NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dick Williams, who managed the '67 Impossible Dream Red Sox to an improbable A.L. pennant, was voted into the Hall of Fame Monday by the Veteran's committee.

Current Red Sox manager Terry Francona recalled being a rookie and playing for Williams with the Montreal Expos in 1981.

"I was 22,'' said Francona, "and I already knew he was brilliant when it came to running a game. But he also scared the (life) out of me.''

In a news conference yesterday, Williams made reference to Francona and Francona's father, Tito, with whom Williams played in Baltimore in the 1950s.

Williams revealed that he has suggested to the Hall of Fame that he be inducted as a member of Oakland A's, the team he managed to consecutive championships in 1972-73 and that the Hall has agreed.

Williams managed six teams - Boston, Oakland, California, Montreal, San Diego and Seattle - in his career and won four pennants.

-SEAN McADAM