Former Houston Astros Manager Dies at 76

HOUSTON, TX — The manager who led the Houston Astros to their first World Series appearance, Phil Garner, has died at 76.

Garner died Saturday after a more than two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, his family said in a statement released Sunday.

Garner took over the Astros midway through the 2004 season and led a turnaround, guiding the team to a 92-70 finish and a postseason appearance. The following year, he managed Houston to its first World Series berth. The Astros were swept by the Chicago White Sox.

A three-time All-Star infielder, Garner spent 16 seasons in the major leagues with Oakland, Pittsburgh, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1973 to 1988. Nicknamed “Scrap Iron” for his hard-nosed approach, he was a key contributor to Pittsburgh’s 1979 World Series championship team, batting .500 in the series as the Pirates rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Baltimore.

Garner earned All-Star selections in 1976 with Oakland and in 1980 and 1981 with Pittsburgh. Over his career, he hit .260 with 109 home runs, 738 RBIs and 225 stolen bases in 1,860 games, while making more than 700 starts at both second and third base.

After retiring as a player, Garner managed in the majors for 15 seasons, compiling a 985-1,054 record with Milwaukee, Detroit and Houston. He held Milwaukee’s franchise record for managerial wins until it was broken in 2022.

“Phil Garner was a fierce competitor, a respected leader, and a cherished part of the Pirates family,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement, praising Garner’s contributions to the 1979 championship team and his lasting connection to the organization.

The Milwaukee Brewers also honored Garner, calling him “a highly respected and beloved individual” known for his caring nature, wisdom and humor.

A native of Tennessee, Garner starred at the University of Tennessee, which retired his No. 18 in 2009.