Ex-New York Mets Pitching Coach Suing Team for age Discrimination

PORT ST. LUCIE - Former Mets pitching coach Phil Regan has filed a lawsuit against the organization for age discrimination, per TMZ.

Regan, who was a former player-turned-coach, was the Mets' interim pitching coach beginning in June of 2019 after the firing of Dave Eiland. In the suit, Regan claims that former general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen, told him he would not be back due to being "too old."

In a statement issued to TMZ, Regan's attorney, Matthew Blit, explained his client's decision to take action via lawsuit.

“Phil is the first to crack jokes about his age,” Blit said, “however there is nothing funny about a person being told that they are being passed over because their employer wants someone younger. That’s discrimination, plain and simple.”

Regan helped Mets pitchers eclipse a 3.52 ERA in the second half of the 2019 season. The team's starting pitchers produced a 3.06 ERA.

Throughout his time as pitching coach, Regan appeared to be unsure about his future with the team, making the following comments: “At my age, whatever happens, happens.” He also said, “I’m sure [the Mets] will decide what they are going to do and whatever happens, happens.”

The Mets fired manager Mickey Callaway after a 86-76 campaign in 2019.

Current pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, who was 33 at the time, was hired to replace Regan prior to the 2020 season.

Hefner was a former Mets pitcher and began his coaching career with the Minnesota Twins.

Regan, 85, is suing the Mets for unspecified damages, as TMZ reported. The Mets have not yet commented, per TMZ.

Prior to becoming the interim pitching coach, Regan was the Mets' assistant minor league pitching coordinator. And from 2009-2015, Regan served as the pitching coach for Single-A Port St. Lucie.

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