Phil Regan Back on Board with Whitecaps; Former Manager Now Member of Front Office

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Less than two years after he managed his final Whitecaps game, Phil Regan is back in the organization but, this time, he won't be in the dugout. Regan has accepted a position in the front office as a special assistant to the sales and marketing departments.

In his new role, Regan will be working in conjunction with Whitecaps sales associates to create new business opportunities across West Michigan. His position, which will include advertising sales, community appearances and client entertainment, is a new one for the Whitecaps, but one the team thinks will fit Regan perfectly.

"We're very excited to have Phil back on board," said Whitecaps CEO and Managing Partner Lew Chamberlin. "He is someone who is very well known and well liked across West Michigan and we think his new role will be extremely beneficial for us and for him. He will essentially serve as a goodwill ambassador for our entire organization."

Regan, who most recently served as the Whitecaps skipper during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, has more than 25 years of managerial experience. His coaching career began in 1973 as the head coach at Grand Valley State University and included stops with the Cleveland Indians, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners. As a player, Regan won a career-high 15 games with the Tigers in 1963. With the Dodgers in 1966, he was converted to a reliever. "The Vulture" (so nicknamed by Sandy Koufax for picking up wins in short relief) went 14-1 with a 1.62 ERA, leading the National League with 21 saves. In 1968, Regan led the league with 12 relief wins and 25 saves. He finished his career with an overall record of 96-81 with 92 saves and a 3.84 ERA.

"Phil's ability to entertain Whitecaps corporate sponsors became noticeable during his first season as manager of the team in 2002," said Whitecaps Director of Corporate Sales Dan McCrath. "Many of our sponsors were excited about the opportunity to not only have lunch and golf with Phil, but to have their commercials voiced by him and products or services endorsed by him as well. On several occasions Phil was producing leads for our sales staff and now it will be Phil himself talking to these prospective clients about partnership opportunities."

A native of West Michigan, Regan retired from professional baseball following the 2003 season. He currently resides in Byron Center and spends the winter months managing a team in the Venezuelan Winter League.