Morning Phil Up – 2/15/2014 – Jim Fregosi Edition
By Mike Lacy
Aug 4, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Members of the 1993 National League champion Philadelphia Phillies catcher Todd Pratt (3), catcher Darren Daulton (10) manager Jim Fregosi (11) and coach Larry Bowa (10) with current Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) during national anthem before game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves defeated the Phillies, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
A few links honoring the life of former Phillies manager Jim Fregosi:
Delco Times – Phillies Family Remember ’93 Skipper Fregosi
The 1993 Phillies weren’t supposed to win. But led by Jim Fregosi, they found a way to go to the World Series. Part of the reason was because Fregosi believed in them, and as a result, they began to believe in themselves. He was straightforward and honest, and players loved that about him.
Philly.com – Former Manager Fregosi Dies at Age 71
Evidence of how much the Phillies players like Fregosi can be seen in this quote: “Jim Fregosi was not only one of the most respected men in baseball, he was a great man,” former centerfielder Lenny Dykstra said yesterday. “He had that special gift as a manager that made you want to get to the field and play your ass off for him. Jim Fregosi was the reason that 1993 was one of the most exciting years in Philadelphia sports history.”
The Good Phight – Former Manager Jim Fregosi Passes Away
Fregosi may now be known more as a manager, but he was actually a good player before that. He had an 18 year career as a shortstop, and received a number of MVP votes along the way. He was even once traded for Nolan Ryan.
Yahoo! Sports – A Tribute to Jim Fregosi and his 1993 Philadelphia Phillies
In Jim Fregosi’s six years as Phillies manager, they had five losing seasons, and were a combined 32 games under .500. But it was that one outlier season that has caused fans to remember the man fondly. In 1993, Fregosi extracted excellence from an unlikely cast of colorful characters to come within two games of a World Series championship.