Jim Fregosi (#385)

I'm back... snapped out of my winter doldrums by a big, fat box of 1966 and 1970 cards from DeansCards.com, which then required an update to this and this.


Jim Fregosi was one of the few bright spots in the Angels' early years during the 1960s. He was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1960, and after 1 season with their class-D team in Alpine, TX, he was selected by the Angels in the expansion draft.

Jim spent most of 1961 and half of 1962 with the Angels' triple-A team in Dallas-Ft. Worth, then took over the Angels' starting shortstop job for the rest of the decade on August 17, 1962. Fregosi had over 600 plate appearances in 7 of the 8 seasons from 1963-1970 (only 591 PA in 1964), and made the all-star team in 1964 and 1966-1970.



In 1971 (due to injuries?) Jim was limited to 107 games, and started 73 of his 74 appearances at shortstop. After the season, he was traded to the Mets for pitcher Nolan Ryan, outfielder Leroy Stanton, and 2 other players.

Fregosi's career never got back on track after leaving the Angels. He played 85 games at third base in 1972, and a few dozen games in 1973 between 3B and SS before he was sold to the Texas Rangers in July 1973.

Jim was a part-time infielder during his years with the Rangers. He played third base in 1973, and switched to first base midway through the 1974 season.

Fregosi was traded to the Pirates in June 1977 for Ed Kirkpatrick. After being used sparingly as a pinch-hitter, he was released in June 1978.

Fregosi was immediately hired as the Angels' manager, and lasted through the 1981 season. He also managed the White Sox (1986-88), the Phillies (1991-96), and the Blue Jays (1999-2000).