Phil Regan, a standout relief pitcher who played a key role for the Los Angeles Dodgers during their 1966 World Series run, passed away on July 8 at the age of 89. His remarkable baseball journey spanned more than five decades, transitioning from a successful playing career to an influential coaching phase that continued well into his eighties with the New York Mets.
News of Regan’s death was first shared by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Throughout his time in the sport, Regan earned recognition not only for his on-field achievements but also for his dedication to developing future generations of talent long after hanging up his cleats.
Regan originally broke into the major leagues as a starting pitcher in the early 1960s with the Detroit Tigers. After several seasons in Detroit, he was traded to the Dodgers in December 1965 in exchange for Dick Tracewski. The move marked a turning point, allowing him to thrive in a relief role where his skills shone brightest.
His standout performance came in 1966 with the Dodgers, when he earned his lone All-Star selection. That season, Regan posted an impressive 14-1 record along with a 1.62 earned run average and 21 saves. Teammate Sandy Koufax gave him the nickname because of his knack for collecting victories in relief.
Over his 13-year playing career from 1960 to 1972, Regan suited up for the Tigers, Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox. He compiled a solid overall record of 96-81 with a 3.84 ERA, 92 saves, and 743 strikeouts across 551 appearances. What began as a minor-league starter path evolved into that of a dependable bullpen specialist.
Beyond his contributions as a player, Regan’s impact on baseball endured through decades of coaching and instruction. He worked within the organizations of the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, and New York Mets, while also serving as manager of the Baltimore Orioles during the strike-shortened 1995 campaign.
In 2009, Regan joined the Mets’ player development system, where he went on to guide numerous promising arms. Among those who benefited from his expertise were Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, and Zack Wheeler, helping shape a new era of Mets pitching talent.
By 2019, at the age of 82, Regan stepped into the role of interim major league pitching coach for the Mets following the departure of Dave Eiland. This appointment placed him among the oldest coaches in recent major league history, yet he maintained a vibrant and active presence around the team.
Regan was known for his enduring enthusiasm for the game. He famously threw batting practice on his 80th birthday and continued to embrace every opportunity to be on the field. His passion remained undiminished even in the later stages of his career.
“There was never a point where I had a sore arm,” Regan told MLB.com. “If you just keep doing it, the more you do it, keep doing it, keep doing it day after day — I think Jim Kaat said you’ll rust out before you wear out. That’s probably true.”
In the years following his time with the Mets, Regan was involved in an age-discrimination lawsuit after not being retained beyond the 2019 season. Despite the legal matters, his enduring legacy centers on a lifelong commitment to baseball, bridging his days as a reliable reliever with his later role as a trusted mentor.
Countless pitchers across multiple generations carried forward the lessons Regan imparted, underscoring a career defined by both competitive success and generous knowledge-sharing.
His story serves as a testament to the lasting influence one individual can have on America’s pastime.
