Grand Rapids, Michigan – Phil Regan, a key figure in baseball for six decades as a player, coach, and developer of talent, passed away on July 8, 2026, at the age of 89. The cause of death was confirmed to be natural causes by Matthew Blit, Regan’s attorney.
Regan’s storied career saw him rise from a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers to a respected coach internationally, leaving an indelible mark on the game. In 2023, Regan filed a lawsuit alleging age discrimination and wrongful termination against the New York Mets, following his departure from the organization after the 2019 season. The lawsuit contended that he was dismissed based on his age, citing remarks from former general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
Born in Michigan, Regan’s professional journey began in 1960 with the Tigers. After six seasons as a starting pitcher, he reinvented himself as a reliever, finding success in the National League. His ERA as a reliever was notably lower at 3.30 compared to his 4.44 as a starter. Regan played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers, where teammate Sandy Koufax dubbed him “The Vulture” for his knack for entering games at critical moments to secure wins. In 1966, he achieved a remarkable 14-1 record, leading the National League with 21 saves and earning an All-Star selection.
He concluded his Major League Baseball career with a record of 96 wins, 81 losses, and 92 saves across 551 games. His performance as a reliever included 58 wins, showcasing his adaptability on the mound.
After retiring from professional play, Regan’s commitment to baseball continued as he took on various coaching roles. He led the baseball program at Grand Valley State University for nine years and managed teams in the Dominican and Venezuelan winter leagues for over two decades. His coaching expertise extended to Major League Baseball, where he served as pitching coach for teams including the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Indians. Notably, he was part of Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Regan had a brief stint as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles in 1995, stepping in during a tumultuous time for the team. He guided a roster featuring several future Hall of Famers to a respectable finish before handing the reins over to Davey Johnson the following season.
After coming out of retirement at the request of the Mets in 2009, Regan worked as an assistant minor league pitching coordinator. He played a crucial role in the development of several star pitchers, including Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, during his time as the pitching coach for Single-A Port St. Lucie.
In his later years, Regan returned as interim pitching coach for the Mets in 2019 at the age of 82. Yet, his time with the organization ended controversially, leading to his lawsuit against the Mets and Van Wagenen.
Regan is survived by 18 grandchildren and remains fondly remembered by many whom he coached throughout his long and distinguished career. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in his passion for baseball, his dedication to nurturing talent, and the numerous lives he touched across the globe, from Michigan to Venezuela. The breadth of his contributions to the game remains a testament to his lifelong love of baseball.