Phillies, Braves to honor Fregosi before March 5 game

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Jim Fregosi managed the Phillies to the World Series in 1993 and spent the last 13 years as a special assistant to the general manager for the Braves. So it's fitting that a memorial service will be held at Bright House Field before the Atlanta-Philadelphia exhibition game March 5.

Fregosi, whose outsized personality touched hundreds, died last week at 71, triggering an outpouring of tributes. "Jim Fregosi, who spent 53 years in the game, was one of the most respected men in baseball," noted Phillies vice president, alumni relations Larry Shenk, who is helping to organize the event.

Members of Fregosi's family, as well as dozens of friends and former teammates, are expected to pay their respects to the baseball great who was an All-Star shortstop for the Angels and also played for the Mets, Rangers and Pirates. In addition to the Phillies, he managed the Angels, White Sox and Blue Jays. Each club will be represented.