Phil Garner, who won a World Series title as a player with the Pittsburgh Pirates and managed the Houston Astros to the Fall Classic in 2005, died on Saturday. He was 76.
The Garner family released the following statement on Sunday:
“(He) passed away peacefully last night, April 11, surrounded by family and love after a two-plus-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Phil never lost his signature spark of life he was so well known for or his love for baseball which was with him until the end.”
Garner had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2024.
Nicknamed “Scrap Iron,” Garner rode a hard-nosed playing style to three All-Star Game selections during his 16-season playing career (1973-88).
The infielder batted .260 with 109 homers and 738 RBIs in 1,860 career games with the then-Oakland Athletics, Pirates, Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. He was a member of the 1979 “We are Family” Pirates championship team.
Garner later managed the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and Astros, posting a 985-1,054 record. He took over for Jimy Williams and guided the Astros to the National League pennant in 2005 before the team was swept by the Chicago White Sox in the World Series.
Garner was honored by the Astros on his 76th birthday, April 30, 2025, when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Houston’s game against the Tigers.
He compiled a record of 563-617 during his 7 1/2 seasons with Milwaukee.
“The Brewers are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Phil Garner,” the Brewers said in a statement. “Following a distinguished playing career, Phil served as our manager from 1992-99 and went on to manage the second-most games in franchise history.
“He was a very highly respected and beloved individual who was known for his caring nature, wisdom and sense of humor. Our deepest condolences go out to Phil’s wife, Carol, and all of his family, friends and fans.”
–Field Level Media
