Commissioner's Statement regarding Jim Fregosi

Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig issued the following statement this afternoon regarding the passing of Jim Fregosi, the 18-year Major League player, 15-year Major League manager and Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Atlanta Braves, who was 71:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Fregosi, who contributed to the success of our Clubs for 53 years as an All-Star player with the Angels, a pennant-winning manager with the Phillies, a trusted scout with the Braves and many other capacities. The outpouring of support in recent days illustrates the vast respect that Jim earned in a great baseball life. The many Clubs that he touched are in mourning today.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Jim's wife Joni, his entire family and his many friends and admirers throughout our game."