Dick Williams died today, Thursday:

Dick Williams, the fiercely competitive, sharp-tongued Hall of Fame manager who led the Oakland Athletics to World Series titles in 1972 and 1973, died today at his Las Vegas home from what was believed to be a brain aneurysm. He was 82.

I’m surprised he was just 82. Dick started managing in his 30s, but like Sparky Anderson, always looked old. Williams, of course, was the architect of the 1967 team in Boston. He was great at strategy, although like Billy Martin, his personality caused him to wear out his welcome.

My favorite Williams moment came in the 1972 World Series:

A rare trick play occurred in the eighth inning with Joe Morgan on third and Bobby Tolan on second with one out and Rollie Fingers pitching. NL MVP Johnny Bench batted with a 3–2 count, when Dick Williams visited the mound then motioned for an intentional walk. Catcher Gene Tenace stood to catch ball four, but at the last minute returned to his crouch as Fingers delivered a strike on the outside corner. A surprised Bench watched the pitch go by for strike three.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.