Former MLB outfielder Gerald Williams has died.
Derek Jeter, who was close friends with Williams, shared the news on Tuesday that Williams was died following a battle with cancer. He was 55.
“Gerald Williams passed away this morning after a battle with cancer. To my teammate and one of my best friends in the world, rest in peace, my brother. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Liliana, and their whole family.” —Derek Jeter pic.twitter.com/mVoaZ8BPrP
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) February 8, 2022
Jeter called Williams “one of my best friends in the world.” Williams played for the New York Yankees when Jeter made his major league debut. Longtime Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay once shared a story about how the friendship began, which was when Williams stuck up for Jeter when the Hall of Famer was being picked on in the minors.
Derek Jeter and the late Gerald Williams were best friends
Michael Kay said that started when Gerald stood up for Jeter while someone was bullying him in the minor leagues pic.twitter.com/DR2BFz9GwM
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 8, 2022
Williams batted .255 for his career with 85 home runs and 365 RBI. One of the most well-known moments of his career came when he charged the mound on Pedro Martinez during a 2000 game and started a bench-clearing brawl between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Boston Red Sox.
My favorite Gerald Williams baseball moment: pic.twitter.com/sRoj6THW9K
— Kev (@klew24) February 8, 2022
Williams played 14 MLB seasons for six different teams, including two separate stints with the Yankees.
Photo: 1998, Flushing, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Braves outfielder Gerald Williams dives for the ball at Shea Stadium during the 1998 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
