RIP - Jim Fregosi

Former major-league shortstop and manager Jim Fregosi passed away February 14, 2014 at age 71, after suffering a massive stroke while on a MLB Alumni Caribbean cruise. He also suffered subsequent strokes while in a Miami hospital.

Fregosi began his major-league career as a shortstop for the expansion Los Angeles Angels in 1961, although he was not on the team from the start of their inaugural season. He was the Angels' starting shortstop from 1962 to 1971, and was a 6-time all-star while an Angel.

After 1971, he was infamously traded to the Mets for Nolan Ryan, and played 3B/1B for the Mets and Rangers from 1972-1977.

He began the 1978 season as a utility infielder for the Pirates, but retired midway through the season to accept the Angels' manager's job. Fregosi managed the Angels from 1978 to 1981, the White Sox from 1986 to 1988, the Phillies from 1991 to 1996, and the Blue Jays from 1999 to 2000. His Phillies won the NL pennant in 1993.

After his managerial career, Fregosi scouted for the Braves.

ESPN obituary

Statement from Los Angeles Angels

AP obituary



UPDATE:
As of 6pm today, there are a number of tributes to Jim Fregosi, as shown on my 1967 sidebar. This doesn't include a great post by WhiteSoxCards, who had since moved on to another post.