​Phil Regan, who pitched for four major league teams over 13 seasons before spending another five decades in the game as a coach, manager, and scout, died on Wednesday at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully from natural causes, his attorney, Matthew Blit, told The Associated Press.
Known as “The Vulture” by teammate Sandy Koufax for his well-timed bullpen entries, Regan recorded 58 wins in 446 relief appearances and was an All-Star in 1966 during his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That year he went 14-1 with a 1.62 ERA in 65 games and led the National League with 21 saves. Regan made his major league debut with his home-state Detroit Tigers in 1960, starting 101 games over his first six seasons before transitioning to a full-time relief role in the National League. He joined the Chicago Cubs in 1968 and finished his major league career with a 10-game stint with the Chicago White Sox in 1972. Across 551 games, Regan posted a career record of 96-81 with a 3.84 ERA and 92 saves, with an ERA as a reliever (3.30) substantially better than as a starter (4.44).
The Otsego, Michigan native left a larger mark off the mound. He built a substantial coaching and scouting legacy, serving nine years as the head baseball coach at Grand Valley State University, spending more than two decades managing in winter leagues in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, and leading the Baltimore Orioles for one season in 1995. Regan also contributed as a pitching coach for four major league clubs—the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets—and worked with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
In 1995, Regan took over the Orioles from Johnny Oates for the strike-shortened season, guiding a staff that included future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr., Mike Mussina, and Harold Baines, finishing with a 71-73 record before Davey Johnson succeeded him. Rejoining retirement in 2009, Regan was persuaded by the Mets to return, dedicating seven years to coaching St. Lucie’s Class A affiliate before advancing to a role as minor league assistant pitching coordinator. He helped develop notable talents such as Jacob deGrom, Seth Lugo, Steven Matz, Paul Sewald, Noah Syndergaard, and others as they progressed through the Mets’ farm system.
Regan was briefly elevated to interim major league pitching coach during the 2019 season at age 82, replacing the fired Dave Eiland. He continued with the organization as a senior advisor of pitching development for three more years. His tenure ended after he sued the Mets and then-general manager Brodie Van Wagenen for age discrimination and wrongful termination, with the club replacing him with 33-year-old Jeremy Hefner as pitching coach in 2020.
Regan is survived by four children from his first marriage to Carol, who died in 2004, and by his second wife, Lissette, whom he met while coaching in Venezuela. “His life was devoted to the game and to his family, especially the 18 grandchildren he adored,” Blit said. “There is so much about Phil in the United States, but his impact in Venezuela is often overlooked. He coached there as well, leaving a lasting influence.” Regan’s career left a deep imprint on players, teams, and fans across the world, from his days on the mound to his decades shaping pitchers and cultivating talent in the minors and beyond.