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Jim Fregosi
From BR Bullpen
James Louis Fregosi
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.
- Debut September 14, 1961
- Final Game May 31, 1978
- Born April 4, 1942 in San Francisco, CA USA
Contents |
[edit] Biographical Information
Jim Fregosi was one of the best shortstops of the 1960s and later managed for many years. Fregosi was a six time All-Star for the Los Angeles/California Angels.
He was drafted by the Angels from the Boston Red Sox in the expansion draft after the 1960 season. Fregosi was in the minors during 1960, most of 1961 and part of 1962, making his major league debut in 1961 and becoming an everyday player during part of 1962. He immediately showed an ability to hit for a decent average along with moderate power and some stolen bases.
Jim was consistently an above-average hitter during the 1960's, a time of historically low hitting in baseball. Perhaps his best overall year was 1964, when he hit .277 (the league average was .247) with 72 walks, 18 home runs and 9 triples. His OPS+ that year was seventh best in the 1964 American League.
He was part of what is widely viewed as one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history. On December 10, 1971, the Angels sent him to the New York Mets for four players, one of whom was future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Fregosi only hit .233 with 5 home runs in a season and a half as a Met; Ryan averaged 17 wins and over 300 strikeouts a year in eight seasons as an Angel.
Fregosi didn't become a journeyman, though, in the second part of his career, spending most of the remainder of his career with the Texas Rangers.
In an odd twist, Fregosi retired as a player with the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 31, 1978 in favor of managing the Angels. He replaced Dave Garcia. Fregosi led the club to their first division title in 1979, but despite numerous injuries to key players and questionable front office moves, he was fired during the 1981 season by then-Angel General Manager Buzzie Bavasi.
Fregosi led the Louisville Redbirds to American Association championships in 1984 and 1985 after leading them to the Eastern Division crown and second place in the league in 1983. He then went on to manage the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays.
In 1993, he led the Phillies to the World Series, ultimately losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in six games.
In 2011, Fregosi is a Special Assistant to GM for the Atlanta Braves, a position he has held since at least 2008.
His son, Jim Fregosi, Jr. played professionally from 1985 to 1989.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 6-time AL All-Star (1964 & 1966-1970)
- AL Gold Glove Winner (1967)
- AL Triples Leader (1968)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1970)
- Division titles: 2 (1979 & 1993)
- NL Pennants: 1 (1993)
| Preceded by Dave Garcia |
California Angels Manager 1978-1981 |
Succeeded by Gene Mauch |
| Preceded by Tony LaRussa |
Chicago White Sox Manager 1986-1988 |
Succeeded by Jeff Torborg |
| Preceded by Nick Leyva |
Philadelphia Phillies Manager 1991-1996 |
Succeeded by Terry Francona |
| Preceded by Tim Johnson |
Toronto Blue Jays Manager 1999-2000 |
Succeeded by Buck Martinez |
