Former Houston Astros Manager Passes Away at 80 Years Old

The Houston Astros are mourning the loss of one of their former managers.

The Houston Astros are entering the upcoming 2024 season with a new manager at the helm. They're hoping Joe Espada can get them back to the World Series and become the third manager in their franchise's history to lift the trophy.

They're still in the midst of what many people consider to be the "Golden Era" of Astros baseball, culminating in two World Series titles, four ALCS pennants, seven-straight ALCS appearances and six AL West divisional titles so far.

There was a period of time in the late 1990s and early-to-mid-2000s that seemed like Houston would break through.

With multiple Hall of Famers on the roster, they made the playoffs six times from 1997-2005 and were in the World Series that final year before being swept by the Chicago White Sox.

One of the managers during this time was Jimy Williams, who was in that role from 2002-04.

Sad news was reported on Jan. 29 that Williams passed away at the age of 80.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Astros Manager Jimy Williams. Jimy spent three (2002-2004) of his 12 MLB seasons as the Astros Manager. We send our heartfelt condolences to Jimy’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ihP51rXuKu

— Houston Astros (@astros) January 29, 2024

Before moving into coaching, he played in two Major League seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966-67.

A shoulder injury cut his playing career short and he started managing minor league affiliates within the Cardinals' farm system.

Williams got his first big league managerial shot with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1986. He was there four seasons before being replaced and getting another opportunity with the Boston Red Sox in 1997.

After he was dismissed in 2001, he became the manager of the Astros in 2002.

Williams accumulated a record of 215-197 with Houston, but never made the playoffs during his tenure. He finished second in their division twice before being fired 88 games into the 2004 season.

Despite that, it seems like he connected with many of his players as Astros' legend Billy Wagner posted his condolences on social media and called Williams a great man.

The former manager will certainly be missed.