Jim Fregosi, a former All-Star who won more than 1,000 games as a manager for four teams, died Friday after an apparent stroke. He was 71.
His greatest managerial success, however, occurred when he sculpted a group of talented but wild Phillies players from last place to the National League pennant in 1993.
As a manager and evaluator, Fregosi was blunt. He once told mercurial Phillies pitcher Jeff Juden after a series of bad outings, ”sometimes you have to look in the mirror to figure out what the problem is.”
Phillies president David Montgomery said the team and others in baseball ”lost a dear friend.”
”He’ll be remembered for his vibrant personality, wisdom and love of the game,” Montgomery said in a statement. ”Our deepest sympathy is extended to his widow, Joni, daughters Nikki, Lexy and Jennifer and sons Robert and Jim.”
In 15 seasons as a manager, he posted a 1,028-1,094 record.