Former Yankees Outfielder Gerald Williams Dies at 55

Williams played two stints with the Yankees during his 14-year MLB career.

Gerald Williams, a former Yankees outfielder, died from cancer on Tuesday. He was 55.

Williams was a good friend and teammate to Derek Jeter during his stints with the Yankees from 1992–96 and 2001–02. The Players’ Tribune tweeted a message from Jeter announcing the news and sharing his condolences.

“Gerald Williams passed away this morning after a battle with cancer. To my teammate and one of my best friends in the world, rest in peace, my brother. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Liliana, and their whole family,” Jeter said.

“Gerald Williams passed away this morning after a battle with cancer. To my teammate and one of my best friends in the world, rest in peace, my brother. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Liliana, and their whole family.” —Derek Jeter pic.twitter.com/mVoaZ8BPrP

— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) February 8, 2022

The Yankees drafted Williams out of Grambling State in the 14th round of the 1987 MLB draft. After beginning his career with New York from '92 to '96, Williams went on to play for the Brewers, Braves and Tampa Bay Devil Rays before returning to the Yankees for a second stint. 

Following a second stint with New York, Williams finished his career with the Marlins and the Mets. Williams recorded a .255 batting average, 85 home runs and 365 RBIs during his career.