Frey remained as GM through the 1991 season, when he was replaced by Larry Himes after Frey's power eroded under team president Don Grenesko. They told me they wanted me to be their vice president of Baltimore.. Freys first major deal, which sent Lee Smith to Boston for pitchers Al Nipper and Calvin Schiraldi, was a bust, but the 1988 Cubs finished in fourth place a step up from their previous seasons. Jim Palmer called him "one of the great fielder-mover-arounders of all time. Meet 283, the new 513. An outfielder, Frey spent 14 seasons in the minor league organizations of the Boston and Milwaukee Braves, and the St. Louis Cardinals without reaching the majors. Green made a few shrewd deals before and during the 1984 season, like acquiring Rick Sutcliffe, Gary Matthews and Scott Sanderson. Frey hit in front of Aaron, so he had a great opportunity to view his swing. Jim/Dad, you were indeed larger than life. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. JIMMY WAS AN AMAZING MAN WHEN , MY STEP GRANDFATHER WATCHED HIM PROVERBS 4:10 . HOSEA 3:02 PETER 22:03:22 .. JOHN 2:07-2:25-3:16 ?????????????????????? You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. The hole you have left behind for those you have mentored and loved can never be filled but we will live each day with your memories and live our lives in your honor. He enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Indian Mountain Lodge with some of his closest friends for many years, and those remained some of his fondest memories. Frey was reassigned within the organization after the 1991 season, replaced by former Chicago White Sox general manager Larry Himes. After a trying 1985 season in which the entire five-man starting rotation simultaneously spent time on the disabled list, the Cubs sputtered in 1986. Many a Friday nights we would meet for pizza after the kids games and enjoy a game of Uno. Frey had the winning hit in the 1947 championship game. Though Frey retired from baseball after more than 40 years in the game, he became involved in the formation of the Somerset Patriots, a team in the Atlantic League, in 1996. Jim had countless contributions to the Somerset Patriots as one of our first supporters over two decades ago. Princeton avenges two losses to top-ranked Mason in regional semis, Ready to Bockfest? He saw potential in me, and he asked more of me.. James A. Frey Obituary It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of James A. Frey of Boscobel, Wisconsin, who passed away on October 8, 2022, at the age of 67, leaving to mourn family and friends. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of James A. Frey of Boscobel, Wisconsin, who passed away on October 8, 2022, at the age of 67, leaving to mourn family and friends. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Not only was he a friend to our team, he was more importantly, a friend to me, Suzanne, and Jonathan and Josh. Published by The Advocate on Apr. James William Frey. Here's what you need to know about the change. Change). Get them together and, oh, man.. Reds game observations: Nick Lodolo learns pitch clock in spring debut, Feds: Father, son used luxury apartment in Pendleton to traffic drugs, In Northern Kentucky, local party leaders face a 'coup', Connor Phillips, Reds pitching prospect, creating a buzz in camp, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. His Brother-in-law Bob Craggs, Sister-in-law Bev Craggs and nephews Colton and Cameron Craggs. Above all else, Jim valued God and his family. Frey would ask Aaron where certain pitches had been. In 1989, the Cubs won the NL East again before losing to the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS. As Sutcliffe shared this story Tuesday, he couldnt help but laugh. Every player needs to respect the other players and the idea of the entire group of 25 trying to win together, he said. He offered to help if we needed anything at all. States must work together to end HIV epidemic. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of James E. Frey to pay them a last tribute. James is survived by his wife Zella, children James Frey Jr and wife Donna Karen, Will Frey, Clint Frey and Courtney Kieke and husband David, grandchildren Hannah, Jack, Madelyn, Cody, Gibson, Kiptyn, Peter, Bobby, and Grant, and great grandson Aiden. Here's what to know about this year's festival. 14, 2020. "[8], The Cubs won the first two games against the San Diego Padres in the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field, before they went to San Diego needing to win just one of the next three games. You may make donations via etransfer to [email protected], Question: Jim Fraser, Password: Everybodyeats, Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bearcreekfuneral.com, I was hoping to meet you one day properly but it looks like I get to meet you with mom and grandma and auntie in heaven miss you uncle love you lots my condolences to the family. RIP to Jim Frey, a manager who led two teams into the postseason and was named Manager of the Year for breaking the Cubs long postseason dry spell. Frey spent several years as an Orioles scout and roving hitting instructor. He returned to the Class-A in 1953 this time with the Jacksonville Braves of the Sally League and proceeded to hit .317 and .316 in 1953 and 54, respectively. He was a left-handed Punch and Judy man until I got to him. Jim and Aidas marriage ended amicably in 1990. What are risks, rewards of Larry Householder taking the stand today? He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Frey managed the Kansas City Royals (1980-81) and Chicago Cubs (1984-86), and he was also a minor-league player and manager, scout, coach and general manager in a long baseball career. Please accept my condolences. James E. Frey Obituary. Thank you for the fond memories, my friend. He had a particular love of Northern art. Unlike the Royals, which was already a good team, the Cubs were much closer to the NL East cellar than the playoffs. He even discovered some power and hit 16 homers in 1960 with Rochester and in 1962 with Buffalo. I mean, 88 years and all the great things he was able to do in the game of baseball? Sutcliffe said. Freys special assignment was to work with young sensation Darryl Strawberry, the eventual 1983 Rookie of the Year. So sorry for your loss. We talked a handful of times a year, and he kept me up to date on things, Sandberg said. Thanks Jim For everything you did. Add a Photo Submit Your Message 22 Entries After I broke my knee, I couldnt run either.. Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5, 2020. It was the first time he failed to top .300 in the minors, and the Braves sent him to Class-B Evansville. Frey didnt spend much time talking with his players; he just expected them to do the jobs they were given. By then, he was 26 years old and had proven he could compete at the AAA level. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. To Carol, Jim Jr, and the whole Frey family. When they got off to a 23-33 start in 1986, Frey was fired. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Free agent signee George Bell hit 25 homers in 1991, but new pitchers Danny Jackson and Dave Smith were awful. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. He is united and dancing. We invite you to share condolences for Jim Frey in our Guest Book. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. Survived by three sons, Steven J. Frey, Michael W. Frey (Charlotte Hertler), and Eric A Frey (Susan Frey). They remained close friends and considered each other family for the remainder of his days. He became vice chairman of the New England Patriots, owned by friend Steve Kalafer, and shifted to an adviser role in later years. Frey played for three AA teams in 1956 and a fourth AA team in 1957. Upon being named manager for the 1984 season, Jim took over a club that had not had a winning record since 1972 and immediately helped return the Cubs to postseason play, leading the team to the NL East title and first playoff appearance in 39 years, earning NL Manager of the Year honors along the way, the statement said. Obituary: Matt Keough (1955-2020) RIP Baseball, Obituary: Bob Sebra (1961-2020) RIP Baseball, Obituary: Lorenzo Chico Fernandez (1939-2020) RIP Baseball, 2020 was as bad as you thought it was RIP Baseball, Obituary: Billy DeMars (1925-2020) RIP Baseball, Grave Story: Dan Quisenberry (1953-1998) RIP Baseball, Obituary: Bruce Sutter (1953-2022) RIP Baseball. [5] This served as some sort of revenge for the Yankees having defeated Herzog's Royals for three consecutive seasons (197678) in the ALCS. I loved his managing etc. Box 389, Cedar Springs, MI. Illinois is leading the way. In 1980, Frey led the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB) to their first American League (AL) championship, in his first year with the team. Frey didnt change his no-nonsense style, but it worked on this Cubs team. There are no events at this time. According to a rumor, Some of the Royals players delighted in the mistake. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. On November 11, 1987, he was named the Cubs Director of Baseball Operations (essentially, general manager), following the resignation of Green two weeks prior. I miss him. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. November 24, 1954 - No services are scheduled at this time. They just see something white coming up there and they hit it with a stick.. Gracious and giving man. Frey batted .283, with 4 home runs and 45 RBIs for the Omaha Cardinals. Love Brian and Bridget. James was born May 18, 1937 in Austin to Henry Frey and Cleo Caswell Frey as the sixth of eight children. He worked for Frey Thriftway, and owned and operated five Thriftway stores until 1997. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. We will do whatever we can to honor him at the ballpark this season and beyond., For more information: ESPNChicago Tribune, Follow me on Twitter: @rip_mlbFollow me on Instagram: @rip_mlbFollow me on Facebook: ripbaseballSupport RIP Baseball, I am a professional journalist with a deep and abiding love of baseball and music. In 1996, Jim married Della Vance, also of Yellowknife, NT. Its been exciting to watch that happen, too.. I knew he was in and out of bad health the last four or five years, but he always managed to come through., In a statement, the Cubs called Frey a central figure in our clubs most memorable moments of the 1980s.. In the years following, Jim would go on to attain his BA and MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. He seemed like a nice guy. Frey was satisfied with his role and didnt miss being a manager at all. My family and I knew Jim and family back in Strongsville Ohio. Per the Chicago Tribune, Frey devised a drill that Sandberg used to work on his power during the second half of spring training. Born in Cleveland on May 26, 1931, Frey became friends with future major leaguer Don Zimmer at Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. It meant, Go home, sit tight and well call you if we need you, Frey explained. May you have peace and comfort as grieve. Martin and Lewis, anybody. Jim joined the U.S. Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic out of Norfolk . Those lucky enough to work for James knew they were going to be held to a high standard and in return they would be kept safe and well supported. He is survived by : his close friend Deborah Gardner of Boscobel; his sons, Chris Frey of Boscobel and Luke Frey (Sarah) of Boscobel; his grandchildren, Franky, Rugar and Cinch Frey; and his siblings, Dennis Frey (Mary) of Nevada, John Frey of Wyoming, Shan Kramer (Mark) of Green Lake, WI, Patricia Williams (Jessie) of California and Robert Frey (Julie) of Boscobel. In spite of the heroics, Frey did not make the big-league club; his ESPN obituary stated that a left shoulder injury cost him a spot on the Opening Day roster, which went to Curt Flood instead. Jim was born in Cincinnati on March 25th,1940 and attended Hughes High School. The two would remain friends, and their careers would cross professionally with the Chicago Cubs some 40 years later. He was one guy who was extremely instrumental in my career and in the Chicago Cubs, Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg said. James was born May 18, 1937 in Austin to Henry Frey and Cleo Caswell Frey as the sixth of eight children. His childhood was spent exploring beautiful Shoal Creek and playing in Ramsey Park. Zimmer made the best of home-grown talent like Sandberg, Mark Grace and Rookie of the Year Jerome Walton. Frey is survived by his wife of 68 years, the former Joan Miller; son James; daughters Mary Maenner, Jennifer Stangl and Cindy Sullivan; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. To the Frey family I offer my condolences. The Cubs lost the next three games, and many critics blamed Frey for mishandling the pitching staff. Sutcliffe, Gary Matthews and Scott Sanderson work on his power during the 1984 season, like acquiring Rick,! Add a photo Submit your message 22 Entries after I broke my knee, couldnt! Go on to attain his BA and MBA from Baldwin Wallace University Colton and Cameron Craggs before and during second! He offered to help if we needed anything at all for someone you loved.. November 24, 1954 No... 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