Former Cubs manager, GM Jim Frey passed away Sunday
Former Cubs manager and GM Jim Frey passed away in his home Sunday.
He was 88 years old.
Frey was the manager of the Cubs from 1984-86, leading the team to a 196-182 record in that time. That included a 96-win season in 1984 when the Cubs won the NL East.
The team issued a statement Tuesday morning on Frey’s passing:
“The Chicago Cubs are saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Frey, a central figure in our club’s most memorable moments of the 1980s. 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 post-season play, leading the team to the N.L. East title and first playoff appearance in 39 years, earning N.L. Manager of the Year honors along the way. As our general manager, he constructed a playoff club in 1989 to again land the Cubs in the postseason five years later.
“We join the baseball community in mourning Jim’s passing and send our condolences to his family and friends.”
Frey became the Cubs general manager before the 1988 season, taking over for Dallas Green. He played a huge role in putting together the 1989 team that also won the division.
He held the GM position through the 1991 season before he was replaced with Larry Himes.
Frey also managed the Kansas City Royals in 1980-81, leading the team to the World Series in his first season.
As a player, Frey never made the big leagues but reached Triple-A with the Phillies and Cardinals.