Jim Fregosi, 71, dies after stroke

ByABC News
February 14, 2014, 7:50 AM

— -- Former major league manager Jim Fregosi died early Friday morning from complications after suffering multiple strokes, his son confirmed to MLB.com.

Jim Fregosi Jr., the oldest son of the 71-year-old Fregosi, told MLB.com that his father died at 2:36 a.m. Friday morning and "went in peace with no pain."

Fregosi managed 15 years in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays. His 1993 Phillies produced a 97-65 record and won the National League pennant.

The six-time All-Star shortstop played played 18 seasons for the Angels, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates. For his career, he had a .265 batting average with 151 home runs and 706 RBIs.

Fregosi was removed from life support at a Miami hospital on Thursday, a family spokesman told MLB.com. 

"I'm sorry to say he did pass away," White Sox special assistant Dave Yoakum told ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin on Friday. "I always knew when I walked into the ballpark and saw Jim sitting there I was going to learn something about baseball and have lots of laughs the next three to four days.

"Fishing with him, Lee Elia, Charlie Manuel and Dom Chiti are memories I will cherish for the rest my life. I'm going to miss Jim tremendously."

Fregosi, also a former player and scout, suffered a stroke while on a Major League Baseball alumni cruise and was hospitalized. He was in a medically induced coma, a source told Rubin.

A spokeswoman for MSC Cruises said Fregosi became ill Tuesday as the MSC Divina was headed from Grand Cayman to Cozumel, Mexico. The ship returned to Grand Cayman, and Fregosi later was taken to a hospital in Miami.

Fregosi, had been serving as a special assistant to Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren.

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