Farewell Friend Fregosi

Post date: Feb 16, 2014 6:47:34 AM

His number 11 stands proud in the upper level of the right-field pavilion at Angel Stadium, retired to honor a man who gave his soul both as a player and a manager to the Angels; Jim Fregosi died yesterday as a result of multiple strokes, he was 71 years old.

Although I am too young to have see him play in person, I was lucky enough to see him play on tape. To say that he was an extraordinary shortstop would be an understatement. He played with passion and dedication, Jim Fregosi loved the Angels, so much so, that when he was traded in the transaction that brought Nolan Ryan to Anaheim Fregosi was sad to leave the Angels.

It would be easy for me to talk about his accomplishments, for example he was the first Angel in history to hit for the cycle. However, I rather talk about the men that I got to meet in 2010 during All-Star fan Fest, as I remember there were very strict rules they asked the players not to leave the table for any circumstance. Mr. Fregosi made an exception to the rule for me and he spent a good amount of time talking baseball to my friends and I, no matter who was waiting for him.

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Mr. Fregosi was a class act, I am blessed to have met him. Perhaps it was fitting that he passed away on Valentine’s Day; no matter who he impacted he is remembered with nothing but love and respect. Rest in peace Jim Fregosi.

-ICE