Dick Williams closes out his managing career
February 24, 1986, Dick Williams resigns as manager of the San Diego Padres, eleven weeks after Padres executives attempt to buy out his contract, only to be thwarted by team owner Joan Kroc, and is replaced by Steve Boros. In 1985, Williams guided the Padres to a record of 83-79. The previous year, Williams led the Padres to their first post-season berth and World Series appearance and compiled a 337-311 (.520) record during his four seasons in San Diego.
Dick Williams began his professional baseball career in 1947 after signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, earning California League All-Star honors in 1948. He made his major league debut with Brooklyn in 1951 and played a role in the team’s 1953 World Series appearance. Over his 13-year big league career, Williams played for several teams, including the Orioles, Indians, Athletics, and Red Sox, with his best season coming in 1959 as Kansas City’s starting third baseman. A versatile fielder and consistent hitter, he finished his playing career with a .260 batting average, 70 home runs, and over 1,000 games played.
Following his playing days, Williams transitioned into a successful managerial career, first winning back-to-back International League championships with Boston’s top minor league club. In 1967, he led the Red Sox to a dramatic AL pennant in his first year as a big-league skipper. He later managed the Oakland Athletics to consecutive World Series titles in 1972 and 1973 before moving on to lead the Angels, Expos, Padres, and Mariners. His leadership helped shape multiple playoff contenders, including building Montreal’s first postseason team (1981), he was replaced in 1981 September 8 by Jim Fanning and San Diego’s 1984 NL pennant-winning squad. Williams’ impact on the game was recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.