Phillies Wall of Fame candidate: Jim Fregosi

Why Fregosi Shouldn’t be on the Wall of Fame

Much of the main reason people support Fregosi being on the Wall of Fame could be the reason he doesn’t make it. Not that the 1993 Championship isn’t an accomplishment worth noting. It clearly is, particularly for a franchise with major team accomplishments too few and far between.  But for some, that may not be enough for them to warrant a spot.

Philadelphia Phillies

Taking a look at other managers that made the Wall of Fame, Dallas Green had a very short tenure, however, he led the team to their first World Series title. That holds higher acclaim than a NL Championship.  Connie Mack led the team for 50 years and two NL Championships, and Charlie Manuel is the all-time winningest manager in franchise history.

Does Fregosi belong with the previously mentioned? Again it’s tough to call, it all depends on how one weighs the 1993 season compared to his overall body of work. Perhaps only a team comprised of the throwback group of 1993 would have succeeded under Fregosi.

Let’s take a look at the success or lack thereof that the Phillies had under Fregosi. The 1991 team went 74-75 under Fregosi.  The 1992 team won just 70 and the 1994 team was a disappointing seven games under .500 when the strike ended the season.

In 1995 and 1996, the Phillies flirted with 100 loses, winning just 69 and 67 games respectively.

All told, Fregosi compiled a record of 431-463 with the Phillies. His managerial career with the Phillies is much like a player who is very mediocre for 80 percent of his career with the exception of one or two excellent years.

Putting it together, it all depends on your point of view and what matters the most. If a single, exciting, lightning in the bottle type season is enough, then Fregosi gets in.  If you prefer to judge on an entire body of work, then Fregosi falls short of the mark.