By: Tim Kelly, Managing Editor
More than two years after former Philadelphia Phillies manager Jim Fregosi passed away, some of the baseball merchandise that he obtained throughout his career is being auctioned off on the website worthridge.com.
For a minimum bid of $15, fans can bid on a signed picture from Steve Carlton to Fregosi that reads:''To Jim, Health/Happiness, Steve Carlton. HOF 94.''
Perhaps the most interesting piece of merchandise being sold is Fregosi's 1996 All-Star game jersey, when Veterans Stadium hosted the event, which is signed by the entire National league All-Star team. That year's team featured home-run king Barry Bonds, along with Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez, Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, Mike Piazza, Tom Glavine, Ozzie Smith, John Smoltz and Tony Gwynn. Current Phillies post-game analyst Ricky Bottalico, who was the Phillies lone representative at that game, also is among the signatures on the jersey.
A third item of interest for Phillies fans features an image signed by Fregosi, John Kruk, Terry Mulholland, Darren Daulton and Dave Hollins, taken prior to a 1993 game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This image, though the bidding started at a modest $20, has garnered bids over $100.
Fregosi managed four teams from 1978 through 2000, including managing the Phillies in 1993 when they won the National League pennant. He also played in the league from 1961 to 1978, and that is reflected in this auction, as some of the memorabilia comes from his playing career.