Jim Fregosi Jr., Former Lobo All-American, Passes Away at 57

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jim Fregosi Jr., Lobo baseball student-athlete from 1983-85, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at the age of 57.

While at New Mexico, Fregosi earned a multitude of awards and set many records that still stand today. He earned All-American honors at the conclusion of the 1985 season, as well as First All-Western Athletics Conference twice in his career (as a third baseman in the 1984 season and as a shortstop in the 1985 season). He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round, 42nd overall, after the conclusion of his junior season at UNM.

He still holds the records for most games played in single season (67 games as a freshman in 1983). He also still holds the record for most runs in a season with 86 runs in the 1985 season. His .547 on-base percentage in the 1985 season is still second in program history, while his batting average of .445 and slugging percentage of .854 in the 1985 season are both third in program history. Fregosi’s 12 triples in the 1985 season is tied for second in the record books.

After being drafted by St. Louis in 1985, Fregosi spend four years in the Cardinals’ minor league system, making it as far as Double-A, and then one year in the Montreal Expos’ minor leagues. He moved on to a different role in the baseball world, acting in multiple scouting roles for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1992-2009. He joined the Royals in 2011 and served in a few different roles for their organization. Most recently, he served as the special assistant to the Royal’s front office.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and children Jimmy, Katelyn and Joey.