Red Sox fans send well-wishes after 1999 ALCS manager passes away

Former Boston Red Sox manager Jimy Williams has died at the age of 80. An outpouring of love for the coach and manager has engulfed social media.

His death was first confirmed by the Toronto Blue Jays, the first team he managed.

Williams' career in MLB began as a player, but it was cut short due to an injury. His major league coaching career began with Boston's American League East rival, the Blue Jays when he was hired as a third base coach. He was later promoted to manager.

Williams also served as third base coach for the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros, as well as bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.

But Williams' most successful years as a manager were with the Red Sox.

Red Sox and fans give condolences after the passing of former manager Jimy Williams

Williams managed the Red Sox from 1997-2001 and won 54% of his games there, leading Boston to two postseason appearances. Williams has a history of great regular-season success and he earned the AL Manager of the Year award in 1999 after a 94-win season from the Sox.

The Red Sox also appeared in the ALCS in 1999 against the rival New York Yankees. After beating Cleveland in five games in the Division Series, Boston unfortunately couldn't get it done against the Yankees in the next round.

Despite most of his managerial success coming in the regular season, the skipper was regarded as a great baseball mind. He managed many Red Sox legends and fan favorites, like Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra.

Williams has two sons, both of whom were both Major League Baseball players and went on to have careers in the sport. Williams gifted his love for baseball to his family, to the many players he managed, and to the fans of the teams he coached for.

Rest in peace.

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