Jim Frey

[Griffey]

Passed away today at age 88.  A mainstay of Earl's coaching staff in the '70s.

[tntoriole]

He was a big part of our success from 1970 through 79 then managed the Royals and Cubs to World Series and playoff appearances ...great baseball man.  Rest in Peace! 

[atomic]

Searching for Frey , I found this cool Topps baseball card.  Sad day for Orioles fans.
 

[Tx Oriole]

7 hours ago, Griffey said:

Passed away today at age 88.  A mainstay of Earl's coaching staff in the '70s.

I didn’t know that about him. Part of Earl’s staff. 

[scOtt]

Roch mentioned him today:

Quote

* Former Orioles coach Jim Frey passed away on Sunday. He was 88.

The independent Somerset Patriots announced the news yesterday morning. Frey had served as the team’s vice chairman.

Manager Earl Weaver promoted Frey to his coaching staff in 1970. Frey served as hitting coach until the Royals hired him as manager prior to the 1980 season.

The Royals lost to the Phillies in the 1980 World Series and Frey was fired the following year during a strike-shortened season.

Frey guided the Cubs to the playoffs in 1984 and later became general manager, but I’ll always remember him as part of an Orioles coaching staff that at various junctures included George Bamberger, Billy Hunter, George Staller, Ray Miller, Cal Ripken Sr., Frank Robinson and Elrod Hendricks.

The Orioles won three American League pennants and the 1970 World Series with Frey on the staff. Just hearing his name brings back fond memories.

RIP.

 

[DrungoHazewood]

Frey had a 14-year career as a minor league outfielder in the 50s and early 60s.  Hit .300 several times and walked a decent amount.  But never made it above AAA. 

He was the best hitter on the AA '57 Tulsa Oilers but never got so much as a September call up from the 77-77 Phillies.  Was also one of the better players on the '60 Rochester Red Wings, just before they became an O's affiliate.  Was teammates with 44-year-old Luke Easter*, who someone should write a book about, if they haven't already.  But despite using 47 players that year the Cards never called him up.

* Would most certainly be a HOFer if he'd been born 10 years later.  Had an .830 MLB OPS despite not getting a regular gig until he was 34 because segregation.  Spent nearly a decade playing AAA ball after his MLB career was over, and had a 40-homer season at the age of 41.  Had 345 professional homers after the age of 31, and only five of them before 33.

[Frobby]

Didn’t Frey usually assume the managerial duties when Earl Weaver got ejected?   RIP to a good baseball man.  

[scOtt]

3 hours ago, Frobby said:

Didn’t Frey usually assume the managerial duties when Earl Weaver got ejected?   RIP to a good baseball man.  

So... he's probably like 5th or 6th all-time in number of Oriole games managed?