Mark Humphrey/Associated Press
Bob Watson, who became the first black general manager to win a World Series after the 1996 New York Yankees' Fall Classic win, died Thursday at the age of 74.
The Houston Astros, whom Watson played for from 1966 to 1978, issued a statement following the former outfielder and executive's death from kidney disease:
"This is a very sad day for the Astros and for all of baseball. Bob Watson enjoyed a unique and remarkable career in Major League Baseball that spanned six decades, reaching success at many different levels, including as a player, coach, general manager and MLB executive.