Friday, November 28, 2014

THEN AND NOW #24: JIM FREGOSI 1978

My subject for the latest "Super Veteran" card is former all-star shortstop and Major League manager Jim Fregosi.
Take a look:


Exciting since it's the first 1978 format for this series, and I've also come to appreciate Fregosi and his career so much more since I started this blog.
Fregosi was wrapping up a very nice 18-year career in 1978, and although he is largely remembered for being "the guy traded for Nolan Ryan", was arguably the best shortstop in the American League in the 1960's while with the Angels.
Between 1963 and 1970 he was a six-time all-star and garnered M.V.P. votes each and every year!
After his playing days he immediately went on to a managerial career, in 1978 as a matter of fact, leading his former team the California Angels between 1978 and 1981 before moving on to head the Chicago White Sox (1986-1988), Philadelphia Phillies (1991-1996) and Toronto Blue Jays (1999-2000).
A true baseball "lifer", I'm happy to give him props any chance I can here…