedication to the sport led him to spend several years in the minor leagues, playing for teams such as the Red Sox, Cardinals, Reds, Expos, and Mets.

An accomplished coach as well, Williams managed minor-league teams from 1974-1979 before joining the Atlanta Braves as a coach. He contributed to their World Series victory in 1995. Following his time with the Braves, Williams took on the role of manager for the Red Sox, where he led them to consecutive postseason appearances in 1998 and 1999.

After his tenure with the Red Sox, Williams spent three seasons managing the Astros before becoming a bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007-2008, a period that included their 2008 World Series championship victory.

Throughout his career, Williams was known for his unique character and insightful perspectives on baseball. He leaves behind a profound impact on the sport and will be remembered for his contributions.

Jimy Williams is survived by his wife of 47 years, Peggy, along with his sons Shawn and Brady, and his daughters Monica Farr and Jenna Williams. Both of his sons have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in coaching within the game. Brady currently serves as the Tampa Bay Rays' major-league third base coach, while Shawn has been a manager in the Phillies' system for an extended period.

The baseball community mourns the loss of Jimy Williams, a beloved figure who dedicated his life to the sport he loved.