Jim Frey, who was the manager of the 1984 Cubs team that made the postseason for the first time in 39 years, has passed away:
The Cubs had made significant changes after Tribune Company bought the ballclub in 1981, but general manager Dallas Green had gotten fed up with his handpicked choice to manage the team in 1982 and 1983, Lee Elia. Elia was dismissed in August 1983 and Charlie Fox, a longtime Giants coach, was named interim manager.
Green was determined to find a “winner” to manage the Cubs and he chose Frey.