In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. 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. As our general manager, he constructed a playoff club in 1989 to again land the Cubs in the postseason five years later. 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. MEMORIES & CONDOLENCES. Closer Mitch Williams picked up 36 saves. In 1996, Jim married Della Vance, also of Yellowknife, NT. Funeral arrangement under the care ofKendall Funeral Services. To leave a condolence message, add photos, or add videos, please provide your name and email address, 11802 99 Avenue We will remember Jim fondly, especially when we hoist both the American flag and the Buckeye banner. Work opportunities brought Jim and Aida to the North, and they raised their family in Yellowknife, NT, where Jim primarily resided for the next 40 years. Sutter fanned him on three pitches. It was as high as he would get, however. Chicago lost in five games to the San Diego Padres in the NL Championship Series, blowing a 2-0 series lead. 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. Published by The Times-Picayune on Apr. James "Jim" Frey, 82, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died of natural causes on October 9th, 2022. "We join the baseball community in mourning Jim's passing and send our condolences to his family and friends," the Cubs said in a statement Tuesday. Frey batted .283, with 4 home runs and 45 RBIs for the Omaha Cardinals. James Frey Obituary. Anyone who knew Jim knew how proud he was of his family, especially his nine grandchildren, whom he considered his greatest accomplishments. Private remembrance services will be held for close family. James often reflected that he knew he had to marry her if he was going to get her to Austin. He tossed 3 scoreless innings in his professional pitching debut. But seriously. Box 389, Cedar Springs, MI. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He was a kind man.". Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. 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. Gary"Tish" Tischler. Born in Cleveland on May 26, 1931, Frey became friends with future major leaguer Don Zimmer at Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. Its important to have a goal. 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 seemed like a nice guy. The family will greet friends Monday from 4-7 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Above all else, Jim valued God and his family. From November 1987 through the end of the 1991 season, Frey was the Cubs' general manager. Ryne Sandberg cited Frey as "the one guy who was extremely instrumental in my career. 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 ?????????????????????? Jim was born on September 26, 1951 in Calgary, Alberta. Per the Chicago Tribune, Frey devised a drill that Sandberg used to work on his power during the second half of spring training. Frey had the winning hit in the 1947 championship game. A recurring arm injury prevented him from his best shot at the big leagues, in 1958. Love sent to all! [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. Warmly, Galen & Sandy Carver. At the age of 17, he married Aida Slifka. Gracious and giving man. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. The Cubs lost the next three games, and many critics blamed Frey for mishandling the pitching staff. Read Full Obituary. Wow I am so saddened to hear the passing of jim he was not only a great neighbor but a super nice guy who never minded telling u how he felt. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Jim Frey was the former manager of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Despite his reputation as a good baseball coach, Frey was never the subject of managerial rumors until he was hired by the Kansas City Royals in October of 1979 to replace Whitey Herzog. He is united and dancing. Zimmer was fired in May of 1991, and reports at the time indicated that Cubs president Don Grenesko went over Freys head and made the decision himself. Read Full Obituary. Jim was born November 3, 1939 in Sand Lake, MI the son of Harry and Blanche (Verburg) Frey. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. 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. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Westphalia Historical Society and the Church Rebuilding project. Online donations can be made by selecting church rebuilding using following link: https://abundant.co/cofvwestphalia/give. Frey was fired two months into the season and replaced by John Vukovich. After a disappointing 1990 season, Frey was active on the free agent market, acquiring former Toronto Blue Jay and 1987 American League MVP George Bell, former Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Danny Jackson, and former Houston Astros closer Dave Smith. "[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. His Brother-in-law Bob Craggs, Sister-in-law Bev Craggs and nephews Colton and Cameron Craggs. I was honored to have met this man quite a few years ago when I visited youse guys up there. He saw extra base hits and home runs for me that I didnt see.. Despite the crushing defeat, that season catapulted the franchise from a decadeslong drought into a new era of popularity. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. He became vice chairman of the New England Patriots, owned by friend Steve Kalafer, and shifted to an adviser role in later years. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. He led the Texas League in hitting (.336), runs (102), hits (198) and doubles (50) and won the Most Valuable Player Award. On November 11, 1987, he was named the Cubs Director of Baseball Operations (essentially, general manager), following the resignation of Green two weeks prior. Some people loved the approach, and some didnt, but the results were that the Royals got to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. We always talked about the week while having pizza and beers. Injuries suffered during the course of his career sapped his arm strength and his speed, though his hitting stayed pretty consistent. Together they had three children, Michelle, Neal, and Wendy. He was given a difficult assignment. Jim attended NAIT, where he completed his training as a Journeyman Carpenter. At one point, it was so bad I couldnt throw 50 feet. Thats the way it is with those great natural hitters like Aaron. He was 88 years old. 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. Well, you know Im still getting paid [by the Cubs], dont you? Frey said. As Sutcliffe shared this story Tuesday, he couldnt help but laugh. (LogOut/ 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. Having been reared in a household of very modest means, Jim was passionate about helping those who were less fortunate, and supported many causes, both financially and through the donation of his time. Frey, for his efforts, won the NL Manager of the Year Award, becoming the first Cubs skipper to receive the honor. Youd be hard-pressed to go out and find a more experienced, qualified person with the same amount of enthusiasm.. Jim Frey was the former manager of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. The idea is to use everybodys talents in contributing to the overall team success. Frey replaced Whitey Herzog as the Royals' manager after the 1979 season. Within weeks of his hiring, Frey dealt relief pitcher Lee Smith to Boston for journeyman pitchers Al Nipper and Calvin Schiraldi, the latter of whom was best known for playing a part in the Red Sox' 1986 World Series collapse. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Martin and Geraldine VanIddeking; sister, Dorothy Jean Smith; brothers, Donald, John, Richard and William Frey. Growing up in Cincinnati, he played for the American Legion Bentley post, which was the American Legion runner-up in 1946 and the national champion in 1947. View all posts by Sam Gazdziak. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Former Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe, the 1984 NL Cy Young Award winner, recalled Frey and Zimmer rivaling any comedy team ever. Frey was promoted to the MLB Orioles' coaching staff under Earl Weaver, in 1970, and coached on three AL pennant winners and one World Series champion through 1979. Private interment Crandall Cemetery. It was the first time he failed to top .300 in the minors, and the Braves sent him to Class-B Evansville. The Patriots did not announce a cause of death. Jim Frey was the former manager of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. By then, he was 26 years old and had proven he could compete at the AAA level. 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. Midway through spring training in 1984, Frey sat Sandberg down and told him to start trying to drive the ball, to swing for power and be more aggressive when ahead in the count. Not sure what to say? Jim Frey was born in Cleveland on May 26, 1931. [12][13]. Gov. James E. Frey Obituary. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of James E. Frey to pay them a last tribute. But Williams had just one more forgettable year for the Cubs before being traded to Philadelphia in 1991, and Palmeiro and Moyer went on to have productive careers. I tried to change his mental approach to hitting.. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. May you find comfort and strength in God during this time of sorrow. Many second-guessers believed he should have started Game One pitcher Sutcliffe in Game Four instead of Sanderson. Every time he saw us walking down the street we would say "Here comes Cleveland!". Read Full Obituary. He was the second of five children, born to Ella Mae and James Will Fraser. With heavy hearts we wish to share that Jim Fraser, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, former long-time resident of Yellowknife, passed away suddenly at his home on August 15, 2021, at the age of 69. When the Cubs beat the San Diego Padres in the first two games of the League Championship, it looked like the Cubs would break the infamous Billy Goat curse. We invite you to share condolences for Jim Frey in our Guest Book. Zimmer, his old friend and third base coach, was let go as well. He retired after an injury-plagued 1963 season, when he was 32 years old. If you enjoy reading this website and wish to support RIP Baseball, please visit our Support page. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Truly liked Jim. Jim and Aidas marriage ended amicably in 1990. Haverford - James Louis Frey died on December 14, 2020. We will miss seeing Jim, Carol and Scout walking the neighborhood. May the God of tender mercies comfort each of you during this difficult time. The rest of his tenure wouldnt be as successful. Princeton avenges two losses to top-ranked Mason in regional semis, Ready to Bockfest? Jim and family were our next door neighbors . Change). In 1984, one of the most storied seasons in team history, the Cubs won the first two games of the best-of-five NLCS at Wrigley Field but lost the next three to the Padres in San Diego. MEMORIES & CONDOLENCES Expand the Memories and Condolences form. The teams season came to an unfortunate end with a 4-games-to-2 World Series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. His sense of humor was just outstanding. James A. Frey of Soldotna, Alaska, died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 2, 2018, at a friend's home in Salem, Oregon. When injuries hit the teams outfield, Frey brought up AAA outfielder Dwight Smith, who had a career year and finished second in the ROY voting. When he found out we were from Cleveland that made us instant friends. 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. The world has lost a true embassador of how to live out one's life through faith and values. 14, 2020. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He saw potential in me, and he asked more of me.. However, Jim was more known for being a kind soul who was forever giving to those within the communities he lived. I belong to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). Frey spent several years as an Orioles scout and roving hitting instructor. Always the builder, James spent his retirement building homes for his children, restoring antique tractors, and tackling the most complicated puzzles that his grandchildren could find for him. Carol and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Add a Message. He loved to travel the world to experience other cultures, and was always considering future destinations. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. 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.. Frey hired his lifelong friend, Zimmer, to manage the team, and immediately made his presence felt. But he loaded his team with talented major-league and minor-league recruits, including pitcher Milt Wilcox and infielders Rod Carew and Dave Concepcion. Herzog was popular and had won three division championships in four seasons; he was possibly fired by owner Ewing Kauffman and general manager Joe Burke over comments about the teams failure to bring in new players. 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. I had a bad arm. He was hired by the Chicago Cubs for the 1984 season, and again struck paydirt as the Cubs won the division title, earning their first post-season appearance since 1945. (67 years old). JIM FREY OBITUARY. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Jim loved to read, and had a great appreciation for art of all forms, which he collected from the many places he visited. Frey spent 1982 and 1983 working as the hitting coach of the New York Mets. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. When we left spring training, I made the statement that we had a lot of young players, that no one knew exactly what we had, that it would take time for them to come together as a team. Feb 23, 2023. Well, it looked down the middle to me, Aaron would reply. States must work together to end HIV epidemic. Frey managed a team in the Venezuelan Winter League over the 1972 offseason. Former Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs manager Jim Frey died Sunday at age 88. Frey was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Just win. 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. When asked the secret to their 55 year marriage, his answer was simple: projects! Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. 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! Free agent signee George Bell hit 25 homers in 1991, but new pitchers Danny Jackson and Dave Smith were awful. Those who knew him best, knew Jim to be a man of strong convictions. I knew Jim from old CEI days at east 24 service ctr. He takes instruction well, he works hard, he wants to be good. He came to the Cubs from a trade with Texas. FAREWELL , TO A LONG-TIME LEGENDARY CHICAGO CUBS MANAGER BROTHER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not even three days after graduating from high school, he started his minor-league career as a member of the Boston Braves organization. Jim may have loved the game of basketball but more than that, he loved using basketball as a tool to teach kids about life and the importance of education. 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