Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ex-Mets Pitcher Phil Regan Dies at 89, Age-Discrimination Suit.

7/9/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Former MLB pitcher and coach Phil Regan died on July 8, 2026, at age 89.
He posted a 96-81 record, 3.84 ERA and 92 saves in 13 seasons (1960-1972) with Detroit, Los Angeles and Chicago teams.
Regan coached for the Mariners, Indians, Cubs and Mets, developing pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.
In 2023 he sued the New York Mets for age discrimination, alleging GM Brodie Van Wagenen said he was “too old” after 2019.

History

Historical Context

The National League instituted the reserve clause in 1879 to keep players tied to clubs. Curt Flood’s 1969 trade refusal sparked the 1972 Flood v. Kuhn Supreme Court decision that upheld the clause, but the 1975 Seitz arbitration broke it, leading to free agency and the 1998 Curt Flood Act. In 2023 Phil Regan sued the New York Mets for age discrimination, citing that legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Former MLB pitcher and coach Phil Regan died on July 8, 2026, at age 89.
He posted a 96-81 record, 3.84 ERA and 92 saves in 13 seasons (1960-1972) with Detroit, Los Angeles and Chicago teams.
Regan coached for the Mariners, Indians, Cubs and Mets, developing pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.
In 2023 he sued the New York Mets for age discrimination, alleging GM Brodie Van Wagenen said he was “too old” after 2019.

1 / 2