Former Cubs Reliever Phil ‘The Vulture’ Regan Passes Away

According to MLB, Phil Regan has departed this vale of tears, leaving behind him his 11.5 career bWAR, 743 strikeouts, 96 wins, and 93 saves. Regan was notorious for letting the tying runs score in games he was supposed to close and getting a win instead of a save on such occasions. That penchant for “vulturing” wins begat his nickname.

Regan was a Cub from 1968-72, and finished his pitching career in Chicago after he was traded to the White Sox to finish the ’72 season. He went into coaching after retirement, starting with Grand Valley State University because it was close to home. Regan was the head coach there from 1973-82, then became a coach/scout for the Seattle Mariners in 1983. From there, he began working his way through the ranks with the Dodgers, Indians, Orioles, and Mets.

Regan had his only stint as a manager in 1995, guiding Baltimore to a 71-73 record in that 144-game season. He was the Cubs’ pitching coach in 1997 and had a great number of other assignments across his career. He will be missed, but his legend will live on.