His sense of humor was just outstanding. Frey spent the 1987 season in the WGN Radio booth as an analyst on Cubs broadcasts and was the Cubs general manager from November 1987 through the 1991 season. 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. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. By then, he was 26 years old and had proven he could compete at the AAA level. Remembering every player, one story at a time. Green made a few shrewd deals before and during the 1984 season, like acquiring Rick Sutcliffe, Gary Matthews and Scott Sanderson. "[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. Following in his fathers footsteps, he pursued a career in plumbing and pipefitting as a loyal member of Austins Plumbing and Pipefitters Local 286. Williams: Castellini knows you don't want to hear from him. Jim Frey, 49, of Salem died Sunday of a heart attack. That deal looks bad now, because it sent Rafael Palmiero and Jamie Moyer to the Rangers. He saw extra-base hits and home runs for me that I didnt see, said Sandberg, who would become a first-time All-Star and the NL MVP that season. [4] He led the Royals to a 9765 mark and the American League West Division title in 1980; then, in the 1980 American League Championship Series, the Royals swept their long-time postseason nemesis, the New York Yankees, in three straight games to capture the AL title. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. I promise these short words will not capture the impact Jim had on those who knew him. Receive a notification when services are updated. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. The team reached the postseason for the first time since the 1945 World Series. James served in the US Army and Army reserve until being honorably discharged in 1964. Jim and Aidas marriage ended amicably in 1990. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Add a Message. When they got off to a 23-33 start in 1986, Frey was fired. With the new acquisitions and good performances from the existing players, the Cubs marched to the top of the division with a 96-65 record. The Mets manager, George Bamberger, was an old friend of Freys and a fellow coach on the Orioles. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. James A. Frey of Soldotna, Alaska, died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 2, 2018, at a friend's home in Salem, Oregon. 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. As Sutcliffe shared this story Tuesday, he couldnt help but laugh. Mike Bielecki, product of a trade with Pittsburgh, won 18 games. 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. Let others know about your loved one's death. 13603 Northland Dr., NE P. O. 14, 2020. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved James Frey in Maplewood, Wisconsin, who passed away on October 15, 2022. Jim was born on September 26, 1951 in Calgary, Alberta. The world has lost a true embassador of how to live out one's life through faith and values. Add a Message. One of Freys teammates on the 1953 Jacksonville Braves was a teenaged Hank Aaron. Aaron always answered, Right down the middle, even when Frey could see that they were on the outside corner. Guest Book Not sure. Get them together and, oh, man.. Blackhawks, shaken by trades, fall flat against Coyotes, 11th Ward Ald. Jim will be greatly missed and we send our love to the entire Frey family, said Somerset Patriots Chairman Emeritus Steve Kalafer. Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5, 2020. Private interment Crandall Cemetery. Read Full Obituary. States must work together to end HIV epidemic. But a way to realistically get us there faster is to have a plan where everyone is on the same page. Born in Cleveland on May 26, 1931, Frey became friends with future major leaguer Don Zimmer at Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. 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. They remained close friends and considered each other family for the remainder of his days. He tossed 3 scoreless innings in his professional pitching debut. He scouted and managed in the minor leagues for Baltimore and coached for the Orioles under manager Earl Weaver from 1970-79. 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. He worked for Frey Thriftway, and owned and operated five Thriftway stores until 1997. But he loaded his team with talented major-league and minor-league recruits, including pitcher Milt Wilcox and infielders Rod Carew and Dave Concepcion. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. [7], Frey then returned to the coaching ranks with the New York Mets for 198283. Nominate your top brews here , Ohio Supreme Court to decide if at-home workers eligible for tax refund. When asked the secret to their 55 year marriage, his answer was simple: projects! No services are scheduled at this time. FAREWELL , TO A LONG-TIME LEGENDARY CHICAGO CUBS MANAGER BROTHER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were married on May 8 1954. Frey said that he told Sandberg that he needed to stop being the guy who set up someone else to have a big inning. Jim is survived by, and lived his life in service to, those whom he loved more than anything else: the unquestioned love of his life, his own living angel and wife, Carol Ann Frey. Youd be hard-pressed to go out and find a more experienced, qualified person with the same amount of enthusiasm.. Frey was living in Baltimore. We invite you to share condolences for Jim Frey in our Guest Book. He takes instruction well, he works hard, he wants to be good. Nicole Lee heads toward runoff, No moral victory awaits Bulls if they make play-in tournament. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 14, 2020. Gary"Tish" Tischler. Neither move worked, and the Cubs were without a closer. With no college education, Jim would begin his civilian career as linemen for the Illuminating Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Frey didnt change his no-nonsense style, but it worked on this Cubs team. He had a particular love of Northern art. He enjoyed great professional success, working all over Canadas North, as well as in various places throughout the world. 14, 2020. Frey's use of seven pitchers for the whole Series led to short runs for their starters that meant they could not pitch efficiently despite batting .290 in the Series. Not even three days after graduating from high school, he started his minor-league career as a member of the Boston Braves organization. He saw potential in me, and he asked more of me.. I told him, You should pick up the paper and see headlines: Ryne Sandberg won the game,' Frey explained. The pain never goes away you just learn to survive with the emptiness in your heart. James was born May 18, 1937 in Austin to Henry Frey and Cleo Caswell Frey as the sixth of eight children. Published by The Huntsville Times on Apr. I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one, who will be remembered for his contribution to baseball history and being a great athlete. He was predeceased by : his parents, Harold Frey and Betty Lou Frey; and his sister . His first real setback came after hitting .263 in 20 games for the Class-A Hartford Chiefs of the Eastern League. We will miss seeing Jim on his walking routine, smiling and greeting us as he and Carol passed by. He was attended Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio alongside his lifelong friend Don Zimmer. After growing up in Fort Bragg, James worked as a fisherman, gold miner and mechanic. In parts of five seasons as a manager in the majors, Frey compiled a 323-287 win-loss record for a .530 winning percentage. The abrupt departures of Patrick Kane and others in recent days have not only stripped the roster of its best talent but have also emotionally and psychologically affected those who remain. When he found out we were from Cleveland that made us instant friends. [1] In the World Series, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, who won their first World Series championship. Published by The Advocate on Apr. (LogOut/ Survived by three sons, Steven J. Frey, Michael W. Frey (Charlotte Hertler), and Eric A Frey (Susan Frey). 10/21/1940 - 05/05/2014. JIM FREY OBITUARY. It's because of guys like Jim that I can say I was able to retire 28yrs later as a Leader lineman!! We respect your privacy and will not share your email address. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. He loved the Lord and kept his sense of humor to the end. But seriously. Jim and family were our next door neighbors . Frey coached for the New York Mets in 1982 and '83, then was hired by the Cubs to replace Charlie Fox. It's too bad the coronavirus is around. Jim joined the U.S. Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic out of Norfolk . Frey's moves included signing George Bell and Danny Jackson, trading Lee Smith to Boston for Calvin Schiraldi and Al Nipper; dealing Keith Moreland to the Padres for Rich Gossage; and shipping Rafael Palmeiro and Jamie Moyer to Texas for Mitch Williams. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. A couple weeks later, he chose his old high school friend, Zimmer. Zimmer made the best of home-grown talent like Sandberg, Mark Grace and Rookie of the Year Jerome Walton. There will be a new area code in Southwest Ohio next month. Please accept my condolences. Chicago lost in five games to the San Diego Padres in the NL Championship Series, blowing a 2-0 series lead. The Associated Press contributed to this report. We will miss seeing Jim, Carol and Scout walking the neighborhood. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Your email address will not be published. We talked a handful of times a year, and he kept me up to date on things, Sandberg said. Jim Frey was born in Cleveland on May 26, 1931. 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.. He is united and dancing. My husband Ray, who sufferred many strokes, is especially moved by Jim's passing as he stated "He (Jim) always talked to me when I walked around the block and he would ask how I was feeling and encourage me. Those things are OK with a lot of players. Illinois is leading the way. He inquired about who we were and where we came from. So very sorry to hear of Jims passingI knew him well as a fellow CEI employee and admired him in his role as safety director-Havent heard from or about him for several years and saddened to hear that he also lived in the Tampa area! Sutcliffe ran into Frey a couple of years after the latter, his run as Cubs GM over, had been reassigned by the club and asked him what he was up to. "[3], A week after the end of the 1979 World Series on October 24, Frey was named to succeed Whitey Herzog as manager of the Kansas City Royals. Chicago Sun Times Former Cubs skipper Jim Frey, who managed the team from 1984 to 1986 and led them to their first division title and first postseason appearance since the 1945 World Series, died Sunday at 88. Free agent signee George Bell hit 25 homers in 1991, but new pitchers Danny Jackson and Dave Smith were awful. We invite you to share condolences for Jim Frey in our Guest Book. He became vice chairman of the New England Patriots, owned by friend Steve Kalafer, and shifted to an adviser role in later years. Dick Howser replaced him. He was the second of five children, born to Ella Mae and James Will Fraser. Together they had three children, Michelle, Neal, and Wendy. Frey turned down the choice of manager or general manager of the Minnesota Twins in favor of working as a radio commentator with the Cubs. Would you like to offer James A. Freys loved ones a condolence message? It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website, Austin lost an original on August 17, 2022 with the passing of James Clifford Frey. He was 88 years old. [12][13]. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 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. The family will greet friends Monday from 4-7 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. So sorry for your loss. The next year, Frey surfaced as a color commentator on the Cubs' WGN Radio broadcasts. During the clubhouse celebration following the division-clinching in Pittsburgh, Frey declared, "The monkey's off our back! Cincinnati, other cities getting new area code. Sandberg responded with 19 home runs on the season and won the 1984 MVP Award. Bye. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Frey hit in front of Aaron, so he had a great opportunity to view his swing. My family tolerates this about me. What do you say about a man who was frequently described as larger than life? Sutter fanned him on three pitches. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. November 24, 1954 - My condolences go out to the family of Jim Frey. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Zella Sawyer after a whirlwind courtship in Indianola, TX. The season was put on hold for nearly two months because of the players strike, and when play resumed in the second half, the Royals went 10-10 in the first 20 games. Jim had countless contributions to the Somerset Patriots as one of our first supporters over two decades ago. 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 came to the Cubs from a trade with Texas. View all posts by Sam Gazdziak. His experiments with amateur beekeeping often provided comic relief for Zella, and they both determined that his skills were best suited for tractors and hers for the bees. Jim Frey was the former manager of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. He trained me when I was in line school learning to climb poles.Jim was a great guy,he was also a great foreman at E24th& Solon service centers. In the years following, Jim would go on to attain his BA and MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. The Patriots did not announce a cause of death. Frey made a bold move in the winter of 1988, trading budding star Rafael Palmeiro and young pitcher Jamie Moyer to the Texas Rangers for a number of players, including Mitch Williams. Mary Elizabeth Frey, 73, of Alpena, passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 surrounded by her family. At the time, it would have been hard to predict that the contact hitting Palmiero would pile up Hall of Fame numbers or that Moyer would pitch until he was nearly 50. 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In December 1987, the Tribune Co. hired Frey to replace his old boss, general manager Dallas Green, who had resigned two months earlier. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. I was lucky enough to grow up next door to him. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of James E. Frey of Alden, New York, who passed away on September 30, 2022 at the age of 69. What do you say about a man who was frequently described as larger than life? [6], During the strike-marred 1981 season, in which the Royals finished the first half with a 2030 record, Frey was criticized widely for not taking full advantage of a team built for speed and for failing to motivate his players by Kansas City vice president/general manager Joe Burke. I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Jim. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. , Harold Frey and Cleo Caswell Frey as the sixth of eight children first time since 1945! 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