Tigers president and CEO Christopher Ilitch talks about the development of top prospect Casey Mize, June 7, 2019. Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press
The New York Mets made headlines last week when they named Phil Regan their interim pitching coach. It was a move less notable for his qualifications — Regan did stints as pitching coach for the Mariners, Indians, Cubs and Team USA, and managed the Orioles for a season — and more for his age: Regan turned 82 back in April. Of course, the Michigan native (and Western Michigan alum) has a Detroit Tigers tie, too: He was the losing pitcher in the franchise’s longest game (by minutes), a seven-hour affair back on June 24, 1962 that ended in a 9-7 loss.