The Origin of The Vulture
Phil Regan’s career as a reliever earning him the nickname The Vulture from teammate Sandy Koufax. His 1966 season with the Dodgers stands as a hallmark: 21 saves, a 1.62 ERA, and a trip to the All-Star Game. Regan’s 14-1 record that year, despite pitching primarily out of the bullpen, showcased his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. “His life was dedicated to the game and his family, especially the 18 grandkids that he just adored,” said his attorney, Matthew Blit, via CBS News.https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/phil-regan-former-mlb-pitcher-dies-at-89/
Regan’s playing career was marked by longevity. He spent 13 seasons with the Tigers, Dodgers, Cubs, and White Sox, finishing with a 96-81 record and 92 saves. His ERA as a reliever (3.30) outperformed his starter ERA (4.44), a testament to his adaptability. The Dodgers’ 1966 World Series sweep by the Orioles, in which Regan pitched two scoreless innings, remains a bittersweet footnote in his legacy.
Mentoring the Next Generation
After retiring in 1972, Regan transitioned to coaching. His impact was felt across multiple levels, from college ball at Grand Valley State University to MLB. As a pitching coach for the Mets, he mentored a generation of stars, including Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard. https://nypost.com/2026/07/08/sports/former-mets-pitching-coach-ex-mlber-phil-regan-dead-at-89/
His work in the Mets’ minor league system, particularly with the Class A St. Lucie team from 2009–15, laid the groundwork for the franchise’s future stars. The 2019 season marked his final major league stint, though it ended in controversy. The Mets fired him after the season, and Regan sued, alleging age discrimination. Brodie Van Wagenen told me I wouldn’t return because I was ‘too old,’ he claimed in court documents, a revelation that sparked discussions about aging in sports coaching.https://nypost.com/2026/07/08/sports/former-mets-pitching-coach-ex-mlber-phil-regan-dead-at-89/
Legal Confrontations and Coaching Resilience
Regan’s 2019 lawsuit against the Mets highlighted broader tensions in baseball’s treatment of older coaches. The team replaced him with Jeremy Hefner, 33 at the time, a decision Regan’s attorney framed as discriminatory. While the case’s outcome remains unclear, it underscored the challenges faced by seasoned professionals in an industry often prioritizing youth.
The lawsuit also revealed Regan’s resilience. At 82, he continued working as a senior advisor for the Mets, a role that allowed him to stay connected to the game he loved. His ability to adapt—from reliever to coach to advisor—showcased a career built on reinvention.
A Life Defined by Family and Global Influence
Beyond baseball, Regan’s influence extended to Venezuela, where he coached for years and earned the respect of local players. “He would always say that his greatest reward from coaching in Venezuela was his wife,” Blit said, referencing Lissette, whom he met while working there. The couple’s partnership, spanning decades, was a cornerstone of Regan’s personal life.
His family also remembered him as a devoted grandfather. He adored his 18 grandkids, Blit said, emphasizing the balance he struck between professional and personal commitments. This duality—his passion for baseball and his love for family—defined his legacy.
The Broader Implications
Regan’s career offers lessons for modern baseball. His ability to thrive as a reliever in the 1960s foreshadowed the role’s evolution into a critical component of today’s game. Meanwhile, his legal battle with the Mets reflects ongoing debates about ageism in sports, a topic gaining traction as teams seek to balance experience with innovation.
For fans, Regan’s story is a reminder of the human side of baseball. His journey—from a Michigan native to a coaching icon—embodies the sport’s enduring appeal. As the Mets and other teams continue to navigate the challenges of aging staff, Regan’s contributions serve as both a benchmark and a call to action.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will endure in every pitch thrown by the players he mentored.
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