Former Red Sox coach, PawSox manager Ron Johnson dies at 64

Former Red Sox coach and PawSox manager Ron Johnson died on Monday, the team announced. He was 64.

Johnson died due to complications from COVID-19, his family told the Virginia Pilot.

Johnson spent 12 years in the Red Sox organization from 2000 to 2011, starting with Single-A Sarasota (2000-01), Double-A Trenton (2002), and Portland (2003-04). He was named Pawtucket’s manager in 2005 and led the Triple-A club for five seasons before being promoted to the Red Sox’ major-league staff under Terry Francona for the 2010 and 2011 seasons as the team’s first-base coach.

During his time in the organization, he managed and coached the likes of Kevin Youkilis, Hanley Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia as they made their way to the majors.

“We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, Ron Johnson,” Red Sox General Manager Brian O’Halloran said in a statement. “RJ was instrumental in helping countless Red Sox players reach and succeed in the big leagues, and was an important contributor to two World Series championships. His kindness, sense of humor, love of family, and passion for the game of baseball stood out among many wonderful qualities. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to RJ’s wife, Daphne, his five children, and the many people inside and outside the game of baseball who loved him.”

Johnson is survived by his wife, Daphne, and five children: Savannah, Cheyanne, Bridget, Christopher, and Christian.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3cfCTy3