Jim Fregosi Jr. — a long time Philadelphia Phillies scout — passed away Thursday from a heart attack, according to family friend and long-time MLB writer Tracy Ringolsby. USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale confirmed the news. Fregosi was 57 years old.
Fregosi had been a special assistant to the general manager for the Kansas City Royals since October of 2011, per his LinkedIn account. Sandwiched around a stint as an MLB scout for the Colorado Rockies in the early 2000s were two runs working in the Phillies organization. From January of 1992 until October of 2000, Fregosi was an area scout/cross checker for the Phillies. Following his time with Rockies, Fregosi was a scouting coordinator/MLB scout from October of 2002 through October of 2011.
Of course, Fregosi’s father was the Phillies manager from 1991-1996, including leading the upstart 1993 team to 97 wins and an appearance in the World Series. The elder Fregosi — a six-time All-Star as a player — passed away in February of 2014 at the age of 71.
The Phillies released a statement on Fregosi’s passing.
“The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Fregosi Jr. Jim brought a passionate, fun-loving attitude to the Phillies scouting department for 17 years, and made an equal impact on the club with his incredible baseball acumen. Jim was a great friend and mentor to many and will be sorely missed. The Phillies’ thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fregosi family during this difficult time.”
Phillies Nation sends our condolences to the Fregosi family during this difficult time.