Former major-league infielder and manager Phil Garner died on Saturday at the age of 76. The Garner family released the following statement on Sunday:
“Garner passed away peacefully last night, April 11, surrounded by family and love after a more than two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Phil never lost his distinctive spark of life for which he was so known or his love for baseball that was with him to the end. Special thanks to Houston Medical Center, MD Anderson, Baylor St. Luke’s and all the doctors and nurses for their excellent care and support.”
Garner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2024.
Nicknamed “Scrap Iron”, Garner, originally selected in the eighth round out of the University of Tennessee in 1970, went on to have a productive big league career spanning parts of 16 seasons with the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Garner, a three-time All-Star, accumulated 1,594 hits; 109 home runs; 225 stolen bases; And a WAR of 29.7 in his playing career. He batted .309/.390/.456 in 77 postseason plate appearances and won a World Series ring as a member of the 1979 Pirates. Following his playing career, Garner managed the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Astros for 15 combined seasons. During that span, he won 985 games in the dugout and led the Astros to National League championship in 2005.
Astros senior advisor and Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell said, “He was competitive. He was honest. He told you the truth. He held you accountable – all the great things that leaders do.” mlb.com During his time playing under Garner. “I think Gar did a great job. You could see how much he cared about his players, how much he cared about winning and our organization. It was a pleasure to play for him and be his friend.”
Pirates owner Bob Nutting remembered Garner as “a fierce competitor, a respected leader and a beloved part of the Pirates family.”
“We have always appreciated welcoming Phil to Pittsburgh, and it was clear how deeply this city, this team, his teammates and our fans mean to him,” Nutting said in a statement. “He will be remembered not only for the grit, passion and heart he brought to the game, but also for the way he carried himself as a dedicated family man and respected member of the baseball community.”
The Brewers, whom Garner also managed for parts of eight seasons starting in 1992 issued a statement on his death: :
“The Brewers are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Phil Garner. After a distinguished playing career, Phil served as our manager from 1992-99 and managed the second-most games in franchise history. He was a greatly respected and beloved man who was known for his caring nature, knowledge and sense of humor.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Phil’s wife, Carol, and all of his family, friends and fans.”
Garner is survived by his wife of 55 years, three children and six grandchildren.
