Baseball lifer Jim Fregosi dies at 71

— -- Former major league manager Jim Fregosi, who spent 53 seasons in professional baseball, died early Friday from complications after suffering multiple strokes, the  Atlanta Braves said. He was 71.

Jim Fregosi Jr., his oldest son, told MLB.com his father died at 2:36 a.m. and "went in peace with no pain." Fregosi had fallen ill earlier this week while on a Major League Baseball alumni cruise in the Cayman Islands.

Fregosi managed 15 years in the majors with the Angels, White Sox, Phillies and Blue Jays, compiling a 1,028-1,094 record.

His 1993 Phillies produced a 97-65 record and won the National League pennant, and he guided the 1979 Angels to the AL West title with an 88-74 season.

"Everyone in the Phillies organization is deeply saddened about the news of Jim's passing. We, and so many others in the game, have lost a dear friend," Phillies president David Montgomery said in a statement. "He'll be remembered for his vibrant personality, wisdom and love of the game."

The six-time All-Star shortstop made his major league debut at 19 for the Angels. He  out of high school and went to the Angels in the 1960 expansion draft.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.