(FreedomBeacon.com)- Phil Regan, a former pitching instructor for the New York Mets, has filed a discrimination suit against the team and its former GM, Brodie Van Wagenen, claiming he was fired in 2019 because of his age. He was 82 at the time.
According to documents filed on Tuesday in Queens County Supreme Court, Regan was instrumental in developing the great pitching triumvirate of Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, and Jacob DeGrom while with the Mets.
A report shows Regan first joined the Mets organization in 2009, serving as the St. Lucie team’s Class A pitching coach. In 2016, he took over as New York’s minor league pitching manager. He was the pitching coach for the Cubs in 1997 and 1998 and for the Cleveland Indians in 1999. In the 1995 lockout-shortened season, he led the Orioles, and in the 1984–1985 season, he led the Mariners.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Regan replaced David Eiland as the Mets’ minor league assistant pitching coordinator when Eiland was let go before the 2019 season. A spectacular turnaround by the team’s pitchers after an interim promotion is cited in the complaint.
Regan was not kept with the team.
As the complaint states, Van Wagenen did not appoint Regan because of his advanced age, and the Mets instead selected Jeremy Hefner, who was 33 years old.
According to a report, the defendants thought that Regan was too old, and they wanted a younger coach who would be around for a while, according to statements made by Van Wagenen to Mr. Regan at the time.
Van Wagenen told Mr. Regan he would bring Regan back onto the team if he didn’t find a young pitching coach.
Regan’s lawyer, Matthew Blit, said that upon joining the team, Regan instantly turned around the pitching staff’s performance. Instead of being recognized for his outstanding work, he was cast aside due to his advanced years.
