Former Major League Baseball player and manager Phil Garner has died at the age of 76 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced Sunday.
Garner passed away Saturday evening surrounded by loved ones after fighting the disease for more than two years, according to a family statement released 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,” the family said.
Garner received his cancer diagnosis in February 2024.
Known by the nickname “Scrap Iron” for his aggressive style of play, Garner earned three All-Star selections during a 16-year playing career that spanned from 1973 to 1988.
The versatile infielder finished his career with a .260 batting average, 109 home runs, and 738 RBIs across 1,860 games. He played for the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. Garner was part of Pittsburgh’s 1979 “We are Family” championship squad that captured the World Series title.
After his playing days ended, Garner transitioned to managing, leading the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros to a combined 985-1,054 record. His most notable achievement as a skipper came in 2005 when he replaced Jimy Williams and guided the Astros to their first National League pennant, though they fell to the Chicago White Sox in a four-game World Series sweep.
The Astros paid tribute to Garner on what would have been his 76th birthday, April 30, 2025, inviting him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before their game against Detroit.
During his tenure with Milwaukee from 1992-99, Garner compiled a 563-617 record across seven and a half seasons.
“The Brewers are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Phil Garner,” Milwaukee said in an official 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,” the Brewers added.
