BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox are saddened by the loss of Ron Johnson, who passed away today at the age of 64.

“We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, Ron Johnson,” said Red Sox General Manager Brian O’Halloran. “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.”

Born on March 23, 1956 in Long Beach, CA, Johnson spent 25 seasons as a minor league manager (1992-2009, ’12-18), including 10 years in the Red Sox organization with Single-A Sarasota (2000-01), Double-A Trenton (2002) and Portland (2003-04), and Triple-A Pawtucket (2005-09). In 2009, he earned the Unsung Hero Award from the Boston Baseball Writers. Johnson spent the 2010-11 seasons on Boston’s major league staff, serving as first base coach.

Following his 12 years with the Red Sox, Johnson managed the Norfolk Tides—the Baltimore Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate—from 2012-18, earning 2015 International League Manager of the Year honors and finishing his career as the winningest manager in Tides history (491 wins). He also served as a coach and a manager in the Kansas City Royals minor league system for 14 seasons from 1986-99. Selected by Kansas City in the 1978 June Draft, Johnson appeared in 22 major league games with the Royals (1982-83) and Montreal Expos (1984).

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