I just heard the sad news of the passing of Hall of Fame manager, Dick Williams. Williams who posted a career record of 1,571-1,451 is the one of only two managers to win pennants with three different teams. He did so with the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Oakland A’s with whom he won back-to-back World Championships in 1972 and 1973. In 1973, his team broke my heart defeating my New York Mets in 7 games. A point that I shared with him when I met him briefly at this year’s Hall of Fame Classic in Cooperstown. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him and shake his hand. (I recently wrote about this year’s Classic weekend in 2011 Hall of Fame Classic.)

He concluded his managerial career with a 1-1 record in the Hall of Fame Classic as he managed both teams. In a very strange twist of fate, he also became the third (of the last 3) managers of the Classic to pass away within a year of their managing the team. Baseball lost last year’s managers, Bob Feller and Harmon Killebrew this past winter which I referenced prior to this year’s Classic weekend in Hall of Fame Classic Reminiscing. I don’t think that people will be lining up for that job next year.

Here’s saluting Dick Williams and the other two baseball greats, Feller and Killebrew, who brought a lot of enjoyment to baseball fans.