Former All-Star Pitcher Phil Regan Dies at 89

Phil Regan, a former All-Star pitcher and one of baseball's longest-serving coaches whose career spanned seven decades, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He was 89. His attorney confirmed he died peacefully of natural causes.

Regan, nicknamed "The Vulture" by teammate Sandy Koufax, played 13 major league seasons as a dependable reliever for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox from 1960 to 1972. His standout year was 1966 with the Dodgers, when he earned his only All-Star selection by posting a 14-1 record with a 1.62 ERA and leading the National League with 21 saves. He finished his playing career with a 96-81 record, a 3.84 ERA, and 92 saves over 551 appearances.

His influence on the game extended far beyond his time on the mound. Regan immediately transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player, beginning as head coach at Grand Valley State University in 1974. He went on to a prolific second career that lasted nearly 50 years, serving as a pitching coach, instructor, and scout for multiple major league organizations including the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland, the Cubs, and the New York Mets.

Regan also managed the Baltimore Orioles...