Former White Sox Manager Jim Fregosi Passes Away

(CBS) Former White Sox manager Jim Fregosi died early Friday morning at age 71, according to multiple reports.

Fregosi played in the big leagues for 18 seasons before going into a managerial career that included three seasons in charge of the White Sox. 

"All of Jim's friends at the White Sox were stunned and saddened at the news of his stroke and death," the White Sox said in a statement. "Jim was your classic baseball lifer, with the experiences and stories to match a career devoted to the game. He will be missed at the ballpark this spring and our thoughts go out to all of his friends and family."

Fregosi managed the White Sox from 1986 to 1988, registering a mark of 193-226. He was known for his honesty and outgoing personality.

"He took care of a lot of people, and he never made a big deal about it," good friend and longtime baseball evaluator Gary Hughes told the Chicago Tribune. "He was the life of the party. You never had to worry about what his opinion was."

Fregosi passed away Friday after earlier suffering a stroke on a Caribbean cruise.