​Former Mets pitching coach Phil Regan has died at the age of 89, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports. Regan’s lengthy career in baseball spanned seven decades, marked by a journey from a promising minor leaguer to a seasoned major league coach and mentor. The right-hander broke into the majors after signing with the Detroit Tigers in 1956. In the Tigers’ farm system, he accumulated 61 wins with a 3.76 ERA as a starting pitcher before receiving a major league call-up following four years in the minors.
Regan spent six seasons with Detroit, followed by stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers for three years, the Chicago Cubs for five, and a single season with the Chicago White Sox. Over the course of his playing career, he earned one All-Star selection and finished with 96 wins, 92 saves, and 743 strikeouts. After retiring as a player, Regan shifted to coaching at the collegiate level before transitioning to the majors as a Mariners scout.
Though he had one managerial opportunity with the Cubs, Regan spent most of his post-playing days as a coach at various levels. He served as the St. Lucie Mets pitching coach for four years, then rose to the role of minor league pitching coordinator within the organization. His expertise and leadership ultimately led to a return to the Mets’ big-league staff at age 82, following Dave Eiland’s firing in 2019. Regan officially retired after the 2019 season, marking the end of a long and storied career in baseball.
Regan’s impact extended beyond his on-field accomplishments. Known for his knowledge of pitching mechanics, his ability to mentor young hurlers, and his steady presence in a clubhouse, he played a crucial role in developing arms within the Mets’ system and across the baseball world. His passing is a significant loss for fans and for those who heard his voice of guidance during forty-plus years in professional baseball.
Fans and former teammates remember Regan as a dedicated educator who could translate complex pitching concepts into actionable advice. His decades of service—spanning the minor leagues, major league rosters, and collegiate programs—illustrate a life devoted to the sport he loved. As the baseball community reflects on Regan’s legacy, his contributions as a player, coach, and mentor will continue to influence generations of pitchers who learned from his experience and leadership.