Jim Fregosi: The Classy Shortstop from 1965 Baseball Magazine
The Page from the 1965 Big Time Baseball sports publication highlights Jim Fregosi, a promising shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels. With just two full seasons in the majors, Fregosi is compared to baseball legends like Frank Crosetti, Joe DiMaggio, and Tony Lazzeri, all sharing Italian heritage from the San Francisco Bay area. At 22 years old, Fregosi is praised by Joe Gordon for having an outstanding arm and agility, though lacking the polish of Crosetti, whom he resembles in style. Fregosi, a 6-foot-2 athlete, attended Sierra High School in San Mateo, California. His early career included a $15,000 contract with the Boston Red Sox and stints in the Sophomore League with Alpine, Texas. In 1960, the Angels acquired him during the expansion draft for $75,000. In 1961, Fregosi quickly showcased his fielding prowess, hitting .222 in 11 games but excelling defensively.