Three-time MLB All-Star and longtime manager Phil Garner has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
“Garner 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. Special thanks to the Houston Medical Center, MD Anderson, Baylor St. Lukes and all the Doctors and Nurses for their excellent care and support.”
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Garner earned the nickname “Scrap Iron” during his 16-year career as an MLB infielder.
He was known for his toughness and made three All-Star games while going on to play for the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
He batted .309/.390/.456 in the postseason throughout his playing career and won a World Series with the Pirates in 1979. He went on to become a manager for the Astros, Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers, helping the Astros reach their first World Series in 2005.
“He was competitive. He was honest. He told you the truth. He made you accountable — all the great things that leaders do,” Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell told MLB.com. “I think Gar just did a tremendous job of that. You could see how much he cared about his players, cared about winning and our organization. It was just a pleasure to play for him and be his friend.”
Garner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024. He is survived by his wife of 55 years as well as his three children, and six grandchildren.
James Parker contributed to this story.
