Before we get into the Top 10
game in Blue Jays’ history, I thought it would be fun to look at who the club’s
best managers have been over the years. Over 40 years, the Jays have had only
13 managers, not including those who managed in the interim while current
managers were absent due to suspension, health concerns or personal issues.
Here, then are the top five. Enjoy.
Top Blue Jays Manager #5: Jim Fregosi
Years Managed: 2
(1999-2000)
Win/Loss Record: 167-157
Best Season: 1999
(84-78, 3rd Place)
Jim Fregosi’s stay as manager in
Toronto was brief, only two seasons, but he did a decent enough job to land on
the top five list. When the Jays were forced to fire manager Tim Johnson for a
variety of reasons prior to the 1999 season, Fregosi was the man they called to
replace him.
Under his leadership in Toronto,
the Jays finished with a winning record both seasons, and finished third in the
American League East. Fregosi was replaced after the 2000 season by current
television play-by-play announcer, Buck Martinez.
Fregosi was better known for his
days as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. He was at the helm of the Phils
from 1991 until 1996, leading the team to the World Series, against the Jays,
in 1993. Prior to joining Philly, he managed the Chicago White Sox from 1986 to
1988 and the California Angels from 1978 to 1981. While with the Angels, he led
the club to the A.L. West Division title in 1979.
Fregosi played in the Majors for
18 seasons, joining the expansion Los Angeles Angels as a 19-year old in 1961.
After spending 11 years with the Halos, he then played with the Mets, Rangers
and Pirates before retiring mid-way through the 1978 season to take the
manager’s job with the Angels.
He was a seven-time All-star and
won a Gold Glove Award in 1967.
Fregosi passed away in 2014 at
the age of 71, after suffering multiple strokes while on a cruise in the Cayman
Islands with MLB alumni.
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