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
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[edit] Biographical Information
Jim Fregosi was one of the best shortstops of the 1960s. Drafted from the Boston Red Sox in the expansion draft, Fregosi was a six time All-Star for the Los Angeles/California Angels. He also 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.
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.
[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 |
