Former Cubs and Royals Manager Jim Frey Passes Away at 88

It pains us to report that the MLB community now has a second tragedy to reckon with on this Tuesday.

Jim Frey, the former manager of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals, passed away on Sunday. He was 88 years old.

Hall of Fame skipper Joe Torre penned a heartfelt eulogy in Frey's honor shortly after learning of his passing.

In 1980, Frey led the Royals to a 97-65 record. That team even advanced to the World Series for their first pennant in franchise history, but lost in six games to the Philadelphia Phillies. After the 1981 season, Frey was relieved of his duties and eventually landed on his feet with the Cubs in 1984.

That year, Chicago made the postseason for the first time in nearly 40 years, amassing an impressive 96-65 mark. Frey led the Cubs to the NL East crown and they even made an appearance in the NLCS, where they fell short in five games to the San Diego Padres.

Frey was rightfully named Manager of the Year for his work in the Windy City. He later became the franchise's GM and helped put together a roster that won the NL East in 1989 and again faltered in the NLCS.

The Cleveland native was also the vice chairman of the Somerset Patriots, an independent baseball team that plays in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The club announced his death in a touching tweet.

Frey's death deserves our thoughts, prayers, and memories during this difficult time. A true winner in every dugout he set foot inside.